Colin grew up in St. Louis, MO, attended John Burroughs School, then Wake Forest University. The majority of Colin’s time was consumed by theater productions and Chi Rho – Christian Men’s Acappella Ensemble. Chi Rho traveled extensively throughout the Southeast. Following graduation from Wake Forest with a BS in Business and theater minor in 1996, Colin worked as the assistant director of admissions at Wake through 2000. During his tenure, he established the Chi Rho Scholarship Fund, worked extensively with various college ministries, and completed his masters in Communications culminating with his published thesis, The Church in the 21st Century: A Case Study on Bill Hybels. Desiring to have more daily impact, he joined Wesleyan as the dean of juniors, teaches Bible, and coaches swimming. Colin wed Krista Edmiston on July 16, 2005. (Read "The Proposal" here.) Their son, Cole, was born on March 29, 2008.

Why did you write this book (Perspectives)?
I recently saw the movie Simon Birch (based on the book A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving). One of the main plot lines includes Simon Birch, a young child with a growth defect who has outlived his life expectancy, talking to his best friend after he inadvertently killed this friend this friend’s mother with a foul ball. He loved his friend’s mother like his own, but responded that he was only “God’s instrument.” He didn’t desire for her to die, but it was out of his control. In the same way, I feel like God’s instrument. This book was something I needed to write, not necessarily something I wanted to write. God had a plan in mind bigger than me.

Where are you in your life that contributed to the “perspective” you bring?
I’m 30; I’m engaged; and I’m still not sure what I want to do with the rest of my life. I’m a normal person. I speak in a language hopefully others will be able to understand. There’s nothing special about me other than a strong desire to be obedient to the calling God has placed upon my heart.

How will this book minister to or help twentysomethings?
Helping others understand that you are not along in your struggles; you are not alone in dreaming dreams; and you are not along in your frustrations. Establishing community is often a challenge for twentysomethings. Hopefully, this book will offer some common ground by sharing what I’ve learned as well as many others through the Seasoned Advice from those ages 30 to 80.

What’s the most important part of being a spiritual leader today?
Next to my desk is a printout of three words: passion, character, and conviction. Nothing can unravel one’s ministry more quickly than a lapse in judgment. Obedience to the Lord in all areas of your life is the most important element to spiritual leadership. The Lord desires men and women with hearts for Him, men and women who are in the Word and on their knees. We are all fallible with feet of clay. We will all stumble, but those in leadership need to create scaffoldings of support and accountability in order to ensure others do not fall away on account of you. Just like in the movie Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

What are your speaking fees?
Speaking fees vary based on a wide variety of factors. Please contact me directly at ccreel@colincreel.com.

Do you plan on writing more books?
I have no desire to be an author who writes books merely for financial gain. My heart longs to encourage individuals in their spiritual growth. If the Lord puts another topic on my heart, I will certainly oblige. A few topics have sparked my interest recently.

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