Ernest Gentile

A TRIBUTE TO THE EXEMPLARY LIFE OF ERNEST B. GENTILE

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, Heaven welcomed Ernest B. Gentile home. He was 95.

Ernest was married to the lovely Anna Teeter, lifetime resident of Fort Sumner and a pastor at The Church on the Hill.

A Memorial Service will be held on April 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church on the Hill in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. For livestream, check their YouTube Channel @ thechurchonthehillfs4858 

Ernest was born December 9, 1929 in San Antonio, Texas, but most of his youth was spent in Spokane, WA, where his personal walk with God began.

At age 12, Ernest accepted Jesus as his Savior and 2 years later was baptized in the Holy Spirit. This launched a season of witnessing, street ministry and Bible School—all during his high school years. He was ordained at 18, and a year later married Joy, his only sweetheart.

Ernest graduated from Whitworth University in 1951, and received his M.A.Theology degree from Fuller Seminary in 1984. While pastoring in Spokane, the Lord spoke to him about planting a church in San Jose. He then founded and pastored Christian Community Church in CA for 34 years.

While pastoring CCC, missionaries were sent and churches planted in several cities. Northern California Bible College (accredited and going strong) was founded, as well as, Christian Community Academy. Ernest was a leader in Minister’s Fellowship International for 23 years. He was a conference speaker, and his traveling ministry included churches in 33 States and 24 Countries.

The Gentile family multiplied, including 4 children: Sharon, Debbie, Janice and Ernie. Their spouses: John, Steve and Christine. 6 grandchildren: Steve, Lisa, Angie, Kristin, Joshua and Zachary, and 4 great-grandchildren: Victoria, Annabelle, Benjamin and Zackary.

In 1992, Ernest and Joy were released into mobile ministry, where they shared wisdom and supported pastoral couples around the globe. After 62 years of marriage, Joy passed away.

Following Joy’s death, Ernest was asked to speak at the conference in NM. Ernest and Anna formed a friendship that blossomed into matrimony. They pastored together in Fort Sumner for 7 years. He deeply loved his 11 years with Anna—writing, preaching and living a simple life in a friendly community.

Ernest authored 10 books on NT Theology and a novel on Paul’s life. Ernest’s teachings live on in his scholarly books. “Awaken the Dawn,” inspires people everywhere to pray. He liked Bibles with red covers, because, as he would say with a chuckle, “Every Bible should be read!” Ernest, we miss you already, but you live on in our hearts.

Contributions in memory of Ernest Gentile may be mailed to Ernest Gentile Memorial, 770 N. Tullshire Way, Eagle, Idaho 83616.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.