Bill Griffin, PhD

Lover of Jesus, Husband, Father, Teacher, & Author

This is My Story

Army brat, raised in Germany and then in Salinas. Grew up in traditional Danish lutheran church that, in sixties and seventies, went through a lot of changes (Jesus Movement, Cursillo, Holy Spirit life). Started following Jesus February 1972 and never looked back. Massive life-changing experience in Holy Spirit, February 1973.

Left Salinas for UC Davis and degree in Bacteriology but in first year of university work relented to God’s call and went, 1975-1980, to seminary in Berkeley. Met my best friend, Joan, at UC Davis and married her 1976. Became fascinated with theology in Seminary but disappointed in much of what I was taught (wanted to become seminary prof and teach it right!) and so started PhD program at Graduate Theological Union. Ordained 1982 and served in multiple churches as assistant pastor while working on PhD. Became father March of 1985 to beautiful daughter, Courtney and then father to amazing son, Scott, 1992.

Got too smart for God for a long long time and then, during most difficult season of my life as solo pastor of small church in Novato, began to return to Him. 1997 received PhD in Biblical Studies but played it safe and stayed with pastoring. 2003 crisis in my church, a lot of it self-inflicted, led me on a search to follow a rediscovered calling from Lord. Ended up leaving Novato for House Church planting adventure in Redding, CA. Became adjunct and then full-time assistant Prof of Ministry and Bible at Simpson University, Redding. Been at best job I’ve ever had (awesome students!) for over 11 years now.