C. Ermal Allen was born in Jellico, TN, to Carl E. and Ila Allen, but grew up in Kentucky (Whitley City and Milton).

Ermal is a 1967 graduate of Trimble County (Ky.) High School. He then studied at Cincinnati Christian University, graduating in 1971 with an A.B., majoring in Bible and Christian Ministries, and then in 1981 with an M.Div., majoring in theology under Dr. Jack Cottrell.

He married Eva Johnson of English, KY, in 1971. They have three sons, Ethan, Joshua, Casey, two daughters-in-law Michelle (Ethan) and Megan (Casey), and one granddaughter, Willow.

Ermal is a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Bengals; although he roots for the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians (as long as they are not playing Cincinnati)!

Ermal has a passion for the visible and Biblical unity of all Christians.