Joel spent nearly 30 years in pastorate at churches in Michigan and Pennsylania.

While pastoring in Michigan, the McGarveys played a part in the ministry of BDTLB soon after it moved to Grand Rapids, volunteering time in the office, helping to collate publications, and traveling with Lee when possible, assisting in the Homoki’s Crossroads Crusades ministry.

Joel R McGarvey officially joined the staff of BDTLB in 2005 as Associate Director and Evangelist.

In 2008, Joel became the Executive Director of BDTLB when Lee Homoki, the founder and past Executive Director, stepped down to concentrate on other areas of ministry. During that that time Joel was been responsible for the various itinerant ministries in addition to home office responsibilities and publication duties such as all layout and design.

In 2024, Joel took on the role of Associate Director and Director of Video Ministry as he and Susan plan to schedule visits throughout the States to represent Christ through Bible Doctrines To Live By.

Along with his wife Susan, the McGarveys have traveled thousands of miles under the banner of “Bible-Time Ministries” and have been involved in many outreach endeavors including themed Vacation Bible Schools, Adult Bible School, Bible Conferences, Evangelistic Crusades, Revival Meetings, and Camps. Over the years they have been blessed of the Lord to see hundreds of children, young people, and adults come to Jesus Christ as their Savior.

The McGarveys are the parents of four married children, Rebecca, Jennifer, Paul, and Joel Jr. They are also the grandparents of seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchild.

For their ministry page and schedule, click BIBLE TIME MINISTRIES.