Always at the Ready to Share God's Word

Who is Gary Denbow? For the many who are familiar with his name, the answer likely depends on where you first encountered him -- though almost assuredly, nearly every connection somehow revolves around God's Word.

A few may recall Gary as a 16-year-old pastoring his father’s church. Others may remember him as pastor of Northwest Assembly near St. Louis. Still more will likely recall him and his wife, Doris, as missionaries in the Philippines. Of course, there will be quite a number who see him as their long-time pastor at Christian Chapel in Columbia, Missouri. And there will also be some who remember him as the dean of College of Missions at North Central University.

However, it’s likely safe to say that Denbow will be remembered by many as the highly regarded former president of Central Bible College (2005-2013) — the college incorporated into Evangel University in fall 2013.

Jim Vigil, the former vice president for Student Development at Central Bible College while under the leadership of Denbow, is currently a professor at Southeastern University. He says that Denbow always exhibited genuine care for staff, faculty, and students, making an unforgettable impression on those he encountered.

“Dr. Gary Denbow is an exceptional leader in our Movement and a cherished friend who profoundly impacted my life,” Vigil states. “He guided the institution with a godly and resolute demeanor, demonstrating diplomacy that fostered unity in times of uncertainty. . . . He embodied the qualities of a wise and compassionate shepherd.”

Following the merging of CBC with Evangel, Denbow transitioned to North Central University in Minneapolis to become the dean of NCU’s College of Missions. He retired from NCU in 2016.

RETIREMENT?

For many, retirement comes with expectations of exorbitant amounts of free time and relaxation. Of course, for most sought-after ministers such as Denbow, the pressures of full-time employment may ease, but the “exorbitant” free time never seems to fully materialize.

Drawn to southwest Ohio, as the Denbows have grandchildren there, Gary connected with the Ohio Ministry Network, where he willingly agreed to be placed in its network of interim pastors.

John Wootton, Ohio Ministry Network superintendent, explains that when a church loses a lead pastor to things such as retirement or a transition to a new church, there’s often an extended period before a new pastor is selected.

The awkward time between lead pastors, which can last from weeks to months to a year or more, can result in loss of volunteers, members, and even sense of purpose, while, in some cases, enabling problems to fester. These types of issues increase the challenges for the new lead pastor. However, having a pool of capable ministers who are willing to become interim pastors enables for far smoother transitions.

And with Denbow’s giftings as a strong but compassionate shepherd, his services were quickly employed.

John Musgrave, the recently retired Church Development Director for the Ohio Ministry Network, describes Denbow’s demeanor as “steel wrapped in velvet” that brought each church he was assigned to into a new place of health and wellness, and ready to receive their new resident pastor.

“Pastor Gary Denbow has been a gift to the Ohio Ministry Network,” Musgrave states. “He has served as the interim pastor in multiple churches here in Ohio: Wilmington, Kettering, Miamisburg, and Beavercreek, to name a few. Although each church and each assignment are unique, Pastor Denbow’s experience, wisdom, and leadership enabled him to navigate fiscal challenges, leadership issues, and congregational uncertainty.”

Wootton agrees with Musgrave’s assessment, noting how that the Denbows, as a ministry couple, keep exceeding the network’s expectations.

Perhaps Denbow has impacted so many lives and is held in such high esteem is because he has chosen to follow in Christ’s footsteps as a shepherd, a servant leader — though never to be confused with a door mat.

As Vigil observes, “In [Dr. Denbow’s] daily interactions, I can recall multiple occasions where he displayed a godly example of humility, transparency, and selfless concern for the welfare of those under his leadership. This is a testament to his servant’s heart and deep commitment to Christ and his calling.”

REWARDS AND STAYING ENGAGED

Denbow, who turned 78 in November, admits that he and Doris have some physical challenges, but they do their best to stay fit and healthy to remain available to ministry opportunities.

But after more than 60 years of ministry, what has he treasured most? Denbow has a ready response.

“The greatest joy outside of my family, is seeing my students, both at CBC and at NCU, go on to do what God called them to do,” he says. “Seeing students, that next generation, coming up as the next leaders in the Assemblies of God here and around the globe — it’s very rewarding for me to see what God is doing in and through their lives and see them take their place in the Kingdom . . . it’s a reward of a lifetime to see those men and women succeed.”

Yet, despite the joy he garners from his students’ fulfilling God’s calling in their lives, that doesn’t mean Denbow is content to just sit and watch; God still has a call of ministry on his life!

“Currently I’m speaking every Sunday for the next 10 weeks,” Denbow says. “We also have plans to return to the Philippines for the dedication of a building project and to visit Ireland and France for our anniversary . . . yes, we have a lot of plans and we’re not really slowing down . . . as even on personal trips, divine appointments usually take place.”

In addition to serving as an interim pastor multiple times, Denbow has been the Bible study leader at the Ohio Family Camp for the past three years, does periodic revivals, is an honorary presbyter with the Northern Missouri Assemblies of God, participates as an honorary general presbyter for the Assemblies of God, and is an active member at Mosaic Church in Cincinnati, where his son, Joe, is pastor. And with all that — and more — Denbow says when he’s contacted to speak, and if he’s available, he’s always ready to share God’s Word.

“Some people define retirement a bit differently than this,” Denbow says with a laugh, “but it’s just fine for me.”