After his graduation from college, he went onto Asbury Seminary and earned a second bachelor’s and later, a Master’s of Divinity degree with every intention of becoming a minister. He received his full ordination as an Elder and later became the Principal of the Central Free Methodist School in Shreveport, La, where he served for six years. Gene then moved to Alton, Illinois and started teaching and later became an Administrator in the Alton School District until 1997. It was during these years that he retained his status as a minister in the Alton Free Methodist Church, serving as the Director of Christian Education and also earned three more degrees, including a PhD. at Saint Louis University. Upon retirement from the school district, he accepted a an assignment to Pastor Unity Fellowship Church, in Alton, an assignment that he prepared for as a young man.