Our Mission
To provide sound, practical, and wholistic bible teaching where it hasn't been offered, and could never be afforded.
Students at ELIM Theological Institute discuss a Bible text during a breakout session.
Where We Serve
Ebenezer Children’s Home and Word Academy
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Siaya County, Kenya
ELIM Theological Institute
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Gem, Siaya County Kenya
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Extension campuses in Siaya Town & Kisumu County
Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Dr. Gilbert is working with Every Nation City Church and Dr. Willem Nel to train local pastors and plan a Bible school in a rural area to reach pastors.
United States
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Partnerships with American churches to build up pastors.
Colombia, South America
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New opportunity to begin multiple Bible Schools in 2025, beginning in Monteria.
Great To Meet You!
From an early age, Daniel and Mary Beth Gilbert felt the call of God to serve His purposes.
Their vision? A global church led by leaders so healthy, equipped, and empowered they transform their nation!
Welcome to EmPowered Living!
Photo by Deidhra Fahey
From the tender age of ten, Daniel Gilbert's life was forever changed when he heard the unmistakable call of Christ during communion at his church. Though too young to participate, his parents recognized his spiritual hunger and led him to faith at home that very day. This powerful encounter marked the beginning of Daniel's lifelong journey pursuing God's purpose.
As he grew, Daniel's childhood faith blossomed into a passion for leadership and service. He excelled in sports and eagerly volunteered at church. By sixteen, he was teaching Bible studies, driven by the conviction that ministry was his calling—a seed planted on that momentous day at ten years old!
Captivated by the Holy Spirit since his youth, Daniel devoted himself to learning all he could about living a Spirit-filled life. His thirst for biblical theology, born from that early encounter, propelled him to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, an M.Div. from Regent University, and a B.Sc. from Mars Hill University.
Under the mentorship of Dr. J. Rodman Williams at Regent and through an internship at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Daniel's faith continued to grow. Yet, at its core, his ministry remains rooted in the simple, profound truth he embraced as a child: Christ's love has the power to transform lives.
Today, Daniel lives to be obedient to that same voice he heard at ten years old in Holy Communion at church, passionately sharing the Gospel in the hardest places in the world for faith to thrive
Daniel Gilbert, PhD
As a child, Mary Beth Gilbert was never taught to pray. But she vividly remembers praying herself to sleep at night through tears. "I would cry through the only prayer I knew..."
Now I lay me down to sleep, pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I die before I wake, pray the Lord my soul to take.
On Sunday mornings she would wake her family up, prepare her siblings and say to her dad, "Take us to church, please!" Her dad lovingly nicknamed her his "holy child."
As she grew in her faith, Mary Beth began to recognize the critical role that healthy leadership plays in the church's ability to fulfill its mission. She saw firsthand the devastating impact that unhealed wounds and unaddressed character issues can have on entire communities when those in positions of influence are operating from a place of brokenness.
Determined to be part of the solution, Mary Beth envisioned a generation of nation builders who, like her, had encountered God's call as children and were now ready to step into their destiny.
With her husband, Dr. Daniel Gilbert, she is working to raise up a global church that will transform nations, one leader at a time. With unwavering faith, she believes that as Christian leaders are elevated into positions of influence in every sphere of society, entire communities will be impacted for Christ.
Today, an international Christian women's speaker and bible teacher, Mary Beth leads EmPowered Living with her husband of 36 years, Daniel.
Mary Beth Gilbert
Mary Beth Gilbert
Daniel Gilbert, PhD
From the tender age of ten, Daniel Gilbert's life was forever changed when he heard the unmistakable call of Christ during communion at his church. Though too young to participate, his parents recognized his spiritual hunger and led him to faith at home that very day. This powerful encounter marked the beginning of Daniel's lifelong journey pursuing God's purpose.
As he grew, Daniel's childhood faith blossomed into a passion for leadership and service. He excelled in sports and eagerly volunteered at church. By sixteen, he was teaching Bible studies, driven by the conviction that ministry was his calling—a seed planted on that momentous day at ten years old!
Captivated by the Holy Spirit since his youth, Daniel devoted himself to learning all he could about living a Spirit-filled life.
His thirst for biblical theology, born from that early encounter, propelled him to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, an M.Div. from Regent University, and a B.Sc. from Mars Hill University. He is the author of the book, The Big 5: Discovering the Five Foundations Every Christian Should Know, with the Foreword by the late Dr. M.G. "Pat" Robertson.
Under the mentorship of Dr. J. Rodman Williams at Regent and through an internship at Yoido Full Gospel Church with Dr. Yonggi Cho in Seoul, Daniel's faith continued to grow.
Daniel has pastored three churches in Scotland, Virginia, and California. He has been ordained since 1992 however, he has been serving in ministry for over four decades.
Along with pastoral ministry, Daniel has served in two Universities as the Dean of Students and Professor of Theology and Church History at the King's University and the Director of the Master's Program and Assistant Professor of Theology at Regent University, School of Divinity. His specialty is in Pneumatology (The Holy Spirit) and making theology applicable in one's life.
Yet, at its core, Daniel's ministry remains rooted in the simple, profound truth he embraced as a child: Christ's love has the power to transform lives.
Today, Daniel lives to be obedient to that same voice he heard at ten years old in Holy Communion at church, passionately sharing the Gospel in the hardest places in the world for faith to thrive, and to see Pastors and Churches grow and make healthy and strong disciples of Christ!
As a child, Mary Beth Gilbert vividly remembers praying herself to sleep at night through tears. "Sometimes, I would cry through the only prayer I knew..."
