Dr. Don Elijah Eckhart

Dr. Don Elijah Eckhart is an educator, theologian and author of “Jesus The Everlasting Hope of Humankind: Biblical Theology Prompted by Visions and Dreams from the Holy Spirit,” 2018. Even though he is known for his work in the spiritual field, his career began on a different path. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science, where he graduated magna cum laude, from Capital University in 1972. Then, two years later, he achieved a Master of Public Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

His academic pursuits influenced his 30-year career in state and local government from 1974 until 2008, where he carried out many different analytical and managerial roles. From 1974 until 1978, Dr. Eckhart worked for Flint, Michigan as a budget and administration officer. Then from 1978 to 1982, he was a senior staff analyst and manager of policy and financial analysis for Dayton, Ohio. From 1982 to 1985, he was budget manager for Montgomery County, Ohio, and from 1985 to 2004, Dr. Eckhart carried out the role of budget analyst and division chief for the Ohio Legislative Service Commission and Legislative Budget Office. Then, from 2005 until 2008, he was a manager training instructor affiliated with both The Ohio State University and Ohio University.

After working in government for 30 years, Dr. Eckhart changed the course of his career, after attending a Biblical Greek class at a local church in 2006. His instructor suggested that he seek more Biblical knowledge to answer his questions – advice he decided to take. From that point onward, he realized he had a calling and so he began taking theology courses at Ashland Theological Seminary, achieving a Master of Arts in Christian theology in 2015 and a doctorate in 2020. This steered his career away from government towards Bible study and theology.

Dr. Eckhart now actively supports Food for the Hunger, Samaritan’s Purse and World Vision, as well as offering support to families, refugees, and youth through financial empowerment, mentoring and housing assistance. Recently, Dr. Eckhart and his wife sold their home to a Ukrainian church for the same price they bought it for in 1991 – highlighting their compassion and generosity. Their former home is now sponsoring a family from the war-torn country. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Eckhart’s biggest accomplishment has been writing and publishing his book in 2018.

 

When considering his advice to the next generation, Dr. Eckhart urges them to “stick to the values you believe in, even when times get tough, because if you cave, it will not end well.” He credits his achievements and success to the education he’s had and to the values he upholds, and in the years to come, he aims to work within the community, teach from his book, write more articles and further his humanitarian activities.