Jeff grew up in a religious home near Annapolis, Md. Early in high school Jeff attended a Young Life camp in Colorado and committed his life to Christ.
Jeff graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in ocean and aerospace engineering. At Virginia Tech, Jeff led his first small group, which led to a passion for shepherd groups that continues today. He also met his beautiful wife, Peggy, there. After settling in Northern Virginia, Jeff and Peggy led a Young Life club in Reston for ten years.
Jeff and Peggy have six children. The oldest three — David, Jamie, and Zachary — were home schooled and have graduated from Virginia Tech and the youngest three — Daniel, Amanda, and Brian– are still at home. The Lawlers began attending Reston Bible in 2002. Jeff has been involved in the youth ministry, led shepherd groups, and participated in short-term mission trips.
After working for the Navy for over 30 years designing ships, Jeff recently began work for CSC. In his “free time,” Jeff has served as the athletic director for a home school sports organization and enjoys skiing, boating, Frisbee golf, tennis, writing poetry, and rooting for the Hokies, Orioles, and the Redskins.
Over the past 40 years of his walk with God, Jeff has seen more clearly the abundance of God’s grace. In spite of his weakness, God’s faithfulness remained (Psalm 89:30-33). His hope and prayer is that he will finish well, not due to his efforts, but because of God’s mighty work through him.