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Gary M. George was born in Dover, Ohio, and has spent most of his life and ministry in East Ohio. He graduated cum laude from Asbury College in 1979 with a B.S. in History/Secondary Education. He attended Ashland (OH) Theological Seminary and graduated from there with a M.Div. degree in 1983. He later enrolled in a Doctor of Ministry program from Asbury Theological Seminary and graduated with the degree in 1998. The focus of his dissertation/project was developing a curriculum designed to equip parents in the faith development of their resident children.
Dr. George was raised in a parsonage family. During his college and seminary years he served as a youth pastor at two United Methodist congregations. He was appointed as pastor of the Dellroy/Leavittsville Charge (Dellroy, OH) from 1980-1983, as Associate Pastor at Dueber UMC (Canton, OH) from 1983-1986, pastor of the Mt. Zion UMC (Canton, OH) from 1986-1991, and pastor of Christ UMC (Newcomerstown, OH) from 1991-1999. Dr. George has served on a number of district and conference boards, councils, and committees including the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Church and Society, Board of Laity (Cabinet Liaison), Board of Pensions, Council on Finance and Administration (Cabinet Liaison), Council on Ministry, and Episcopacy Committee. In 1999, Bishop Jonathan Keaton appointed Dr. George to the Cabinet as Superintendent of the Steubenville District where he served from 1999-2005. Bishop Hopkins extended his service to the cabinet for one additional year when he was appointed to the same role in the newly formed Tuscarawas District. During his tenure as Superintendent he was elected by his peers to serve as Dean of the Cabinet.
In 2000, 2004, and 2008 Dr. George was elected as a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate, serving as chair of the delegation in 2004. He is presently serving on the North Central Jurisdictional Committee on the Episcopacy as well as the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits serving as vice-chairperson of its Board of Directors. In addition, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the East Ohio United Methodist Foundation and Wesleyan Senior Living (Elyria, OH)..
On July 1, 2006 Dr. George was appointed as the administrative assistant to Bishop John Hopkins of the East Ohio Annual Conference. He is married to Lorraine. They are parents of two adult sons, Mark (married to Heidi) and Michael. |
