About Jay:

My name is Jay Utley. I have been Vickie's husband for twenty-five years and am Jeremy, Zack, and Rachel's dad. Vickie and I were high school sweethearts. She and each of my kids are followers of Christ. I am absolutely crazy about all four of them, and my favorite place on earth is wherever they are.

Since the second year of our marriage, my wife and I have been a part of a small group fellowship. Tolkien called such an assembly the "fellowship of the ring." Eldredge called them "fellowships of the heart." We have always thought of them simply as the people with whom we have chosen to do life and who, for some strange reason, have chosen to do life with us. We believe that the objective of our lives, the goal for which we strive, is to be changed into the likeness of Jesus, and that life-change happens best in the context of small circles of comrades, little communities who are committed to Him and committed to each other. My second favorite place on earth is wherever my small group is.

I went to college at Oklahoma Christian College, attended Fuller Theological Seminary, and obtained my law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. For over fifteen years, my full-time work was in the context of the church. I have served as a church intern, youth pastor, university students pastor, small groups pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor—sometimes all at the same time!

For the past decade or so I have worked as an attorney, specializing in appellate litigation and commercial cases. My career path took a turn when I realized how much I love spending my days with people who are not followers of Jesus and doing everything I can to extend His love and put in a good word for Him in their midst. During that time, I have served as a volunteer on the adult teaching staff at Fellowship Church and, after that, at Cross Timbers Community Church, and, finally, here at Irving Bible Church.

I'm in my 40's now and I put my faith in Jesus as a boy and fell in love with Him as a young adult. I am absolutely captivated by the love and power and truth and kindness and courage and nobility and adventure of the life that is His great life. I grieve the ways that I have hurt or shamed Him. And I love His church. I believe with all of my heart that the local church—a church like Irving Bible Church—is the hope of the world. It is humbling to think of participating in even a small way in its leadership. But if I can contribute anything constructive or beneficial by being an elder in this wonderful fellowship of faith, I will do it whole-heartedly and with the greatest joy.

Contact Information:

• jutley@irvingbible.org