President and professor of historical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary for 16 years, Dr. Peter J. Lillback, RHS Class of 1970, is only the fourth president in WTS’s history.
He is a prominent theologian who is widely published and sought after as a popular speaker. He has written 20 books, both historical and theological. One of his books, Washington’s Sacred Fire, was a No. 1 best seller on Amazon in America.
Residing between Philadelphia and Valley Forge for many years, Dr. Lillback has pursued an avid interest in the history of Judeo-Christian heritage in the United States. He has researched the origin and founding of America and is a leading expert of its history, the intersection of faith, politics and government, and the separation of church and state.
He has been a frequent guest/spokesperson on television and radio as well as in the mass media. His unparalleled scholarship, warm demeanor and unique style have made him a much sought- after speaker at secular, religious, historical and academic events and venues around the world.
He has traveled for missionary work to China, Indonesia, Australia, Europe and Israel. In America, he holds credentials as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Peter began his post-high school studies at Cedarville University, where he pursued a pre-seminary/Bible and speech major. He had minors in philosophy and New Testament Greek. Then, at Dallas Theological Seminary he majored in theology for his master’s degree and earned his doctorate at Westminster Theological Seminary.
While at Cedarville, Peter was class chaplain during his freshman and sophomore years and served as president of Sword Bearers. He participated in beach evangelism, intermural soccer and the debate team.
While an undergraduate, Peter heard a call to the ministry and was determined to pursue it based on the promise in 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “He who calls you is faithful. He will surely do it.” Peter said of that moment, “The promise gave me courage to pursue a task that I felt utterly incompetent to fulfill.”
The pastor credits Cedarville with giving him the personal skills, intellectual foundation and spiritual disciplines that he has since built up during his 30 years of ministry. Cedarville named him Alumnus of the year for 2021,
On a less serious venture, Peter enjoyed a relay jog across Ohio with a team from Cedarville led by Coach Elvin King and fellow classmate Dan Estes, ’74, who is now a professor at the university.
At RHS Peter was vice-president of his class and was named all-conference in football.
Peter has been married to his high school sweetheart Debbie for 48 years. They have two daughters, two granddaughters and a grandson.
