Pastor, Educator, Motivational Speaker, Mentor & Author
Dr. Bill Effler, as a pastor, educator, mentor and author, has always led with his heart to help people live with purpose, resilience, and spiritual clarity. Drawing from over four decades of experience in higher education, pastoral ministry, and personal counseling, Dr. Effler communicates with both deep compassion and practical wisdom.
He is the author of several inspiring books, including Resilient: Tools for Getting Up After Life Knocks You Down, which equips readers to overcome adversity with faith and courage. Additionally, a “Leader’s Guide” based on this book has been developed for small groups and is being used with small groups, residential counseling settings and has been recently translated into other languages.
While teaching in the academy, Dr. Effler published through Westbow Press (a division of Thomas Nelson), Out From the Shadows, Biblical Counseling Revealed in the Story of Creation. This is a foundational introductory counseling book that offers the very basic elements of counseling, as discovered in the story of creation. “Shadows”, says Dr. Effler, “invites the reader to see this book as a mirror, whereby one can see oneself, more deeply.”
His love for storytelling is evident in his beautifully written children’s books, The Kite and The Playground, which gently explore emotional growth and the power of connection in ways that resonate with both children and adults. Two additional children’s books and a novel for an older audience, “Woodsman and the King” will also be available in 2025. One reviewer referenced Dr. Effler’s novel writing as, “Art with a message” because of his incorporation of vivid original watercolor images by Ohio artist, Paula Friedman.
As a former university instructor, pastor and counselor, Dr. Effler has dedicated much of his life to guiding individuals through life’s transitions whether in the classroom, in the counseling setting, in business culture, church ministry or through the pages of a book. His written and spoken work reflect a unique blend of academic insight, personal transparency, spiritual depth, and real-life application. One reviewer of Dr. Effler’s writing said, “Considering the epidemic level of suicide today, Dr. Effler’s contributions are necessary and timely.”
Today, Dr. Effler continues to speak, write, and counsel with a clear mission: to encourage those he meets to grow in faith, face challenges with resilience, and embrace the life God has in store for them.
He lives with his wife, Kristen, in Apison, Tennessee, where he enjoys the moments that only a rural setting can offer and see the efforts of life translate into a lasting impact on the lives of others.
He is the author of several inspiring books, including Resilient: Tools for Getting Up After Life Knocks You Down, which equips readers to overcome adversity with faith and courage. Additionally, a “Leader’s Guide” based on this book has been developed for small groups and is being used with small groups, residential counseling settings and has been recently translated into other languages.
While teaching in the academy, Dr. Effler published through Westbow Press (a division of Thomas Nelson), Out From the Shadows, Biblical Counseling Revealed in the Story of Creation. This is a foundational introductory counseling book that offers the very basic elements of counseling, as discovered in the story of creation. “Shadows”, says Dr. Effler, “invites the reader to see this book as a mirror, whereby one can see oneself, more deeply.”
His love for storytelling is evident in his beautifully written children’s books, The Kite and The Playground, which gently explore emotional growth and the power of connection in ways that resonate with both children and adults. Two additional children’s books and a novel for an older audience, “Woodsman and the King” will also be available in 2025. One reviewer referenced Dr. Effler’s novel writing as, “Art with a message” because of his incorporation of vivid original watercolor images by Ohio artist, Paula Friedman.
As a former university instructor, pastor and counselor, Dr. Effler has dedicated much of his life to guiding individuals through life’s transitions whether in the classroom, in the counseling setting, in business culture, church ministry or through the pages of a book. His written and spoken work reflect a unique blend of academic insight, personal transparency, spiritual depth, and real-life application. One reviewer of Dr. Effler’s writing said, “Considering the epidemic level of suicide today, Dr. Effler’s contributions are necessary and timely.”
Today, Dr. Effler continues to speak, write, and counsel with a clear mission: to encourage those he meets to grow in faith, face challenges with resilience, and embrace the life God has in store for them.
He lives with his wife, Kristen, in Apison, Tennessee, where he enjoys the moments that only a rural setting can offer and see the efforts of life translate into a lasting impact on the lives of others.