The GATE Team

Dr. Duane Elmer

Duane is the G. W. Aldeen Chair of International Studies and Mission and Distinguished Professor of Educational Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School where he has taught for ten years in the Doctor of Philosophy program.  Prior to serving at Trinity, he taught for twelve years at Wheaton College, served on the faculty of Missionary Internship (a missionary training agency), pastored a church, and served on the faculty and as principal at the Durban Bible College in South Africa.  Duane has had a global ministry as author, lecturer, facilitator, and consultant in international theological education, peace and reconciliation ministry, preparation for intercultural ministry, and interpersonal relationship skills. He has traveled and ministered in about seventy-five nations. 

Dr. Ralph Enlow 

Ralph serves as the President of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), an association of nearly 200 member and affiliate institutions from across North America dedicated to advancing and assuring quality biblical higher education throughout North America.  Prior to coming to ABHE in 2006, he served for 28 years as an educational leader at Columbia International University, including six years as Senior Vice President and Provost.  His international engagements include teaching and consultation in Australia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Thailand, and Ukraine.  He has chaired the international boards of Bible Christian Union and The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), and continues to serve as a TEAM board member. 

Dr. Robert Ferris

Bob is Professor Emeritus at Columbia International University.  He retired in 2007 from eighteen years in teaching and administrative roles at the university but continues to teach in masters and doctoral programs at the university’s South Carolina and German campuses.  For twenty-one years the Ferrises served as missionaries in the Republic of the Philippines where Bob taught at FEBIAS College of Bible, directed the Philippine Association of Bible and Theological Schools, and served as dean of Asian Theological Seminary.  In 1988-89, Bob was missionary scholar in residence at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College.  Other responsibilities have included roles with Asia Theological Association, the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (formerly ICAA), and the World Evangelical Alliance Missions Commission. 

Dr. John Lillis

John is Dean and Executive Officer of Bethel Seminary San Diego.  He came to faith in Christ in his early twenties while completing a graduate degree in physics. His subsequent call to ministry led him to seminary, into overseas missions, and to leadership within Christian higher education. As regional director of the Southeast Asia Extension Program of the Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, he lived in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1982 to 1985, and in Manila, Philippines, from 1985 to 1990. He then served for 11 years at Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Mich., most recently as provost and executive vice president. He also taught Christian education and spiritual formation at the university’s seminary.  In addition to his evident love for Pacific Rim cultures, since joining Bethel’s leadership team, John’s ministry has expanded to include Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union.