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 Dr. Charles R. Swindoll, 2007 Honorary Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
A native Texan, Charles R. Swindoll was born in El Campo on October 18, 1934. Chuck joined his brother, Orville, and his sister, Luci, as the third and last child of Earl and Lovell Swindoll. His parents married in 1930, and perhaps the close ages of their three children contributed to the warm family times enjoyed by the Swindolls.
Chuck's original pursuit out of high school was directed towards the field of mechanical engineering. However, during his tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps, which included 16 months in Southeast Asia, he became convinced that the Lord's real direction for his life was Christian service as a pastor.
Chuck and Cynthia were married in 1955 and have four children and 10 grandchildren.
He entered Dallas Theological Seminary as a special student in the fall of 1959 and graduated magna cum laude four years later with three major honors: the Harry A. Ironside Award for Expository Preaching, the Christian Education Award, and the Faculty Award given to the most outstanding graduate in the opinion of the faculty.
Chuck has also received several other distinctions over the years. In June of 1977, an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred on him by Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California. In May 1986, an honorary Doctor of Human Letters was conferred on him by Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. An honorary Doctor of Laws degree was conferred on him by Pepperdine University in May 1990. In 1998, an honorary Doctor of Literature degree was conferred on him by Dallas Baptist University. He was honored Clergyman of the Year in 1988 by the Religious Heritage of America, an interfaith, nonpolitical organization dedicated to the affirmation and strengthening of Judeo-Christian principles in America's daily life.
After serving initially with Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost in Dallas, Texas (1963-65), Chuck held pastorates in Waltham, Massachusetts (1965-67), Irving, Texas (1967-71), and Fullerton, California (1971-94). Ordained into the gospel ministry in 1963, Chuck has developed a unique expository preaching style marked by a clear and accurate presentation of Scripture emphasizing the practical application of the Bible to everyday living, he makes God's truths a reality in the lives of people.
An exciting new chapter in Chuck's life began when he assumed the presidency of Dallas Theological Seminary in July 1994. In his role as president, Chuck broadened the public's awareness of the school, oversaw its theological direction, and provided fresh vision as the seminary moved into the 21st century. He now serves as chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary and senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
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