For this October’s edition of Palmer News and Notes, Rev. Mathew D. George sat down with Dr. Jomon George, a 1997 graduate of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (EBTS), to reflect on his theological formation, his academic journey, and his dynamic ministry as a church planter in the Bronx.
Dr. George currently pastors International Gospel Church in New York City. His journey from a residential seminary student in the mid-90s to a community leader taking "holy risks" serves as a powerful testament to Palmer’s enduring mandate: sharing the whole gospel, to the whole world, through whole persons.
A Foundation Built at EBTS
Dr. George’s journey to EBTS began in 1994, spurred by a recommendation from a family friend during his college years. Living on campus, he immersed himself in the community, even working in the library under the direction of Mrs. Russel, wife of church historian Dr. Horace Russell.
During his three years at the seminary, Dr. George experienced a profound shift in his theological perspective, moving from a comfortable "bubble" to a deep commitment to public engagement. He credits several legendary professors with capturing his imagination and expanding his worldview:
- Dr. Thomas McDaniel (Old Testament): Sparked a deep curiosity and wonder for biblical texts.
- Dr. Ron Sider: Opened Dr. George's eyes to biblical social action. Reading Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger challenged him to look beyond his immediate context and consider how the church must engage with the marginalized.
- Dr. Samuel Escobar (Missions): Modeled what it means to be a living, breathing witness of the gospel.
- Dr. J. Deotis Roberts (Theology): Served as Dr. George’s primary theological mentor. Through independent studies, Dr. Roberts helped him weave together his identity as an American, an Indian, and a Christian, encouraging him to pursue further theological education.
Academic Pursuits and "Lived Theology"
Encouraged by Dr. Roberts, Dr. George continued his studies under the renowned Andrew Walls at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his Master of Theology in Indian Christology and subsequently became the first person to write a Ph.D. dissertation on Indian Pentecostal engagement with religious pluralism from a Pentecostal perspective in the context of World Christianity.
Despite his extensive academic pedigree, Dr. George views theology not as an abstract exercise, but as a daily practice. When asked how Palmer's motto manifests in his current work, he described it simply as "lived theology"—the daily practice of thinking and acting in a Christian way.
The Galilee of the Gospel
For the past four years, Dr. George has applied this lived theology in the Bronx, planting the International Gospel Church. While many hold a negative view of the Bronx, Dr. George embraces it as the "Galilee of the Gospel." It is a place where he can minister at the margins while keeping Christ at the center.
In this shifting season of ministry, Dr. George believes that effective leaders must maintain a posture of continual learning, curiosity, and adaptability. He emphasizes that being "formed by the Spirit" means having the courage to take "holy risks"—like stepping out to plant a church in a challenging urban context.
Crucially, Dr. George approaches his ministry with profound humility. "I don't think that because I have a Ph.D., I have the answer," he notes. Instead of adopting a "let me fix it for you" mentality, his church operates on the belief that everyone—even in their deepest brokenness—has something valuable to share because they are created in the image of God.
As we look toward the future, Dr. George reminds the Palmer community that the greatest hope for our world does not necessarily come from grand institutional shifts, but from everyday, ordinary people—mothers, daughters, brothers, and professionals—faithfully living out the gospel right where God has planted them.