Josh McDowell is a Christian apologist, evangelist, and author who has influenced millions of people with his books, talks, and ministry work. Known for his passionate defense of the Christian faith, McDowell has written or co-authored more than 150 books, including Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter. His testimony is one of transformation—from skepticism to a strong faith in Christ.
Early Life and Struggles
Josh McDowell was born on August 17, 1939, in Union City, Michigan. He grew up in a difficult home marked by abuse and alcoholism. For much of his youth, he considered himself an agnostic. He believed that God did not exist and often mocked Christians for their faith.
During college, McDowell set out to disprove Christianity. His plan was to research historical evidence and show that the resurrection of Jesus never happened. Instead, what he discovered changed his life forever. Just as the apostle Paul once moved from persecuting Christians to preaching Christ, Josh experienced a dramatic transformation.
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’” (Acts 9:1–6)
Encounter with Christ
As he studied, McDowell found compelling evidence for the historical truth of Christianity, especially the resurrection of Jesus. Faced with this evidence, he could no longer deny Christ. In December 1959, he gave his life to Jesus, praying, “Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me. I believe You are who You claim to be.”
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
That moment of surrender set the course for his lifelong ministry.
Career and Ministry Work
After coming to faith, McDowell pursued theological training. He attended Kellogg College, Wheaton College, and then Talbot Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree.
In 1964, he joined the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru). He began traveling worldwide, speaking to students, answering questions about Christianity, and presenting evidence for the truth of the Gospel. His ability to connect with young audiences made him one of the most effective evangelists of his generation.
Notable Contributions
- Author: His book Evidence That Demands a Verdict (1972) became a cornerstone for Christian apologetics, equipping believers with historical and logical defenses for their faith.
- Evangelist: McDowell has spoken in over 125 countries, often focusing on college campuses where skepticism about Christianity is strongest.
- Family Advocate: Beyond apologetics, he has also written on topics of relationships, morality, and family, addressing the real struggles young people face.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Legacy and Impact
Josh McDowell’s life reminds us of how God can take a skeptic and transform them into a bold witness for Christ. Like Thomas, McDowell moved from doubt to belief, becoming a voice that points others to the truth of the resurrection.
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” (John 20:27–29)
His son, Sean McDowell, has followed in his footsteps, also becoming an apologist and speaker, carrying forward the mission of defending the faith.
Chronological Summary of Josh McDowell’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1939 | Born in Union City, Michigan |
| 1950s | Attended Kellogg College; began as an agnostic |
| 1959 | Converted to Christianity after researching the resurrection |
| 1960s | Studied at Wheaton College and Talbot Theological Seminary |
| 1964 | Joined Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) |
| 1972 | Published Evidence That Demands a Verdict |
| 1977 | Published More Than a Carpenter |
| 1980s–2000s | Traveled worldwide, speaking and writing extensively |
| Today | Continues writing, speaking, and mentoring through the Josh McDowell Ministry |
