Dr. Thomas J. Gentry
Dean of Theology, Leadership and Ethics
Prof. Theology, Leadership and Ethics
Dr. Thomas J. (T. J.) Gentry II is a husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a pastor-scholar and apologist. He became a Christian in 1978 and was called into ministry that same year. He has been involved in various ministries since 1984, including services as a youth pastor, evangelist, military chaplain, clinical pastoral education supervisor, church planter, professor, author, pastoral counselor, and senior pastor.
Dr. Gentry’s holds earned academic credentials across several disciplines, including the following: B.A. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University; M.A. in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary; M.A. in Apologetics from Luther Rice College and Seminary; M.A.R. in Church Ministry, M.Div. in Chaplaincy, Th.M. in Theology, and Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University; D.Min. in Pastoral Counseling, Ph.D. in Leadership, and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Carolina University; and Ph.D. in Theology with Missiology from North-West University (Potchefstroom).
Dr. Gentry has also completed eight units of clinical pastoral education, received board certification as a chaplain and pastoral counselor, and certification as a clinical pastoral education supervisor in association with the Institute for Clinical pastoral Training. He also graduated from the United States Army Chaplain Basic Course and Captain Career Course.
Dr. Gentry’s ongoing studies include pursuit of the D.Min. in Church Revitalization from Liberty University (anticipated 2024), the D.Phil. in Philosophy from St. Augustine College (anticipated 2025), the Ed.D. in Curriculum Design and Implementation from UNICAF University (anticipated 2026), and the D.Th. in Biblical Studies/New Testament from North-West University (anticipated 2027).
In addition to his educational and ministry accomplishments, Dr. Gentry spent several years in the business and finance sector, including Operations Manager and Regional Manager for Cellular One, General Sales Manager for Clear Channel Radio, Retail Sales Manager and Circulation Director for Lee Enterprises, Agent for State Farm Insurance, and Financial Advisor for Edward Jones Investments.
Dr. Gentry has authored several books, including: Pulpit Apologist: The Vital Link between preaching and Apologetics (Wipf and Stock, 2020), Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord: Biblical, Theological, and Rational Arguments against Purgatory (Wipf and Stock, 2019), You Shall Be My Witnesses: Reflections on Sharing the Gospel(Illative House, 2018), and Thinking of Worship: A Liturgical Miscellany (Illative House, 2011). He also has several articles published in academic journals and is the President and Founder of Illative House Press.
Dr. Gentry has been training in and teaching martial arts since 1984 and holds black belt rank (or equivalent) in several arts, including: Ju Jitsu, Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, Kenpo, and Tae Kwon Do. His martial arts have provided a ministry platform for several decades as Sacred Warrior Martial Arts Ministries, and he has operated Gentry Martial Arts Academy (in-person and online) for over 20 years.
Dr. Gentry’s life verse is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” His personal ministry website is tjgentry.net. In addition to his leadership and teaching roles at Theotechnic College, he is an adjunct professor at Carolina University’s Piedmont Divinity School and Manna University.