Building Intimacy with God

Chuck Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word and His grace. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, he enrolled in Dallas Theological Seminary, from which he graduated magna cum laude in 1963. Swindoll has served as senior pastor to congregations in Texas, Massachusetts, and California throughout his career. In 1998, he founded Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Since then, he has continued as the senior pastor-teacher of this thriving church community. Pastor Swindoll’s listening audience extends far beyond the local church body. His radio ministry, Insight for Living, airs in many radio markets around the world with a mission of teaching the truths of Scripture and presenting a message of genuine hope and encouragement. Pastor Swindoll is the author of many books, including The Grace Awakening, The Mystery of God’s Will, and Wisdom for the Way. Chuck and his wife, Cynthia, reside in Frisco, Texas, and have four grown children, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Shirley Dobson is nationally recognized for her leadership skills and many contributions to Christian organizations and other groups advocating for the family. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary, Biola University, Huntington College and Dallas Baptist University. A graduate of Pasadena College (now Point Loma University), Mrs. Dobson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Following graduation, she taught in the Hudson and Arcadia Unified School Districts in California. After she was married and her first child was born, she chose to become a full-time mother and homemaker. Beginning in 1991, Shirley proudly served as chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force for 25 years. Through the efforts of the task force, tens of thousands of prayer gatherings were established and conducted across the country. Mrs. Dobson co-authored, along with Gloria Gaither, a four-book series — Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary, Creating Family Traditions, Celebrating Special Times with Special People, and Hide it in Your Heart. She also co-authored Nightlight: A Devotional for Couples, and Nightlight for Parents with her husband, Dr. James Dobson. Her book that describes the remarkable gift of prayer, Certain Peace in Uncertain Times, was published in 2002. In 2012, Mrs. Dobson and her daughter, Danae, co-authored the heartwarming hospitality book, Welcome to Our Table. Mrs. Dobson serves on the board of directors for the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, alongside her husband. Shirley and Jim have two children, Danae and Ryan, as well as two grandchildren. Dr. and Mrs. Dobson reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.