Youth, Education, and Missions
I was born and raised in Carmichael, California, a suburb of Sacramento. I am the youngest in my birth family. Both of my parents were public school educators. Summers were filled with traveling, motorcycle riding, and lots of education along the way. My mother is a strong believer, and my father has not yet come to faith. This of course left for some confusion early in my life. While our home was not perfect – there was a lot of drinking with my dad and older brother – I am thankful for all the wonderful experiences I had as a child.
The summer before I entered 9th grade, I accepted Jesus into my life at a camp. In hindsight, I would say Jesus was my Savior but not my Lord at that time. During my last 2 months of high school, after being on a mission trip to Mexico, I truly surrendered my life to the Lord. (Long, wonderful story there). After graduating High School, I attended a local community college for two years. Transferring to Azusa Pacific University and majoring in Theology and Sociology were three wonderful years of growth and development. My wife, Sophi, and I also met while attending APU. We have now been married over 27 years.
Upon graduation, I began my ministry career as a Youth Pastor in a non-denominational church. During this time, I also attended International School of Theology and became Ordained. While at this church for six years, our boys, Sodapop and Ezra, were born.
I was a College Pastor at the second church I served. These nine years were wonderful. I completed my Master’s in Sociology, then began teaching as an adjunct professor at multiple Community Colleges, Azusa Pacific University, and Biola University. During this time, our girls, Sonshyne and Hevenlee, were born. The next six years, while still under the umbrella of this same Church, we became missionaries in the country of Lithuania. I taught at LCC International University, my wife lead worship at a local church, and we led youth groups, young adult groups, and pre-marital conferences. I have many wonderful stories of seeing the Lord move in amazing ways from this time period of life.
Upon returning from Lithuania, I have served at two churches; one in Michigan and one in Edmonton, Canada. After moving to Colorado Springs nearly 4 years ago and being in social work for a couple years, I now teach at an alternative, drop out recovery, high school. Potentially, when our youngest is finished with high school, my wife and I see ourselves moving overseas again.
My hobbies include riding my motorcycle, disc golf, and watching my wife play roller derby.
Pastor Garrett G. Gilliland has been teaching at NBC since 2017.
Published: 11/30/2020
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