Jeffery J. VanGoethem (Jeff) is a native of Norway, Michigan (in Michigan's Upper Peninsula). He is a graduate of Norway High School. He received his B.S. degree from Central Michigan University (Mt. Pleasant, Michigan), graduating in 1977 (Summa Cum Laude) with a degree in Political Science and Economics.
During his freshman year in college, following a period of spiritual interest he was led to a saving knowledge of Christ through the witness of a childhood friend. He was converted while reading the book of John at home, alone, late at night. He grew in the Lord during his university days through the ministry of churches and parachurch groups.
Following graduation from college, Jeff attended Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Noticing his own personal ministry in the lives of fellow students and a deepening desire to learn and study God's Word, he decided to forsake a legal career and open his life to the work of the gospel.
He enrolled at Dallas Seminary in August of 1978 and completed his studies in 1982, graduating with the Th.M. degree. His major concentration of study was New Testament Literature and Exegesis. He also received the Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Leadership at Dallas Seminary in May 1998, receiving the John G. Mitchell award for outstanding scholarship and excellence in ministry.
During his last semester of study at Dallas Seminary in 1982, Jeff was contacted by the Felch Mountain Bible Chapel of Felch, Michigan concerning their pastoral vacancy, a church located just 45 minutes from his home town. The church was a "restart" of about ten years in age, and Jeff preached his first sermon there in July of 1982.
Later Jeff became Pastor of the Community Bible Chapel just outside of Norway, Michigan and pastored both of these churches for the balance of eight years.
In 1990, Jeff was called to become the fifth Senior Pastor of the 100 year old East White Oak Bible Church just outside of Normal/Bloomington, Illinois.
Through his years of ministry Jeff has been a friend to many Christian organizations including the Gideons, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Campus Crusade for Christ, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Fellowship of Christian Farmers, Illinois Sunday School Convention, Mission organizations and other ministries including churches, camps, schools, and organizations. He was also the founding school board President of Cornerstone Christian Acedemy in Bloomington, Illinois and serves on the board of RHMA, a church planting organization. He has had an active speaking ministry in camps, churches, and other settings.
Jeff married his High School sweetheart, Karen Gladstone in 1978 and the couple has four daughters. Jeff enjoys sports and reading, and is a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan.
He can be contacted at East White Oak Bible Church (11922 E. 2000 North Rd., Carlock, Illinois 61725), (309) 454-3833 or 376-6771. FAX: (309) 376-1208. jvg@ewo.org
309.454.3833