About Us
Gordon & Sherry
Since their marriage in 1976, Sherry and Gordon have both had a vision for ministry and building up the Body of Christ. Pursuing this passion meant transplanting their young family from the Midwest to Orlando, where Gordon co-founded Emmaus Counseling Center in 1986. After 28 years of developing this non-profit ministry, Gordon and Sherry were excited to shift their administrative role to a more personal coaching/shepherding role, desiring to engage more creatively with people. The desire led to the founding of Next Chapter in association with Global Service Network in the Winter of 2017. …to inspire others to explore how their story intersects with God’s larger story.
Who is Gordon?
Gordon has been given the gift of curiosity about the world, our culture and our stories, specifically how we relate to each other. For the past 30+ years, this gift contributed to a career as a professional Christian Counselor (LMHC) with the Emmaus Counseling Center, Inc. However, Gordon has taken this curiosity and genuine care for people into various contexts, including his beginnings as a youth pastor, engaging prisoners on the basketball court, consulting with managers for Rollin College’s Leadership Program, and supervising student interns in Reformed Theological Seminary’s counseling program. Gordon is very proud of his two children, two children-in-law, and five grandchildren. Gordon enjoys the challenge of new projects and adventures.
With this varied background and experience, Gordon is excited about offering a coaching/shepherding role to those in the Body of Christ. Gordon’s growing desire is to come alongside fellow believers who wish to live intentional lives with an awareness of their purpose in God’s larger story. His strength lies in helping Christians both to utilize their gifts more effectively, while cultivating a deeper passion to love God and others well whatever their situation or story, as individuals, couples, families or leaders.
Education and Certifications
- Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication with an emphasis in Marriage and Family – University of Oklahoma
- Audited graduate coursework in Biblical Counseling – International School of Theology
- Certification in School of Spiritual Direction – NewWay Ministries, Dr. Larry Crabb
Professional Background
- Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor of Counseling, Christian Counselor (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Co–Founder & Director of Emmaus Counseling Center, Inc. (Central Florida) as licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
- Visiting professor and State Qualified Supervisor (MHC) of Master level Counseling students at Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando, FL)
- Consultant at Rollins College Crummer Leadership Program (Winter Park, FL)
- Executive Coach in Leadership and Management Skills
- Conductor and Teacher of seminars on various relationship and spiritual formation topics
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – University of Oklahoma
- Emmaus Counseling Center, Inc – Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, HIPAA Compliance Officer
- Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Certification
- CernySmith Assessment (CSA) Certification
- Certification in School of Spiritual Direction – NewWay Ministries, Dr. Larry Crabb
Who is Sherry?
Active and creative, Sherry is gifted at challenging and encouraging others in their journey towards healthier living and deeper relationships. As someone who enjoys the beauty and restorative qualities of art, music and nature, Sherry has a passion for creating an inviting atmosphere where others feel safe being themselves and sharing their stories. Her background as an oncology nurse coupled with the loss of several family members has given her a profound understanding of loss and compassion for those going through especially heartbreaking circumstances. Sherry has put her gift of mercy and her heart for shepherding others to work alongside Gordon at Emmaus Counseling Center for 28 years. Sherry is a proud mama to a son and daughter and their spouses, and is called ’Oma’ by five grandchildren.
Sherry’s greatest passion is coming alongside people to help them deepen their relationship with God and others. Certified in personality assessment, she especially enjoys the idea of providing a safe and inviting place for those in various ministries to reflect, renew and refocus on their role in God’s larger story.