Bio for Dr. Paul Kelly

Dr. Paul G. Kelly serves as Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary on the Southern California (Brea) campus. He leads the youth ministry studies program. In addition to youth ministry courses, Dr. Kelly also teaches educational leadership for the church.

Dr. Kelly is the Founder and President of SmallYouthGroup.com, an on-line ministry providing encouragement, training, and resources for youth leaders in smaller churches. (For information about this ministry, visit www.smallyouthgroup.com.)

Education

Dr. Kelly holds the following degrees:

  • B.A., Speech and Theater, Oklahoma Baptist University, 1981
  • M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1985
  • Th.M., Christian Education, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2006
  • Ph.D., Christian Education with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009

Ministerial

Dr. Kelly was licensed to the ministry on April 3, 1977 at First Baptist Church, Keller, Texas. He was ordained on May 25, 1986 at Springfield Southern Baptist Church, Springfield, Illinois.

Dr. Kelly’s ministry in the local church includes positions as:

  • Minister of Youth, The People’s Church at Oak Mountain, Birmingham, AL, 2004-2008
  • Minister of Youth and Evangelism, Second Baptist Church, Odessa, Texas, 1993-1995
  • Youth Pastor, First Baptist Church, Boerne, Texas, 1990-1993
  • Minister of Youth and Outreach, Springfield Southern Baptist Church, Springfield, Illinois, 1985-1990
  • Minister of Youth, First Baptist Church, Wellston, OK, 1979-1981

Paul has also served as:

  • Youth Specialist, Youth Discipleship, LifeWay Christian Resources, 1995-1999
  • Design Editor, Youth Discipleship, LifeWay Christian Resources, 1999-2002
  • Editor-in-Chief for Discipleship Resources, Student Ministry Resources, LifeWay Christian Resources, 2002-2004
  • Vice President of Ministry Resources, Student Life/Clarity Publishers, 2004-2008
  • Adjunct Professor of Christian Education, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2006-2008

Professional Societies

Paul is a member of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators and the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry.