John Spurling
Family: wife Penny, married for 18 years; daughter Megan; son Jake; dog Dallas
Saved: It happened in 1980 at First Assembly of God in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. I was a freshman in college and had never attended church other than going to (Catholic) mass. I attended a Pentecostal church across the street from my college dorm and was saved on the first Sunday I visited the church.
Education: Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California; Masters of Divinity from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri; BA in Biblical Studies from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri
Previous Line of Work: Worked as a Beef Cooler Clerk in a slaughterhouse in the summers during college and graduate school.
Most Fascinating: People who know that God has the answers to their life challenges and still choose to live for themselves or solve their problems on their own.
FAVORITE
Book: This is an impossible question to answer. Can I give my top 50? Well, after the Bible, I would list John Ortberg's The Life You’ve Always Wanted and Dallas Willard’s The Divine Conspiracy as two favorites among many, many others.
Food: Chinese
Snack Food: Baked Lays
Movie: It’s A Wonderful Life
Musical Artist: Casting Crowns
Actor(s): Bill Murray
Season: Fall
Place in the World: Chicago
Place to Pray: In the church sanctuary
Recreational Activities/Hobbies: Golf, Reading
Scripture: Galatians 2:20; Phillippians 3:10
Sports Team: All Chicago Sports teams
Sport: Football
LEAST FAVORITE
Food: Seafood
Best thing someone said to you: “Dad, you're the best dad in the whole world."
Life Motto: “Make the most of the opportunities the Lord gives you.”
One of My Greatest Experiences with God: Serving the people here at Gateway Church
Most People Don't Know This About Me: I attended college on a football scholarship and lettered four years.
