During his 10-year tenure as General Secretary of the Canadian Baptist Ministries and CEO of the national and global work of Canadian Baptists, (from 2000 to 2010), Dr. Nelson and his leadership team experienced a striking capacity growth. They expanded the impact of ministry in the area of leadership development and theological education; facilitated sustainable community development as well as missional discipleship programs; and developed and nurtured key educational resources for 1100 congregations across Canada.

Dr. Nelson has conducted lectures and taught courses at Canadian universities and seminaries including McMaster Divinity School; St. Stephen’s College, University of Alberta; Fuller Theological Seminary; Taylor Seminary; and Briercrest Seminary. Over the years, he has delivered lectures internationally in India, Bolivia, Czech Republic, Germany, Scotland, Ghana and Rwanda on topics such as Living Missionally in the 21st Century; The Challenge of Ministry in the Urban Context for Latin America; The Soul of Leadership; as well as Leadership and Governance for Christian Organizations.

An expert urban missiologist, he has authored and presented numerous papers and lectured nationally and internationally. He has written extensively on theological and ecclesiastical matters. Dr. Nelson co-authored Future Faith Churches: The Power of a Reconnected Gospel for the 21st Century (Woodlake Press, 1997). He published Borderland Churches: A Congregations’ Introduction to Missional Living (Chalice Press, 2008) and is the editor of Going Global: Missional Living ‘over there,’ slated to be published in December 2010.

A self-described western Canadian who is passionate about the big sky and prairie life, Nelson has served in several church leadership roles in California, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta.  

He has had a remarkable career in church leadership within the urban context. He began his career as a college pastor at Monterey Park Chinese Church of the Nazarene in California in 1976. Since then, he has served in progressively senior roles including Senior Minister of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Richmond, British Columbia, and as Executive Director of Baptist Urban Involvement in Leadership Development (BUILD) from 1985 to 1989. Thereafter, for 11 years, as senior minister of First Baptist Church in Edmonton, he transformed a “once-declining,” urban church into a vital and sustainable entity by evangelizing university students and increasing the church’s involvement in mission, social justice issues and advocacy. 

Gary Nelson received the Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia in 1976 and graduated with doctoral and master’s degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1987 and 1979, respectively.

Gary is married to Carla, a former public school teacher now serving as the Director of the new Bachelor of Education program an assistant professor of Education at Tyndale University College. They have one married daughter (Stacy) who lives in Edmonton with their three wonderful grand children.

The Board of Governors  of Tyndale University College & Seminary has announced the appointment of Dr. Gary Nelson as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2010.

In his announcement today, Board Chair, Steven Holmes said, “We conducted an international search and are delighted that Dr. Nelson has accepted our invitation. We look forward to his leadership as we strive to educate and equip young people for the world.  Dr. Nelson understands Tyndale and is committed to lead our faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors toward a shared vision to be one of Canada’s premier universities and seminaries.”

Dr. Nelson said, “I can think of no greater time to be involved at Tyndale University College & Seminary. It stands at a unique place in developing its ‘voice’ and ‘mind’ by educating and equipping students through its programs. I am excited about working closely with the faculty, staff and student body to further shape our vision and realize the unique opportunities before us.”

Dr. Nelson went on to say, “Tyndale’s legacy is its reputation and history as one of the leading institutions of Christian higher education in Canada. It has been undergoing a transformation over the last few years and both the university college and the seminary have a great future. Tyndale is already one of the most multi-cultural student bodies in Canada, its seminary is leading the way in contextual, theological education and its university college provides students with a multi-disciplinary education from a faith-based perspective. The new 56-acre campus on Bayview Avenue and its development will only enhance our possibilities. I am looking forward to joining Tyndale and together shaping its next chapter.”

During his 10-year tenure as General Secretary of the Canadian Baptist Ministries and CEO of the national and global work of Canadian Baptists, Dr. Nelson and his leadership team experienced a striking capacity growth. They expanded the impact of ministry in the area of leadership development and theological education; facilitated sustainable community development as well as missional discipleship programs; and developed and nurtured key educational resources for 1100 congregations across Canada.

“We believe that Dr. Nelson’s proven experience, collaborative style of leadership and commitment to education through innovation and shared vision will position Tyndale as a leader,” said Holmes. 

Dr. Nelson graduated with doctoral and master’s degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and with a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of British Columbia.  An expert urban missiologist, he has authored and presented numerous papers and lectured nationally and internationally. He has written extensively on theological and ecclesiastical matters. Dr. Nelson co-authored Future Faith Churches: The Power of a Reconnected Gospel for the 21st Century (Woodlake Press, 1997). He published Borderland Churches: A Congregations’ Introduction to Missional Living (Chalice Press, 2008) and is the editor of Going Global: Missional Living ‘over there,’ slated to be published in December 2010.

Tyndale is a trans-denominational evangelical university college and seminary founded in 1894 and situated in North Toronto. Its student body is engaged in comprehensive and broad educational opportunities from a faith perspective. The University College is focused on providing accredited degree programs that challenge students to think critically and prepare them for professional vocations and post graduate studies. Tyndale Seminary is one of the most multi-cultural seminaries in North America. The Seminary provides theological education at the masters and doctoral level for Christian leaders, laity and pastors. At present, Tyndale has a student body of over 1,200 and an alumni of over 9,000.

For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact Lina van der Wel Director, Marketing and Communications, Tyndale University College & Seminary lvanderwel@tyndale.ca 416-226-6620 ext. 2167

Photo of Dr. Gary Nelson:
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