Introducing Mr. William Sirls
Trinity Welcomes William Sirls as New Associate Professor of English.
Trinity is pleased to welcome best-selling author, William Sirls, as Associate Professor of English. Sirls brings to the classroom creative writing experience, publishing success, and a powerful testimony of redemption.
Sirls’s story is unconventional. A former investment banker, he once lived a fast-paced, high-stakes life that eventually unraveled due to poor decisions.
It was at his lowest point that he accepted Christ and his life was transformed. Sirls attributes his brother’s influence for much of his spiritual growth since that time. It was also during this time that Sirls re-wrote what would become his first novel, The Reason, published in 2012. This novel was picked up by Harper Collins and eventually was adapted to film (with the same title) in 2020! Since then, he has published two additional novels.
Sirls’ love and talent for storytelling helped him discover a passion for teaching.
Public speaking engagements and guest lecturing at colleges sparked a new realization: he says, “I enjoyed talking about it {writing} more than writing itself.”
Driven by this awareness and a desire to serve and develop a younger generation of Christians, he pursued a master’s degree in creative writing. He is excited to help students discover the power of skilled communication.
“I think interpersonal communication is on the endangered species list. Those who really learn grammar and writing, and continue to improve their craft, I think, are greatly increasing their chances of success in the business world. AI is equally fascinating and horrifying. Obviously, it is an extremely valuable tool, but I would encourage our students to think for themselves.
I will do my best to create a judgment free classroom, because if you’re going to make mistakes, that’s the place to do it… in the real world, they will be judged on their communication abilities”
When asked about the role of storytelling within a Christian worldview in general and in spiritual formation specifically, Sirls answered by pointing to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible (collectively known as “the Gospels”).
Sirls points to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible (collectively known as “the Gospels”) as an example of the role of storytelling in spiritual formation.
Known for the many stories contained therein, these books communicate rich truths which have passed on from one generation and ethnicity to another. Each book offers a unique perspective on the life of Jesus. For Sirls, this encapsulates the importance of storytelling: it conveys truth in a way that is memorable and compelling.
“Something that’s always fascinated me is the slight differences in the Gospels. A lot of people like to point that out as a flaw. And the truth of the matter is, the different interpretations of the Gospels, I think, adds credibility from a storytelling standpoint, because it doesn’t seem conspired. 20 people could see the same thing; when asked to write about it, they’d give 15 different interpretations!”
William Sirls holds an MFA from Southern New Hampshire University and recently relocated to Jacksonville, Florida from Southern California. He looks forward to teaching within a Christian community and having a part in preparing students for life and ministry.
Please join us in welcoming Associate Professor Sirls to Trinity!
