Andrews University Welcomes Chaplain Jacob Gibbs

To the Center for Faith Engagement and Pioneer Memorial Church teams

Jacob Gibbs serves as associate chaplain for the University and associate pastor for Pioneer Memorial Church. (Photo by Darren Heslop)

This summer, Andrews University welcomed Jacob Gibbs to the Center for Faith Engagement team. Gibbs serves in a dual role as associate chaplain for the University and associate pastor for Pioneer Memorial Church.

University President John Wesley Taylor V shares, “Chaplain Gibbs has a heart for God and a heart for people. I have seen his deep passion for connecting people, especially young people, with God and His Word. And he makes those connections in creative and memorable ways. We warmly welcome Pastor Gibbs to Andrews University and pray for God's special blessing on his ministry.”

Earlier this year, President Taylor approached the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists with a proposal to expand the team at the Center for Faith Engagement. Jim Micheff, conference president, and the administrative team prayed, reviewed the financial and strategic considerations, and concluded that the Holy Spirit was leading them to respond affirmatively.

Following a search process with representatives from the conference administrative team, President Taylor, Shane Anderson, lead pastor for Pioneer Memorial Church, and José Bourget, lead chaplain for the Center for Faith Engagement, extended an invitation for the new position to Jacob Gibbs.

Affirming Gibbs’ calling and gifts, Micheff notes, “Chaplain Gibbs came to know Jesus as a young adult and understands from experience how lonely and chaotic life can be without God. He has a passion to help students experience the joy and peace that comes from a living relationship with God. He is a gifted communicator who enjoys making new friends.”

Gibbs felt a call to ministry when he accepted Jesus as his savior in 2002. Over the next nine years, he pursued his purpose and training at Mission College of Evangelism and Andrews University, gaining experience as a Bible worker and literature evangelist. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Andrews in 2011, majoring in art and theology. Later, he returned for his master’s degree in pastoral ministry.

During his undergraduate years, he met his wife, Emily Knott, and they were married in 2012. They have two daughters, Eva and Avianne. Gibbs has served in the Michigan Conference for 13 years, starting with a three-church district in the central part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and, most recently, as the senior pastor of the Cedar Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church at Great Lakes Adventist Academy. His passions in ministry include hobby-based outreach, small groups, applied arts and personal Bible studies.

“Joining Andrews University has been a rejuvenating experience, breathing new life into my calling in ministry,” Gibbs affirms. “I’m passionate about engaging with students as they embark on their journey into adulthood, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help nurture their connection with a loving Savior. One of the most exciting aspects of this role is being part of a community of employees and students who are pursuing the dreams and desires God has placed on their hearts.”

With the addition of Chaplain Gibbs, President Taylor has asked the Center for Faith Engagement to formally extend chaplain services to Andrews University employees. The CFE has also been asked to oversee a shared strategy with Willie Hucks, assistant to the president for Mission & Culture, and Anneris Coria Navia, chief learning officer, providing resources and support to employees that will help them integrate faith through their relationships and interactions with students.

“We are excited to welcome Chaplain Jacob Gibbs to our team,” says Bourget. “His enthusiasm to share Jesus with young adults and to journey alongside them through the challenges and hallelujah moments will be a gift to all.”