MARION, Ind. (Feb. 4, 2026) — Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) will induct Rev. Johnnie Moore, Ph.D., a globally recognized evangelical leader, an outspoken advocate for Christians facing persecution, and known for his consequential work at the intersection of faith and foreign policy, into its Society of World Changers on March 27, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Chapel auditorium on IWU’s main Marion campus. The Society of World Changers honors Christian leaders whose biblically grounded convictions and courageous public witness have produced a profound and lasting impact on society.
“We are excited to honor Johnnie Moore with IWU’s highest honor as he embodies the kind of Christ-centered leadership that changes the world,” said Jon Kulaga, Ph.D., president of IWU. “He has demonstrated moral courage, biblical conviction, and a steadfast commitment to defending religious freedom worldwide. In an age when truth is often blurred, and faith is increasingly marginalized, his work reflects a commitment to religious liberty, moral clarity, and the call of Scripture to be salt and light in every sphere of influence. The World Changers Convocation reminds our community that God calls each of us to live on mission and to advance His purposes in the world.”
Moore has served under multiple presidential administrations, including two appointments to the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom. His advocacy has focused on advancing religious liberty, human rights, and peacebuilding across political, cultural, and religious divides.
Moore serves as vice chancellor of Pepperdine University’s Washington, D.C., campus and is president of the Congress of Christian Leaders. He is a 2025-26 visiting fellow at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University and is a member of the Council on Civic Strength. He serves on the public committee of the University of Haifa’s Laboratory for Religious Studies and is a fellow at the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling at Concordia University Irvine.
A popular author, teacher, businessperson, and acclaimed human rights and religious freedom activist, Moore’s advocacy and bridge-building have materially impacted policy in many nations worldwide. He has also been a global thought leader actively navigating the divisions between faith and science, particularly as it relates to the emerging field of artificial intelligence.
His honors include the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Medal of Valor. In 2023, he was named one of the world’s top 25 “young visionaries” by the Jerusalem Post for his peacemaking work among Arabs and Israelis.
Moore has previously held senior executive roles in higher education, entertainment, and marketing and communications. He is the author of 10 books, including “The New Book of Christian Martyrs,” co-written with Jerry Pattengale, Ph.D., an IWU professor, as well as “Defying ISIS” and “The Next Jihad.”
Established in 2003, IWU’s Society of World Changers comprises a select group of Christian leaders whose influence spans faith, business, entertainment, culture, and public life. Following the induction ceremony, a bronze bust of Moore will be placed in the Society’s Hall of Honor in IWU’s Jackson Library on IWU’s main Marion campus.
For more information, visit indwes.edu/about/community-impact/sowc.
ABOUT IWU
IWU is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership. Since its founding in 1920 as Marion College, IWU has grown into the largest private university in Indiana and one of the largest members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Through three divisions, the residential campus in Marion, IWU National and Global serving adult and online learners, and Wesley Seminary equipping pastors and ministry leaders, IWU serves more than 15,000 students who seek to live out their calling with wisdom and integrity. Our impact reaches far beyond the classroom. IWU contributes nearly $650 million each year to Indiana’s economy, supports more than 3,500 jobs, and provides over $35 million annually in scholarships. The university partners with communities across the state and nation, strengthening families, supporting local businesses, and expanding educational opportunities through faith and learning.
