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Dr. Stephen Cutchins is a pastor, author, SES employee, husband and father. As a brand-new student pastor, Stephen found himself underprepared to answer the questions and concerns of his teenage students. As their shepherd and leader, it was important to Stephen that he respond with biblical accuracy.
A desire to grow in knowledge led Stephen to a book that he studied with the volunteers on his team. There was a great response to the content, and the leaders were hungry for more. Stephen noticed that the book was co-written by Norm Geisler. Acting in boldness, Stephen found an email address for Dr. Geisler. To his surprise, a response binged in Stephen’s inbox just fifteen minutes after sending his heartfelt greeting.
Being within driving distance of one another, Stephen and Dr. Geisler arranged to meet at Applebee’s for an early lunch that very day. They talked for roughly four hours, and many of Stephen’s questions were thoroughly answered.
By the time he left, Stephen applied and became a student at SES. Because of the deeply personal and almost immediate connection he shared with Dr. Geisler, Stephen was incredibly sure of his decision to learn at SES. He finished both a master’s and doctorate in the years that followed.
Being on staff at SES today, Stephen is more committed to the seminary’s mission than ever before. The words that were architected by a pastor and apologist all those years ago still stand today. “SES exists to train, not to educate”, says Stephen. This mission is true for both men and women. The seminary is founded on the infallible and inerrant Word of God for the evangelism of the world and the defense of the historic Christian faith. “It is still as inspiring and valuable today as it was in 1992”, says Stephen.
Stephen is encouraged knowing that SES is not going to drift. “The steadfast piece of what we are doing has been held onto”, says Stephen. We live in a culture that emphasizes the importance of knowing what you believe. Yet, SES takes it an essential step forward. “It is not just important to know what you believe, but it is important to count the cost for that belief”, says Stephen.
SES is going to love you enough to answer your hard questions, the toughest questions you have. The professors are also going to carefully respond to the personal and heartfelt questions in your life. For Stephen, this became incredibly personal upon meeting Dr. Geisler for the first time. At just 20 years old, Stephen lost his father after a slow health decline. The question in Stephen’s heart and mind was, “If God is so wonderful and good, why did I have to lose my dad?” He sought the answer in many places, but SES supported him in not just providing an answer but guiding him to discover it personally.
Today, Stephen serves as the Executive Director of Truth That Matters at SES. TTM is specifically designed with ministry leaders in mind. The goal is to lovingly equip churches with materials on apologetics that are easily accessible and comprehended. TTM is reflective of SES at large, safe-guarding the truth and value of God’s Word no matter the cost. In a world where truth is self-determined and relative, Truth That Matters is committed to shed light on culturally relevant issues that are plaguing generations with confusion and doubt.
Stephen’s journey with SES began many years ago, and his involvement has only expanded. The Lord has been faithful to use each stepping stone to bring Stephen here today. His leadership and influence are instrumental to the students and faculty of the seminary.
“Pain is the common ground we all stand on, and it can’t be resolved in your heart. It has to be resolved in your head”, says Stephen. Stephen often reflects on the rational approach to apologetics that says, “We are not saved by our reason, but our faith is reasonable. We can never reason our way to God, but our faith that saves us is reasonable.” The most loving thing we can do is unapologetically share the truth with people. SES and TTM are offering love and generosity by seeking to help individuals think deeply about life, Scripture, family, and ministry.
