Pastor Paul Echtenkamp
Rev. Dr. Paul T. Echtenkamp became the Pastor of GCIC in June 2013 after many years of faithful service as assistant to the late Bishop Raul and Lady Willie Gonzalez. Dr. Paul is a founding member of GCIC and served for many years as Senior Elder and Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Elders.
Dr. Paul came to Hartford in 1978 to join the staff of the Youth Challenge, a program to help people adversely affected by life challenging conditions such as substance use. He has been an integral part of that ministry's growth and success, previously serving as Men's Home Director, Executive Director and President, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of YCCT
Dr. Paul is a graduate of Amherst College and Evangelical Theological Seminary. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from Biblical Life College and Seminary and a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. In addition, he serves as President of Youth Challenge International (YCI), a world-wide organization for the glory of God, the realization of human potential and the fulfillment of human needs, promoting outreach and fellowship, facilitating positive transformation of individuals, families, and communities. He is an ordained minister with YCI. He also serves as a Chaplain with the Hartford Police Department.
Pastor Paul has ministered extensively in the inner city, especially to those facing challenges such as addiction and income disparities. He has a passion for reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for empowering those who have experienced God's life transforming presence to in turn reach others for the Kingdom.
Pastor Paul and his wife Vilma are the grateful parents of three children, David, Eliana and Joanna.
Dr. Paul came to Hartford in 1978 to join the staff of the Youth Challenge, a program to help people adversely affected by life challenging conditions such as substance use. He has been an integral part of that ministry's growth and success, previously serving as Men's Home Director, Executive Director and President, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of YCCT
Dr. Paul is a graduate of Amherst College and Evangelical Theological Seminary. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from Biblical Life College and Seminary and a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. In addition, he serves as President of Youth Challenge International (YCI), a world-wide organization for the glory of God, the realization of human potential and the fulfillment of human needs, promoting outreach and fellowship, facilitating positive transformation of individuals, families, and communities. He is an ordained minister with YCI. He also serves as a Chaplain with the Hartford Police Department.
Pastor Paul has ministered extensively in the inner city, especially to those facing challenges such as addiction and income disparities. He has a passion for reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for empowering those who have experienced God's life transforming presence to in turn reach others for the Kingdom.
Pastor Paul and his wife Vilma are the grateful parents of three children, David, Eliana and Joanna.