For twenty five years Joel Getts worked full time in the funeral industry as a funeral director and embalmer for more than twenty of those years. He owned and operated three different funeral homes for over eighteen years during his career. Joel is presently affiliated with the New Hope Community Church in Miamisburg, Ohio where he serves as pastor of discipleship and evangelism. Joel is a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, the Church Leadership Academy, the United Christian Faith Bible Institute, and the Center for Biblical Counseling. He has earned a Master of Arts in Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree, both from St. Luke Evangelical School of Biblical Studies. He is a certified pastoral counselor and the founder and president of the Central Institute for Educational Advancement and the Covenant Community School of Biblical Studies. Joel has authored several books and continuing education courses that are certified for licensed social workers, counselors and funeral service practitioners in several states. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the World Christianship International Association of Clergy, and the International Christian Ministerial Congress. He has been married to his wife Jeri for over twenty four years. They have two daughters. Joel and his family reside in Montgomery County, Ohio.