Gene Willilams is a 1953 graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. He wrote the first history of Trevecca as his master’s thesis. He pastored in the Church of the Nazarene for 47 years. After graduation he enrolled in Nazarene Theological Seminary. Following graduation from seminary he accepted a call to Sebring FL. After that he planted a church in Gainesville FL. Then he accepted the pastorate of the church in Princeton FL. That church was averaging approximately 290 when he arrived, and when he left ten years later it was running over 500.

In 1971 Gene accepted the call to pastor First Church in Wichita KS. During over 26 years as pastor of those wonderful people they averaged taking into church membership at least one new Nazarene per week and 80+ members per year totaling over 2,300 new members. The church had a great outreach program through radio during his entire ministry and a weekly TV spot for 23 years. Gene made nine prime time specials in the Holy Land with several other pastors in conjunction with the local ABC television affiliate. In 1971 the church was averaging about 550 in Sunday school. They averaged 1,063 his last year, and raised over $1,800,000.

Gene has served as a member of the Nazarene General Board, The Nazarene Theological Seminary Board, and Nazarene Bible College Board. He served on the board of Mid-America Nazarene University for 25 years, and they bestowed an honorary doctorate upon him in 1977.

Gene’s has written 15 books. Living in the Zoo and Loving It! details the great joy, rewards, awesome privilege and pleasure of being a pastor. Living in A Glass House---Surviving the Scrutiny of Marriage and Ministry was co-authored with Dr. Don Harvey, a clinical psychologist and marriage counselor. In the Shadow of the Steeple, The Vital Role of the Smaller Church, Down Times for Dads, and From the Pulpit to the Pew. In addition, he has written 9 books of sermon outlines.

Gene and his wife, Bettye, were married 39 years and had five children. She passed away suddenly in January 1991. In September of 1992, Gene married Joyce who has two children. Together they have 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Gene resigned as pastor of Wichita First Church effective January 19, 1998. He and Joyce began   SHEPHERDS’ FOLD MINISTRIES in September 1998 offering support, encouragement and renewal to pastoral families around the world. Both Gene and Joyce have enjoyed working on over twenty assignments with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Gene served as 'Pastor in Residence'at Trevecca for four years.

BOOKS

Living in the Zoo—and Loving It!
Living in a Glass House---Surviving the Scrutiny of Marriage and Ministry
(with Dr. Don Harvey)
Real Men—Real Faith
In the Shadow of the Steeple---
The Vital Role of the Smaller Church in a Megachurch World
From the Pulpit to the Pew
Down Times for Dads
Nine Sermon Outline Books 

 

 

 

Gene Willilams is a 1953 graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. He wrote the first history of Trevecca as his master’s thesis. He pastored in the Church of the Nazarene for 47 years. After graduation he enrolled in Nazarene Theological Seminary. Following graduation from seminary he accepted a call to Sebring FL. After that he planted a church in Gainesville FL. Then he accepted the pastorate of the church in Princeton FL. That church was averaging approximately 290 when he arrived, and when he left ten years later it was running over 500.

In 1971 Gene accepted the call to pastor First Church in Wichita KS. During over 26 years as pastor of those wonderful people they averaged taking into church membership at least one new Nazarene per week and 80+ members per year totaling over 2,300 new members. The church had a great outreach program through radio during his entire ministry and a weekly TV spot for 23 years. Gene made nine prime time specials in the Holy Land with several other pastors in conjunction with the local ABC television affiliate. In 1971 the church was averaging about 550 in Sunday school. They averaged 1,063 his last year, and raised over $1,800,000.

Gene has served as a member of the Nazarene General Board, The Nazarene Theological Seminary Board, and Nazarene Bible College Board. He served on the board of Mid-America Nazarene University for 25 years, and they bestowed an honorary doctorate upon him in 1977.

Gene’s has written 15 books. Living in the Zoo and Loving It! details the great joy, rewards, awesome privilege and pleasure of being a pastor. Living in A Glass House---Surviving the Scrutiny of Marriage and Ministry was co-authored with Dr. Don Harvey, a clinical psychologist and marriage counselor. In the Shadow of the Steeple, The Vital Role of the Smaller Church, Down Times for Dads, and From the Pulpit to the Pew. In addition, he has written 9 books of sermon outlines.

Gene and his wife, Bettye, were married 39 years and had five children. She passed away suddenly in January 1991. In September of 1992, Gene married Joyce who has two children. Together they have 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Gene resigned as pastor of Wichita First Church effective January 19, 1998. He and Joyce began   SHEPHERDS’ FOLD MINISTRIES in September 1998 offering support, encouragement and renewal to pastoral families around the world. Both Gene and Joyce have enjoyed working on over twenty assignments with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Gene served as 'Pastor in Residence'at Trevecca for four years.

BOOKS

Living in the Zoo—and Loving It!
Living in a Glass House---Surviving the Scrutiny of Marriage and Ministry
(with Dr. Don Harvey)
Real Men—Real Faith
In the Shadow of the Steeple---
The Vital Role of the Smaller Church in a Megachurch World
From the Pulpit to the Pew
Down Times for Dads
Nine Sermon Outline Books