Garner named director of spiritual development

Dr. Samuel Garner will join the YC community this fall, serving in the newly created position of director of spiritual development.

YC President Steve Eckman is enthusiastic about the hire. “We have spent much time in prayer about this position and feel God's hand has guided us in this decision…Sam comes with a wealth of experience, but more importantly, a heart for bringing young men and women to a deeper relationship with Christ,” he said.
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Garner has served as the preaching minister at Lee Acres Church of Christ in Tupelo, Miss., since 2012. Prior to that, he spent six years in Windsor, Conn., as the preaching minister at the Connecticut Valley Church of Christ. While serving in Connecticut, Garner also helped to found the New England Church Growth Conference.

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Garner and his wife, Rachel, are passionate about spreading the gospel and have led numerous short-term mission trips overseas in addition to their domestic ministry efforts.

Garner earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical languages and preaching from Harding University and a master’s and doctoral degree in ministry from Abilene Christian University. While a student, he worked with churches in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi in a variety of capacities. His doctoral dissertation focused on equipping church leaders and congregants for ministry.

“I’m excited to get on campus and meet the students,” says Garner. “Both Rachel and I have a deep interest in college age students. It’s an incredibly important age group.”

“I believe York College is uniquely situated to make a difference in the Kingdom,” he said. “Because of its size and focus on leadership, it has built-in transformation possibilities.”

Garner says the primary reason he was drawn to the position at York College was the ability to focus on equipping students as well as the faculty and staff for more effective ministry. York College’s small size and diverse population also attracted him.
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Garner is an avid runner and a soccer enthusiast. He and Rachel enjoy hiking and travel. The couple will relocate to York in August.