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Welcome Terence and Ashley Gray
Terence Gray will join the pastoral team of Ward Church in August 2021 as Assistant Pastor. Terence, his wife, Ashley, and their nine-month-old daughter, Lucca, will be relocating from Memphis, Tennessee. Ashley is finishing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Reformed Theological Seminary, where she is sharpening her gifts and passions of teaching and women’s discipleship. Terence and Ashley have a deep love for Jesus and for the local church.
An Installation Service and reception for Terence and Ashley will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the Ward Church Sanctuary. A reception in Knox Hall to follow. Everyone is welcome to attend. No registration required.
About Terence
Terence Gray, M.Div., is a Pastor, Writer and Hip-Hop Artist from Memphis, TN. He is the Director of A Different Story Inc, an organization focused on reimagining healthy cross-cultural relationships in the local church and community. He has served in various pastoral capacities, that have utilized his passions for leadership, teaching, and community development. He has also written the book, “We want a different story,” about identity formation amongst African American men and how historical, political and theological narratives shape identity.
Terence came to faith as a high school student. His college years at the University of Memphis were marked by deep discipleship and leadership in campus ministry. He served as a youth pastor in Dallas before returning to his native Memphis to serve as an Assistant Pastor and Church Planter at Downtown Church, a thriving EPC congregation in the heart of the city. He was ordained in the EPC in 2019.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_text_separator title=”More about Terence”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][toggles][toggle color=”Default” title=”What will Terence be doing at Ward Church?”][vc_column_text]Terence is a gifted preacher and teacher and will work alongside senior pastor Scott McKee to develop and deliver biblical and relevant sermons. His teaching gift will be utilized in other areas of the church as well. Terence will develop community and cultural engagement initiatives, provide counsel to our urban projects, lend a hand in our Ward Young Adults ministry, develop an internship program, and share in in the shepherding duties of our pastoral staff.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Is this a new position?”][vc_column_text]Terence will fill the position left vacant by Soon Pak. However, the job description has been tweaked to match Terence’s gifts and passions.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”What did members of the search committee have to say about Terence?”][vc_column_text]“Terence brings many strengths that will bless Ward Church including his strong Bible-based teaching, his drive and commitment, and his faith. But the aspect that stuck out to me most is that Terence carries himself with an authenticity and a humble vulnerability that I believe will make him relatable to everyone with whom he comes in contact.” – Dan Roberts
“One of the things I most appreciate about Terence is his openness and vulnerability. He presents himself as one who recognizes his need for grace and mercy and walks humbly with his Lord and Savior. This creates a trustworthy and approachable spirit that will guide him to lead generations to live and love like Jesus.” – Nate Grubaugh
“In our committee’s initial Zoom meeting with Terence, we were unanimously enthusiastic about the way he presented himself in a relaxed and comfortable way. Later when we met in person, both Terence and his wife Ashley were easy to get to know, very friendly and personable, likeable and down to earth. Terence is self-described as a Shepherd Leader whose ideal role is that of a teaching pastor, and he expresses a preference for expository preaching which Ward Church has a long history of providing with excellence – which is a good fit for the current needs of our church.” – Susan Tassi[/vc_column_text][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][fancy_box image_url=”12217″ color=”Accent-Color”][/fancy_box][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][fancy_box image_url=”12219″ color=”Accent-Color”][/fancy_box][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][fancy_box image_url=”12220″ color=”Accent-Color”][/fancy_box][/vc_column][/vc_row]
