Tiff gave his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of six. It was during his early youth that he began to feel the call of God upon his life, preaching his first sermon at the age of sixteen. After graduating from high school, Tiff attended Zion Bible College (nka Northpoint Bible College & Seminary) located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, United States. He graduated in the spring of 1979. Tiff met his wife Judy while in Bible college; they were married in June of 1979.