Gary Wozniak

Associate Professor of Youth Ministries


Degrees

B.R.E., Crown College, 1983.
M.R.E., Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, 1994.
Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University, 2004.

Biography

Dr. Gary Wozniak has been involved in youth ministry and Christian education for 24 years. He served at Westgate Chapel in Toledo, Ohio for almost ten years and is presently completing his 14th year of teaching ministry at Crown College. Gary's academic degrees include a Bachelors of Religious Education from Crown College in 1983, a Master's of Religious Education from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary in 1994, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. The emphasis of GaryÌs research including his dissertation was an adult education and online training. Gary is married to Sheryl for 28 years. Sheryl is a licensed practical nurse and a wonderful cook. The Wozniak's have two children and one dog. Katie their oldest is 24 and is recent graduate of Crown College with a degree in Music Performance. Katie was recently married to Airman First Class Kevin Botham and they reside in Las Vegas Nevada. Their son AJ is 22 years old. When not working, AJ is usually either playing video games, snowboarding or playing soccer. Their dog Shadow is 12 years old and he can usually be found napping on the downstairs bathroom floor. Gary's passion is for training young men and women to serve Christ by building solid relationships with people, specifically young people. When Gary meets you for the first time do not be surprised if he gives you a nickname in order to remember your real name. His intention is to make everyone on campus feel wanted and at home in a warm, friendly environment. Gary very much wants to emulate Christ by loving people with both hard and soft side love, encouraging and challenging them to be all that they can be for Him! Gary has several lesser passions that include watching "who done it" movies with his wife Sheryl, watching his son play soccer, listening to his daughter sing, walking or being taken for a walk by Shadow, and gardening. However Gary's favorite hobby is making and eating authentic fresh Polish kielbasa(sausage). Gary and his family reside in Waconia, Minnesota.

Testimony

My journey with Jesus began in 1975 at age 18. After six months I sensed a call to serve the Lord full-time. I tried to ignore the calling of God on my life for almost 4 years. After finally submitting to His will, I was married in 1980 and moved to Minnesota to attend Crown College and prepare for ministry. After 24 years God has been faithful to me in every way.

Favorite Verse?

Phil. 1:6- "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect until the day of Christ Jesus."

Affiliations

Licensed, ordained minister in the C&MA for 24 years.
Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME)

Awards

1994 Youth Pastor of the year Toledo, Ohio. 2004
Crown College Faculty Award for Connecting with Students.

Publications

1994 Masters Project, "Experiential Learning and the Church." 2004 Dissertation Title, "Development of an Online Training for Youth Workers at Crown College." 2005 Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Book Review, Marlene LeFever "Learning Styles."