Dr. Greg Tonkinson
With VCS Since
2008
Campus Location
Chandler Campus (High School)
Primary Grade Level Serving
K-12
Positions
Spiritual Life Director
ENGAGE Director
Contact
Phone: 480.705.8888 x418
Church Affiliation
Arizona Community Church
Biography
Greg was born and raised in Fishkill, New York where he wrestled and played baseball. Shortly after arriving on campus at ASU, Greg believed in Jesus Christ for eternal life through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (a.k.a. – Cru). Greg immensely enjoyed the challenges of living out the Christian life while at ASU and was moved to join the staff of Crusade upon graduation. While raising financial support, Greg felt the desire to enhance his biblical studies, so he left Crusade staff and enrolled in seminary.
During his years at Phoenix Seminary, Greg met his wife, Leigh Ann. They married in ’96 and have three children.
After graduating from seminary, Greg served in a number of ministry positions including: church planter, worship leader, teaching pastor, and associate pastor.
Greg joined the Valley Christian staff in 2008 as co-chair of the Bible department and Bible teacher. He immediately fell in love with teaching the Bible in an academic setting, all the while ministering to the next generation of believers.
In 2010, Greg’s family was devastated when Leigh Ann was innocently killed in a car accident coming home from work. She was 35 yrs old. Greg and his three children (10, 6, 4 yrs old) dealt with their tremendous loss in part through aide of family, friends, and the Valley Christian community.
In 2012, God graciously allowed Greg to meet another wonderful woman, and he is again happily married. Together, Greg and Jennifer (Junior High ELA teacher at VCS!) formed a non-profit, Unwanted Fraternity, Inc, to help people in grief. They have a weekly radio/podcast and speak to various groups about the topics in Greg’s book, Unwanted Fraternity.
As the Spiritual Life Director, Greg gets a front-row seat to watching lives changed at VCS. As ENGAGE Director, Greg travels extensively and enjoys meeting people from all parts of the world!
Credentials
Talbot School of Theology, Doctorate in Ministry, Preaching, 2015
Phoenix Seminary, Masters in Divinity, Biblical Communications, 1998
Arizona State University, Bachelor of Arts, Broadcasting, 1990