Gary’s Background
Dr. Gary Yagel began his ministry as a volunteer Young Life leader while attending Penn State University. He continued to work as a Young Life leader after moving home to the Washington DC suburbs and working for the Department of Labor. He later graduated from seminary and served four years as a youth pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Atonement in Silver Spring Maryland, where his favorite part of ministry was discipling the high school guys.
In 1982 Gary began a twenty year career in the Presbyterian Church in America as a church planter and senior pastor. In 2002, after reading Bob Buford’s book, Halftime, he realized that God was calling him to focus 100% of his energy on his real passion—helping the church disciple men. With his courageous wife, Sandy, Gary stepped out in faith to begin Family Builders, Inc.
Since then, Gary has led the men’s division of Family Builders, serving as the Executive Director of Forging Bonds of Brotherhood. In this capacity, he is busy nearly every Saturday speaking on men’s retreats or leading men’s seminars he's designed like “Rediscovering Biblical Manhood,” "Winning at Home," or “Grace Transformed Sexuality.” He taught his discipleship course, “Called to Be Men” for several years at Quantico Marine Base in Quantico, VA and is the author of many resources available on the website.
Gary’s Education and Experience
Gary has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, where his doctoral dissertation was on the topic of discipling the heart of a man.
Dr. Yagel's experience as a husband of over 30 years, a father of 5 children, and pastor of growing churches in the busy suburbs of Washington DC has equipped him to understand the needs of men in the fast-paced 21st century. His church planting experience training leaders and equipping members to use their gifts has perfectly prepared him to train men’s ministry leadership teams.
Besides functioning as the Executive Direcor of Forging Bonds of Brotherhood, Gary serves as the Men's Ministry Consultant for his denomination, the Presbyterian Church In America. For many years he was a Field Network Trainer and speaking faculty member for Man In the Mirror. He continues to serve as a presenter for Great Dads and is currently a visiting faculty member of Reformed Theological Seminary, DC where he teaches on discipleship.
