Bill Shiell

Bill Shiell, a native of Pensacola, Florida, embarked on his professional journey with an undergraduate degree from Samford University. He furthered his education with an M.Div. and Ph.D. in religious studies (New Testament) from Baylor University. His calling in pastoral leadership began in 1998, serving as a senior pastor at First Baptist Church in McGregor, Texas, and Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas. He then transitioned to Tennessee, where he led the First Baptist Church in Knoxville until 2013. His journey continued as the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, and culminated in his role as President and Professor of Pastoral Theology and Preaching at Northern Seminary in Lisle, a position he held until 2023. 

Bill’s wife, Kelly, is the Executive Director of the Lift Center at Christ Church in Oak Brook and Lombard, Illinois. They have two children, Parker and Drake. 

Bill is the author of seven books and numerous articles. He loves to speak and preach extemporaneously and has delivered the Gospel of Mark and the Sermon on the Mount from memory. A central theme of Bill’s teaching is finding joy through weakness, failure, and change. 

Bill Shiell’s influence extends far beyond the classroom and congregation. He has served as a guest preacher and consultant for various individuals and nonprofits, helping them to expand their mission and resources. His expertise and influence in this area have been invaluable to these organizations, demonstrating his ability to make a significant impact beyond his immediate sphere of influence. 

Bill Shiell’s personal values are deeply intertwined with his approach to life and ministry. He believes that life’s unexpected turns are opportunities to receive grace, extend hospitality, and demonstrate love, compassion, and forgiveness to others. Faith is more than a feeling; it’s a full-time adventure responding to God’s call. His life theme is taken from Isaiah 6:9-10, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us,’ and I said, ‘Here am I; send me!” This belief is not just a philosophy, but a way of life that he embodies in his personal and professional interactions. 

Bill’s ministry reflects this philosophy. While pastor of First Baptist Church of Knoxville, his church welcomed evacuees from Hurricane Katrina into their church in a disaster relief shelter. As President of Northern Seminary, he led this institution to relocate their campus, grow enrollment 72%, graduate the largest back-to-back classes in over 60 years, and raise over $21 million for programs, facilities, and new ventures. He has led his churches to build bridges across racial and ethnic divides in their communities and engaged in the ministry of reconciliation. He has had the privilege of ordaining and empowering women and men in their God-given calling into leadership. 

Today, Bill mentors a group of young high school men with whom he has shared life and ministry for over seven years. He is often the public address announcer for the Hinsdale Swim Club swim meets. He is currently working on a new book for graduating high school and college seniors and their parents entitled Losership (not Leadership): the Door to a Joyful Life, to be published in early 2025. He explores Jesus’ call to discipleship: “The person who wants to lose his life for my sake will save it.” 

There are several nice articles about Bill’s work scattered across the internet. Here’s a few: