Joel C. Gregory, B.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’83
- Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service
The Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service is awarded to individuals whose broad contributions to Christian ministry have made an immeasurable impact. This year’s Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service is awarded to Joel C. Gregory, B.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’83, Emeritus Professor of Preaching at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and president of Joel Gregory Ministries.
In addition to his Baylor degrees, Gregory holds an M.Th. from Oxford University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He taught preaching at Truett Seminary for 20 years, was the initial holder of The George W. Truett Chair of Preaching and served as director of the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching for six years. He served four student pastorates as well as pastorates at Travis Avenue Baptist, Fort Worth, and First Baptist, Dallas.
Among his many honors, Gregory was named one of the “Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the English Language” by more than 500 professors of preaching in 2018 and was named an Outstanding Professor at Baylor in 2019. The E.K. Bailey International Conference named him a “Living Legend,” and Truett Seminary will inaugurate the annual “Joel C. Gregory Preaching Lectures” in 2025. He served two terms as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas that honored him in 2024 with an award for 50 years of service to Texas Baptists.
