Faith at the Edge of the Red Sea: Dallas Jenkins Visits DBU for Veritas Lecture Series

Dallas Baptist University welcomed Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, to campus for the latest installment of the Veritas Lecture Series, hosted by the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE). The evening, moderated by Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, DBU Senior Fellow for Christian Origins and President of the Christian Thinker Society, offered an intimate conversation about faith, creativity, and perseverance through trials. 

The event began with a welcome from Jonathan Fechner, Executive Director of the IGE, who shared how the Institute serves as a catalyst for spiritual and moral renewal through events like the Veritas Lecture Series and Nexus Ministry Conference. Following Fechner's remarks, DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright greeted attendees, reminding the audience that "DBU stands unapologetically for Christ and His Kingdom," and expressing gratitude for Jenkins' faithful witness in the film industry. 

Throughout the evening, Jenkins discussed his journey of faith as a filmmaker, sharing stories from The Chosen and offering glimpses into future projects, including the upcoming seasons and a new miniseries on Joseph of Egypt. He spoke candidly about the challenges of leading such a large-scale production, likening the experience to standing at the edge of the Red Sea, unsure of the outcome, but trusting God to part the waters. 

Holding a Roman-era crucifixion nail handed to him by Dr. Johnston, Jenkins reflected on filming the crucifixion scene for Season 6 in Matera, Italy. "It was beautiful and life–giving and painful at the same time," he said. "Nothing compared to what Christ endured, but God wanted us to experience a taste of that as we were filming." 

Dr. Johnston shared how The Chosen ministered to him personally during a difficult season, explaining that the scene depicting the Pool of Siloam reminded him not to look to the things around us for hope, but to fix our eyes on Jesus. He noted that this message reflects the very heart of both The Chosen and DBU, helping people focus their lives on Him, and expressed his gratitude to Dallas and his wife, Amanda, for faithfully saying yes to the Lord's call. 

In one of the evening's most moving moments, Jenkins shared how his family's trials have shaped his walk with Christ. "I'm not praying anymore for relief from our struggles. I'm praying for peace," he said. Rather than asking God to remove the suffering, Jenkins explained that he and his family have learned to seek the peace that surpasses understanding, the kind of peace that can exist even in the midst of pain. He reflected on how God often brings His people "to the edge of the Red Sea and tells us to camp out," teaching them to trust His presence before His provision.  

Closing the night, Dr. Wright led a time of prayer over Jenkins and his family, asking God to bring healing, strength, and continued impact through his ministry. "Father, do what you will, when you will, however you will you, for your glory alone," Wright prayed. 

The Veritas Lecture Series is one of several initiatives through the Institute for Global Engagement designed to equip Christ-centered leaders to impact the world for God's glory.