Dr. Emil Dean Peeler was born and reared in Sacramento, California. He attended Oakwood College and is a graduate of Loma Linda University (Bachelor of Arts), Andrews University (Master of Divinity), and Claremont School of Theology (Doctor of Ministry). For nearly twenty-five years, Dr. Peeler has served with distinction in various positions of leadership in the church. He has been a pastor, evangelist, associate ministerial director, and college professor. He has been blessed to evangelize globally and to train both pastors and laity to be equipped to do successful outreach. Thus far the Lord has blessed him to baptize over five-thousand persons. In August of 2008, Dr. Peeler accepted a call to return to California as the director of church growth and discipleship for SECC. His other passions include mentoring young ministers, sports, producing music, and writing. His first book, The Zacchaeus Effect, was released in 2004 by Pacific Press.