Lead Defend 2025
Lead Defend is an apologetics conference that equips the next generation to defend their faith. Students experience powerful worship, engaging messages, and practical breakout sessions. Lead Defend will take place at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tickets for Lead Defend are $35 per person.
While this conference is specifically geared for high school and college students, Lead Defend Foundations is simultaneously held for those in 6th-9th grade. Learn more about Lead Defend Foundations here.
Click here to Register for Lead Defend!
Featured Speakers
Jamie and Tara Dew
Dr. James "Jamie" K. Dew was elected the ninth president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2019. With two Ph.D. degrees—one in Theological Studies and another in Philosophy—he brings a wealth of academic experience, having also authored several influential books on philosophy, theology, and epistemology. Prior to leading NOBTS, Dew served as Vice President at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and as senior pastor at Stony Hill Baptist Church in Wake Forest, NC.
Tara Dew is a national speaker, author, and Bible teacher passionate about God’s Word and ministering to women. She accepted Christ at age five and felt called to ministry during high school, where she met her husband, Jamie. Married for 25 years, they have two sets of twins. Tara’s primary ministry is homeschooling their children, while also serving as the President's wife at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She teaches in the Ministry to Women program and directs the THRIVE Ministry Wives Certificate Program. Tara holds degrees from Meredith College, Liberty University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she earned a Doctorate in Education. Her first book, Overflowing Joy, was released in 2024, with a second, Overflowing Peace, coming in 2026.
Sean Emory
Sean Emory is a magician, speaker, and minister known for using his unique blend of illusion and faith to share the gospel. After overcoming a severe speech impediment, he captivated audiences from a young age with his magic and later became a sought-after performer in Las Vegas. Sean's passion for ministry led him to combine his talents for illusion with his calling to spread the message of Jesus Christ. He has partnered with Brock Gill and Caliber Outreach, Inc., and his viral proposal to his wife, Andrea, earned widespread media attention. Today, Sean continues to inspire and engage audiences through his powerful mix of magic, ministry, and personal testimony.
Lee Strobel
Lee Strobel, a former atheist and award-winning legal editor, is now a New York Times best-selling author with over 14 million books sold, including The Case for Christ. As the Founding Director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism at Colorado Christian University, he explores the evidence for Christianity. His spiritual journey inspired the award-winning film The Case for Christ. Lee and his wife, Leslie, have been married for 48 years and have two adult children.
Worship Leaders
Cory and Stephanie Epps
Cory & Stephanie Epps have been leading worship together for over ten years. They currently reside in Jonesboro, AR with their two children. Cory serves as the Worship Leader at Central Baptist Church. They’ve released a worship EP, “Greater Still,” and a Christmas EP, “Love Has Come To Save”. In addition to their work with the local church, Cory & Stephanie lead at various conferences and camps around the country.Cory & Stephanie are passionate about leading others in authentic, God-honoring worship. They lead with transparency and emphasize singing biblical truths. Cory & Stephanie’s desire is to see the Church join together as one in a real encounter with Jesus Christ.
Lead Defend Schedule*
| 9:00am | Registration | ||
| 10:00am | Large Group Session (Lee Strobel) | ||
| 11:30am | Break | ||
| 11:45am | Mega Breakout 1 | ||
| 12:30pm | Lunch | ||
| 1:15pm | Large Group Session (Sean Emory) | ||
| 2:15pm | Break | ||
| 2:30pm | Mega Breakout 2 | ||
| 3:15pm | Break | ||
| 3:30pm | Large Group Session (Jamie Dew) | ||
| 4:45pm | Close |
Lead Defend Location
Immanuel Baptist Church
501 N. Shackleford Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72211