Meet Gary …..

Originally from the Dutch Country of Lancaster, PA, Gary and Geneva married and migrated to the Mid-South, where he earned his education, served congregations, and now writes and resides. Straub’s theological education spans the spectrum from an undergrad degree at Ozark Bible College, to a Masters in Pastoral Care and a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling from Vanderbilt Divinity School. After a decade in the parish, Gary’s love of learning led to pursuit of a ThM at Princeton Seminary, followed by certification as a Spiritual Director from Shalem Institute in Washington DC. He also certified at the Holifield Center for Coach and Consultant training. Gary contributed leadership & strategy to Disciple General Ministries; chairing the Homeland Ministry Board followed by 2 terms as Board Chair at Church Extension. Twenty-five years ago 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 titles in the Leadership Series with Chalice Press: Your Calling as a Deacon… as an Elder… as a Leader. His 4th book provides prayerful counsel to churches searching for a minister: “Tactful Advice for Finding Your Next Pastor.” (Amazon) 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 dream followed Thomas Merton’s model of founding a string of “Houses of Prayer” scattered across America. In 1996, WellSprings Retreat joined the informal string. In keeping with their spirit of hospitality, a comfy guest cabin overlooking the meadow was raised, and soon guests from across the country enjoyed overnight retreats. Day Retreats were also offered, focused on Scripture and forms of prayer practice in the classic spiritual habits.

Throughout his years as Sr Minister of the old Disciples church in downtown Frankfort, Straub enjoyed serving as a Chaplain to the KY Legislature. Invocations and benedictions were the order of the day; as were candid, quiet side—conversations with leaders across the Commonwealth. After Frankfort, Gary served a dozen Intentional Interims — from Woodmont in Nashville, TN to Saguaro in Tucson, AZ. After 25 yrs of leading retreats with Bethany Fellows, Straub realized that a rising generation of Bethany Fellows were well poised to succeed him. And so THEY HAVE! Bethany is now led by an energetic core of Alums who are effectively transitioning Bethany Fellows well beyond the founding generation. At the recent Disciples General Assembly in Louisville, Gary “RE-retired.” He now serves as an elder at Beargrass Church in St Matthews. Although Straub has written, taught and led elders—he never served as one… till now. He finds an excellent challenge in actually serving!”

The Straubs are all located in Louisville. Geneva trained as a Psychiatric Nurse, and founded a thriving counseling practice in Frankfort from which she is now retired. Their family—two daughters (Chaplain & Cardio RN) —and their spouses, plus 4 grandkids all live in neighborhoods near Masonic Village where Gary, following his family tradition, serves as a Master Mason. The couple now enjoys reading, cards, friends, pickleball, and also cheering from the sidelines.