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Her family moved a lot when she was a child and after one move, while still settling in, some Sunday mornings she would wake her family up, prepare her younger sister and say to her dad, "Take us to church, please!" Her dad lovingly nicknamed her his "holy child."
As she grew in her faith, Mary Beth began to recognize the critical role that healthy leadership plays in the church's ability to fulfill its mission. She saw firsthand the devastating impact that unhealed wounds and unaddressed character issues can have on entire communities when those in positions of influence are operating from a place of brokenness.
Determined to be part of the solution, Mary Beth envisioned a generation of nation builders who, like her, had encountered God's call as children and were now ready to step into their destiny.
With her husband, Dr. Daniel Gilbert, she is working to raise up a global church that will transform nations, one leader at a time. With unwavering faith, she believes that as Christian leaders are elevated into positions of influence in every sphere of society, entire communities will be impacted for Christ.
Mary Beth Gilbert is passionate about encouraging women to fulfill their destiny in the Lord. She desires to "come along-side" women to help them grow in different areas of their lives. Mary Beth uses her knowledge and wisdom in helping other women walk through different seasons of their lives. She loves to encourage mothers in biblical and practical ways of caring for their children, including the balance of working and mothering.
Mary Beth has served in the ministry for over 35 years, even as she has worked in the business and academic worlds. Mary Beth is a National and International Christian Women's Speaker and Bible teacher ministering throughout the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Argentina and Kenya, Africa. She is a Contributing Author to "Women Who Rock". She is married to Dr. Daniel Gilbert and has a daughter Maria and they currently reside in Virginia.
Photo by Deidhra Fahey - LA
Executive Team
Dr. Daniel Gilbert
Founder & CEO
Mrs. Mary Beth Gilbert
Co-Founder & President
Linda Bonar
Executive Assistant
Pastor Paul Tawo
Director, ELIM Theological Institute – Kenya
Pastor Paul O'Chieng
Director, Ebenezer Children’s Home and Word Academy - Kenya
Our Values
People
Truth
Empowerment
Transformation
Integrity
Wholistic Living
Compassion
Kingdom-Living
People, not systems or techniques, are our foundation and focus. People are created in the image of God. Although the image is tainted due to the original fall of man, the image of God can be restored and people can be EmPowered to live the life they are created to live.
Truth has become relative in this Post-modern, Post-Western/Christian world. However, truth is still truth, whether one acknowledges it or not. EmPowered Living believes that truth is the core to empowerment and life transformation. “You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free!” (John 8:32)
Empowerment is essential to living life to the fullest. God desires to empower his saints with the gifts, talents, love and the Spirit to live life in victory and wholeness and fulfill His will in one’s life. Being empowered then releases individuals to not only fulfill one’s purpose for living but releases individuals to help others become empowered in their lives.
Transformation from our old way of thinking and living into a new, empowered person is our ultimate goal. We aim, through our teachings, to help Pastors, Churches, and Individuals experience transformation in all areas of one’s life.
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2 – Amplified Bible)
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 – NIV)
Integrity. Without integrity, everything else is just words. It is very important to be upfront, honest, and walk with integrity. Because integrity is vital for success and life, EmPowered Living holds high standards of excellence in all areas of the ministry: financial, relational, and spiritual.
Wholistic living. Because human beings are spiritual, physical, and emotional beings, EmPowered Living believes in ministering to the whole person to help them to become all God has created them to be.
Compassion is having a heart for people and helping others in need, whether spiritual, physical, relational or emotional. At EmPowered Living, we have compassion for people.
Kingdom-living is what EmPowered Living is all about – helping people enter into the Kingdom of God and learning to walk in Kingdom principles.
Administration Team
Jessica Chacko
Social Media Coordinator
David Oaks
Communications Manager & Website Administrator
James Lancellotti
CRM Manager
Corinthia Gregg
Bookkeper
Riekert Brits
Video Producer and Photographer (South Africa)
International Directors and Coordinators
Dr. Nnenesi Kgabi, Ph.D.
Ph.D. - Academic Program Director, ELIM Theological Institute (South Africa)
Pastor Alex Molano
South America Coordinator, ELIM Theological Institute (Colombia)
Dr. Nelda Mouton, Ph.D.
Curriculum Director, ELIM Theological Institute (South Africa)
Dr. Willem Nel, Ph.D.
Public Theology, South Africa Coordinator, ELIM Theological Institute
Dr. Lawrence Oseje, Ph.D.
East Africa Coordinator, ELIM Theological Institute
Teaching Associates
Pastor Marius Botha
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry
Natasha Brown, M.Div.
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry, Women's Ministry
Dr. Dan Carroll, D.Min.
Teaching Associate: Pastoral Leadership
Dr. Dana Cavallaro, D.Min.
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry, Discipleship
Dr. Melissa Davis, Ph.D.
Teaching Associate: Theology
Dr. Randy Foret, D.D.
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry
Pastor Steve Ludeman, M.Div.
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry, Business
Rev. Aarynton Smith, M.Div.
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry, Prison Ministry
Dr. Willem Nel, Ph.D.
Teaching Associate: Public Theology (South Africa)
Dr. Lawrence Oseje, Ph.D.
Teaching Associate: Missions, World Religions and Evangelism (Kenya)
Dr. Craig Von Buseck, D.Min.
Teaching Associate: Practical Ministry
Board Members
Daniel B. Gilbert, Ph.D.
Chairman
Mary Beth Gilbert
Dr. Jerry Horner
Virginia Foss
Secretary
John Tayloe
Founder Board Member Emeritus