Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church
Staff & Leaders

Bill Gestal

Hi, I’m Bill Gestal, PCOG’s pastor, and I thought I’d give you a snapshot into who I am and what motivates me. I have been here at PCOG for 10 years now and I love it. PCOG is a great church family, with a passion for Jesus and a love for God that is transforming lives daily. God has certainly transformed and continues to transform my life… Like many I attended church throughout my at-home years, but I cannot say honestly that church and God had much meaning during my early and teen years. Pretty much church was “family duty” and Jesus was not really on my radar screen. All this turned upside down during college when a college friend shared with me that Jesus was more than a name recited in a prayer. My friend had a quality of life that I didn't have and he showed me that if I took the risk to open myself to learning about the real Jesus, I could come to know Jesus as a sustaining friend, Lord and protecting Savior who would bring meaning, direction and God’s love into my life. This offer seemed too good to refuse and, though my relationship with Jesus has taken time to deepen, I have been connected to Jesus in a powerful real relationship ever since. Following Jesus has brought many adventurous twists to my life that I never could have anticipated. Most notably, after 6-years of engineering study --I have a Masters Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-- I felt a nudge to follow a completely new path. Sensing God’s call to become a pastor I entered Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I marvel at God's sense of humor, an engineer becomes a pastor! In the 30 years since, I have never regretted the risk of following Jesus’ lead in my life. In 2002, my wife, three children and I pulled up stakes and moved to Greenwich when I became pastor of PCOG. I am now delightfully rooted here in Greenwich . The Lord continues to transform my life, expanding my horizons. Care for the poor and people in need is one facet of my present growth. This has led to volunteer work with World Vision Storehouse in the South Bronx . Internationally, God has opened the door for me to teach during the summer in Jos , Nigeria . What I have learned about God’s ways during these trips is incredible. A third area of growth has been the incredibly powerful ways God works through us by his Holy Spirit. I am certainly not the same person I was 5 or 10 years ago. I could write much more but I will leave it here. If you would like to know more about my specific beliefs check out my one page faith statement or if you have time you can read my extended version. If you would rather talk in person give me a call at the church office (203-637-3669) or drop me an email. Have a great day... Grace and Peace, Bill