Gary L. Thomas
Gary Lee Thomas (born October 24, 1961 in Puyallup , Washington ) is an American evangelical theologian, pastor, author, and speaker specializing in relationships, marriage, family, and spiritual education.
Life
Thomas grew up in Puyallup, Washington. There he was strongly influenced by his pastor Eugene Boggess, who encouraged him to take his Christian faith seriously. He attended college at Western Washington University ; there he was promoted by Pastor Brady Bobbink. In 1984 Thomas received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Western Washington University . He then went to Regent College in Vancouver , where he studied under the influential Anglican theologian James Innell Packer . In 1988 he received a master's degree in systematic theology . Thomas was heavily influenced by various Christian authors; these include Dietrich Bonhoeffer , James Innell Packer and Elton Trueblood . His first work After God Thirst was a processing of classic Christian authors who cultivated a strong devotion to God and thus had a great charisma.
Thomas was the founder and director of the Center for Evangelical Spirituality in Bellingham , Washington. In 2006 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from Portland Western Seminary to recognize his contributions to the field of spiritual education. In 2010 Thomas began his ministry at Second Baptist Church Houston , one of the largest churches in the USA with 21,000 visitors per week. There he writes, preaches and trains pastors. He also appears on Christian television shows and radio shows such as Focus on the Family , 100 Huntley Street, and Family live today . He is a speaker at major Christian conferences such as the AACC (National Christian Counseling) and the Billy Graham Training Center (The Cove). Thomas has spoken in over 50 countries and has published 16 books to date, with Sacred Pathways and Sacred Marriage receiving great acclaim, bestsellers, and multiple editions. Many influential evangelical pastors in the United States such as Bill Hybels , John Ortberg , Andy Stanley, and Rick Warren have praised and recommended his books. Thomas is also a professor at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Private
He is married to Lisa, they have three children and live in Houston , Texas .
Works
- Storms also bring us to our destination. What makes the faith strong. SCM R. Brockhaus , Witten 2004. ISBN 978-3-41724-471-7
- How can you tell that you believe? 14 ways to live by faith. Brunnen , Giessen 2006. ISBN 978-3-76551-377-0
- Holy Influence: The Key to Her Husband's Heart. SCM R. Brockhaus, Witten 2008 ISBN 978-3417262483
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Sacred Marriage
- The holy haven: how marriage brings us closer to God. SCM R. Brockhaus, Witten, 2009 ISBN 978-3417244878
- We will be winners! How God's glory transforms us. SCM R. Brockhaus, Witten, 2009 ISBN 978-3-417-26274-2
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Sacred Pathways. Discover your soul's path to God
- Nine ways to love God. The wonderful diversity of the spiritual life. SCM R. Brockhaus, Witten, 2010 ISBN 978-3-41726-303-9 (2nd edition.)
- Everything. To you. Enjoy God's gifts. SCM R. Brockhaus, Witten, 2010 ISBN 978-3-417-21961-6
- The power of inconspicuous little things: The adventure of becoming like Jesus. Neufeld , Schwarzenberg, 2012 ISBN 978-3-86256-028-8
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Devotions for a Sacred Marriage
- Holy lasts the longest. SCM R. Brockhaus, Witten 2015. ISBN 978-3-41726-649-8
Web links
- Gary L. Thomas website
- Gary L. Thomas at SCM R. Brockhaus Verlag
- Gary L. Thomas as an author at Neufeld Verlag
Individual evidence
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Thomas, Gary L. |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Thomas, Gary Lee |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American Protestant theologian, pastor, author, and speaker |
| DATE OF BIRTH | October 24, 1961 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Puyallup (Washington) |