Pastor Gerry Coates was raised in central Illinois.  He is the third generation from his family to Pastor the Free Methodist Church in Decatur, IL.  He is a son of Herb and Mary Coates and a 1982 graduate of Greenville College and holds a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.

He served as pastor in the Gateway conference for 16 years including the Herrin Free Methodist Church, Herrin, IL 1983-1985, Salem Free Methodist Church, Salem, IL  1987-1992, New Halls Ferry Free Methodist Church, Florissant, MO  1992-2001

Gerry has been the featured speaker in churches, retreats and camps across the United States, Nicaragua, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Gerry previous position was Executive Director, Free Methodist Communications in Indianapolis, IN.

He carries a passion for holiness and renewal in the church. He is married to Jan (Hubbs) who is also a graduate of Greenville College.

They have three sons: Stephen (20), Jonathan (17) and Benjamin (15).