Director's Biography

Geof Jackson, a central Ohio native, was raised with a church background, but waited until the age of 22 to give his heart to Jesus Christ. He began his college training in the medical field, but soon gave himself completely over to the full-time ministry. In the spring of 1976 Geof joined the staff of Sheridan Christian Center as the minister of visitation, and served there until 1978 when he joined the staff of Rhema Bible Training Center as an instructor.


After three years at Rhema he spent two years as associate pastor at a church in Detroit, Michigan. Then, the Lord called Geof to Ft. Myers, Florida where he began a church, and later, a Bible School.

In late 1984 Pastor Yandian came to Geof and confirmed what they both had in their hearts since meeting at Rhema—a school would be established in conjunction with Grace Church. The School of the Local Church was a 9-month program of Biblical, organizational, and practical instruction to train students in all the areas of ministry connected with the local church.

After 21 years of success, the School of the Local Church was reorganized in 2006 to meet the current challenges of training ministers for the local church. This new two year program provides the necessary balance of both doctrine and experience. The vision is to train ministers to have a solid foundation in the Word of God, to be focused on the ministry to which they are called, and to prove themselves faithful as they gain experience in the ministry.

Since 1995 Geof and Jan have also been involved in establishing a mission program to care for orphans in Kaliningrad, Russia. The Kaliningrad Project is a mission of mercy using humanitarian, medical, and educational aid to open the doors of these government orphanages to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Geof’s excellent ability to teach the Word of God in an understandable manner is a delight to those who hear him. His insights into Pastoral ministry, Principles of Leadership, and Church organization have been requested at Church conferences across this nation and in Europe. Geof’s wide range of experience will be a blessing and an enrichment to your life.