Darrell W. Johns: New President of Gateway

The official Press Release (which, strangely, was released at 5 p.m. at the start of a holiday weekend. You would think they would want to make this part of every Pentecostal's conversation for days to come.):


SAINT LOUIS, MO - On June 19, 2009, Reverend Darrell W. Johns was unanimously elected by the Board of Trustees to become the eighth president of Gateway College of Evangelism. He formally commenced his presidential duties effective July 1, 2009.

Brother Johns currently serves as a board member for Gateway College, a pastoral board member of the Foreign Missions Board of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), and pastor of Atlanta West Pentecostal Church in Lithia Springs, Georgia. He will remain in these capacities and execute his presidential responsibilities at Gateway via telecommunication and by commuting to the campus on a monthly and as-needed basis.

An ordained minister of the United Pentecostal Church, President Johns is deeply committed to the Apostolic message including the articles of faith of the UPCI. He brings a wealth of experience to his role as president. Upon graduating salutatorian from Jackson College of Ministries, Darrell Johns worked in both faculty and administrative capacities there for nine years. During his years at Jackson, he was also Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor at the First Pentecostal Church serving under Pastor T.L. Craft. He served as UPCI General Youth Secretary from 1988-1993 and UPCI General Youth President from 1993-1995. He most recently served as Secretary of the UPCI Division of Education from 2007-2009.

Brother Johns has invested his time, talent, and treasure in Gateway College as a Board member, Foundation partner, and by sending numerous students to the College from his church, including two of his sons.

Darrell Johns has been married to his wife Carol since 1978. They have three sons: Ryan, Joel, and Justin. Ryan holds a BBA in marketing from the University of West Georgia, is an accomplished musician and recording artist, and serves on the pastoral staff of Atlanta West Pentecostal Church. Joel graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Practical Theology degree from Gateway College of Evangelism and serves as youth pastor of The Pentecostals of Titusville, Florida. Justin graduated in 2009 with an Associate of Biblical and General Studies degree from Gateway College and will return to the campus in August to pursue a Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree.

President Johns accepted this new role at Gateway with a conviction that the college will positively affect the future of Apostolic leadership in the church. He has stated that his life goal is to develop leaders for the Kingdom of God and he will bring that sense of purpose to the office of president. His vision for Gateway is to see the College fulfill its mission "to train and biblically educate disciples for Christian ministry, church leadership, and world evangelism." Under his leadership, Gateway College will continue to seek regional accreditation while maintaining the biblical integrity and Oneness Pentecostal distinctives of the College.

We welcome Darrell Johns and his family to the Gateway team. Your prayer and support will help make the vision of Gateway a continuing reality.