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Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Bill Hennessy

Graduation Year: 1981
Major: Bible
Current Position: Lead Pastor of Life360 All Nations
City and State: Springfield, MO

Tell us about your career and what you do now.
Upon graduation, Marie and I married and co-pastored a Deaf Church in St. Louis (at Berea Temple).

We then pastored a Deaf Church in Tacoma, WA, and started another in Lacey, WA. Later, we pastored Cheney New Life Assembly (Cheney, WA) and Priest River Assembly of God (Priest River, ID) During this season, I earned a Master of Science in Communication degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership.

In 1995, we were appointed as Assemblies of God missionaries to Nigeria and later served in South Africa and as online missionaries with Network21ll, serving 23 years with Assemblies of God World Missions.

In 2019, I joined Trinity Bible College and Graduate School in Ellendale, ND as their Vice President of Academics. I continue to serve as a Graduate Mentor/Professor for several Assemblies of God ministry training programs.

I was appointed as Executive Director of Operations at Life360 Community Services in Springfield MO. A few months later, we were elected as the Lead Pastors at Life360 All Nations (A Church focused on Internationals and refugees living in Springfield, MO). This fall, we will be opening the “All Nations Welcome Center,” where we will provide a number of services to international newcomers to Springfield.

What is your favorite memory from CBC?

The incredible passion of our professors. One who stands out is Dr. Jerry Spain, who shared his heart for Africa in ways that impacted me for a lifetime of ministry.

How did CBC help you identify/develop your calling?

When I transferred to CBC as a sophomore, I was still a new believer. There, I learned to appreciate the Bible as God’s inspired word and His heart for all people everywhere to know Jesus as Savior.

How did your experience at CBC prepare you for life after graduation?

CBC taught me how to serve and reach people out of gratitude for what Christ did for me. No matter where we served, we were emboldened to share Jesus with the lost and minister life to the saved.

What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?

Never be afraid to follow Christ. You can boldly live out your calling both in the Church and in the marketplace. The key is to obey the Holy Spirit when He shows you the “Next right thing.”

What would you look for if you were in a position to hire a new graduate?

First, I want to know that the graduate had a passionate, first-hand relationship with Jesus. Second, I want to see evidence of his/her commitment to the Church. Finally, I want to see a willingness to serve both in the marketplace and in the Church so that they experience the power of God to use their testimony to lead others to Christ.