Tyler Gillespie is the Associate Pastor for Youth and Student Ministry.

A native Texan, Tyler was born in Houston and grew up in Dallas. He is the oldest son of Randy and Kaye Gillespie. His brothers are Graham and Hayden. Tyler began attending Wilshire Baptist Church as a teen and through his church community first felt his calling to ministry. His education and ministry opportunities have led him to North Carolina, Virginia and currently Chicago. After this nomadic wandering, Tyler is excited to be returning to Texas. Tyler was licensed to ministry in 2001. He is passionate about the church and living in community, and he understands the role youth ministry plays in the life of the youth and the church as a whole.

His Calling

"I sensed a call to ministry when I was a freshman in high school. Both the youth group and the church as a whole felt like a family to me; it was a community that sought to foster spiritual growth and discipleship and it was a community that, along with my biological family, genuinely cared about my well being... I understand my call to ministry to be a call to cultivate a Christian community by leading and nurturing the people of God as they seek to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a call... to demonstrate the bold and enduring love of Christ both towards others throughout the world."

His Education

Baylor University — Bachelor of Arts

Political Science, 1999-2003
Member of Student Foundation
Member of Religious Hour Choir

Duke Divinity School — Master of Divinity 2004-2006

Certificate in Baptist Studies
Member, Duke Divinity International Relations Committee

Specialized study and thesis relating to Soren Kierkegaard

His Experience

Licensed to Ministry at Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas — March 2001

Internships
College Ministry — Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas
Youth — Atlantic United Methodist Church, Atlantic, North Carolina
Youth — Yates Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina

Did an internship with the Baptist Joint Committee, Spring 2005

Lily Pastoral Residency
Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago, IL, 2007 to present
Program covering hospital chaplaincy to Church ministry (child, youth and adult)

A Vision of Youth Ministry

"My vision of youth ministry is one that seeks to shape and form each student as an invested member of a youth community, a church community, and a world community beyond the walls of the church house."

Speaking of his own youth group experience, Tyler relates "We were not simply viewed as the potential future of the church, but rather as valid, contributing members to the church's vision and mission for ministry."

Fun Facts

Passions
Dallas Cowboys fan
Plays the guitar
Loves sports (playing/watching) - Likes Super Bowl Parties
Enjoys bird hunting with his family
"Music is one of my greatest passions"
Has used Bob Dylan lyrics in Bible study.
Has forgotten lyrics to a song during a recent gig.

Believes in missions locally and globally
Has coordinated volunteers for a Habitat for Humanity projects.
Has led youth and student groups in mission work.
Believes in Bible Study
Has led youth, student and adult Bible Study

Favorite Foods: Mexican, Whataburger
Has received Whataburger gift cards as a Christmas present.
(One of his favorite gifts!)
Favorite Book
To Kill A Mockingbird
Favorite Bands
Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Wilco, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn

What others say about him:

• Loves the church
• Great spirit
• Real servant
• Creative
• Good heart
• Enthusiastic
• Relational
• Deep thinker but still practical

Tyler's favorite Bible verse:

I Peter 4:8
"Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins."