Jeff Gill Dean, School of Ministry Studies    Professor Pastoral Ministries   B.S., The Ohio State University   M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary   D.Min., Denver Seminary Phone: 574-372-5100 ext. 6438 E-mail: gillja@grace.edu

Dr. Gill was the senior pastor of the Delaware, Ohio Grace Brethren Church for 20 years (1982-2002). He began at the church when it was little more than a church plant. It experienced substantial growth over the years and is well known in the FGBC as a healthy and influential church. He assumed the role of dean in July, 2002. Dr. Gill also currently serves on the board of directors of Grace Brethren North American Missions and was the National Moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches in 2002.

 

7 Questions with Dr. Gill:

 

1) What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of teaching and ministry?

Sports, Reading, Exercising

 

 

2) Who are the members of your immediate family?

My wife Kathy and I have been married since 1979. I have two grown daughters, Emily Bechtel (married to Dave), is a nurse and they have a son Gideon Jeffrey.  My daughter Lisa Wright (married to Abe) is a student at Grace College. My family is my greatest earthly blessing.

 

 

3) What is one of your most memorable experiences in ministry?

In 1989 two arsonists set fire to our brand new church building. They were apprehended and sent to prison.  One of the young men came to Christ in prison.  After he served his sentence, he approached me about sharing his testimony with our congregation and asking for our forgiveness. I said “yes”, and it was one of the most powerful services we have ever had.

 

 

4) What was the topic of your Dmin, Th.D, or Ph.D dissertation?

My DMin dissertation topic was on the importance of Biblical mentoring in the area of relationship evangelism.

 

 

5) What classes do you teach?  Which is your favorite to teach?

• Philosophy of Ministry with Dr. Bickel
• Leadership in the Local Church 

I really enjoy both classes.

 

 

6) Outside the Bible, what are some of the most influential books in your life?

• Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
• The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
• The Best of A.W. Tozer compiled by Warren Wiersbe

 

 

7) What is your most recent area of research?

I am currently working on a PhD in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University.  My dissertation topic is on “organizational culture”, so I have been doing a lot of reading and research on this topic.