The Characteristics of a Kingdom Team Player
Dr. Ammar Saheli has served as the Ministering Evangelist of the West Oakland Church of Christ since January 2001. His biological and spiritual parents of the gospel are John Jeffrey and the late Andrea Jeffrey. Ammar is married to the beautiful Tonya Saheli, who is the daughter of Frank and the late Jean Jones. They have five children: Sade, Najja, Zion, Shiloh, and Seven Enoch (Deceased).
Ammar was raised at the Uptown Church of Christ in San Francisco. While at Uptown, Ammar grew up listening to the powerful and pounding sermons of the late Bro. J. M. Butler Sr., and the smooth and illustrative messages of Dr. Billy Curl. Dr. Saheli preached his first sermon at age 12 and received most of his Biblical training and discipleship under his father, John Jeffrey (retired elder of the Uptown Church of Christ), and through personal study. In addition to his father’s influence, counsel, and discipleship, Ammar was mentored for ministry by James E. Austin, Jr., the late Tino Serrano, and his wife, Pacita Serrano.
Ammar has a deep passion for serving the people of God and preaching the Word. Proverbs 4:26
guides his life: “Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established.” In addition to
serving as Ministering Evangelist, Ammar Saheli works as the Director of Student Support
Services in the San Lorenzo Unified School District, CEO of Saheli7 Educational Consulting,
and teaches multiple courses in the Graduate School of Counseling at San Francisco State
University. Dr. Saheli is the author of the 2018 book, Eerie Silence: Race/Racism Explored
Across Educational, Theological, and Justice Continuums Amidst America and Beyond.
Educationally, Dr. Saheli holds a BA in Psychology (1997) and a Master of Science degree in
Counseling, both from San Francisco State University (Marriage & Family Therapy & School
Counseling specializations, 1999). He also earned a Doctorate in International & Multicultural
Education from the University of San Francisco (2003). Additionally, he holds California School
Counseling (PPS) and School Administrative Credentials.