Gary Straub is originally from the Dutch Country of Lancaster, PA, Gary and Geneva married and migrated to the Mid-South, where he was educated, served congregations, and now writes and resides. His education spans from Ozark Bible College to a masters/doctorate at Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a ThM at Princeton Seminary. Straub certified as a Spiritual Director at Shalem Institute in DC, followed by Coach/Consultant training at Hollifield Center.
Gary offered leadership to the General Church while chairing the Board of Homeland Ministry and later the Church Extension Board. He helped launch Bethany Fellows—a prayer, coaching, mentoring ministry for newly ordained ministers as they transition from seminary to congregational life. Straub has published 3 leadership titles with Chalice Press. He also provides prayerful counsel to churches searching for a minister: “Tactful Advice Finding a Next Pastor.”
At the 40 year mark in ministry, Gary and Geneva bought a hill farm located 8 miles out of town (and 80 years out of town) in Bald Knob, KY. (Rural Franklin County). Their hopes followed Thomas Merton’s dream to establish “Houses of Prayer” scattered across America. In 1996, WellSprings Retreat joined Merton’s informal string. A comfy guest cabin overlooking the meadow was raised, and guests from across the country retreated with focus on Scripture & prayer practices in the classic spiritual traditions.
During his years as Sr Minister of the Disciples Church in downtown Frankfort, Straub served as a Chaplain to the KY Legislature. Invocations and benedictions were the order of the day; as were quiet, candid conversations with leaders across the Commonwealth. After Frankfort, Gary served a dozen Interim Ministries— from Woodmont Church in Nashville to Saguaro Church in Tucson.
After 25 yrs as mentor to a rising generation of pastors, Straub realized Bethany Fellows Alums are well prepared/poised to succeed beyond his contribution. Indeed, Bethany is led by an energetic core of Alums who effectively transitioned Bethany Fellows beyond 1st generation. At Louisville’s Disciples General Assembly, Gary “RE-retired.” He serves as elder at Beargrass Church and co-leads a leadership group.
The Straubs all located in Louisville. Geneva trained as a Psychiatric Nurse, and founded a thriving counseling practice in Frankfort. Their family—two daughters (Spiritual Director & Cardio RN) —and their spouses, plus 4 grandkids all live in neighborhoods near Masonic Village where Gary attends Lodge #224. The couple enjoy reading, cards, friends, pickleball, and also cheering from the sidelines.