Dr. Wayne Van Gelderen was born in Miami, FL and raised in Durango, CO. He was saved at the early age of four after hearing a message preached by his father, and was baptized the next year. He was called to preach at the age of 15 after fully surrendering his life to the Lord. There was never any doubt in his mind as to his direction after that. While in Bible college, he was awarded the Strom Thurman Leadership Award, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and Christian Leadership. He graduated with honors. After being trained in college and seminary, he went immediately into the ministry.

God led him into a relationship with Beverly Blanton after graduation from college. They courted and married during his first year in seminary while he was an assistant to the Dean of Men. God has given them six children, and they are enjoying their ever-growing group of grandchildren, soon to total 17!

Dr. Van Gelderen was the co-pastor at Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Downers Grove, IL for over nine years before being called to be the senior pastor at Falls Baptist Church. He has served in that capacity since 1986. Since serving at Falls Baptist Church, God led him to start Falls Baptist Academy and Baptist College of Ministry.

He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren – whether spending time together at home (they love when he cooks them breakfast or bakes his famous peanut butter cookies), or traveling together performing sacred concerts.  He enjoys outdoor activities, and traveling across the country and around the world. He is burdened to see the Lord bring the church and college to the full reality of New Testament Christianity, and he strongly believes that God can still bring that about today.