Tory J. Liferidge, along with his wife, Latashia Penick-Liferidge, currently serves as the pastor and first lady of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church. Tory, originally from Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Moncks Corner, SC, is a graduate of Duke University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with minors in Business and African American Studies. He answered his call to ministry in 2002, and pursued a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, where he graduated in 2007. During his time at Wesley, he focused on Urban Ministry, an area he feels deeply called to serve.
Before coming to Grace, Tory's ministry journey took him to various roles, including serving as a Youth Pastor at Heritage U.C.C in Baltimore (2004) and the Senior Pastor of Christian Community Church in Baltimore (2004-2007). He later moved to New York City to serve as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor at First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem (2007-2012), where he worked alongside his mentor, Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr. There, Tory was instrumental in growing the church's youth and young adult ministry, while also helping the church’s membership expand to over 8,000. He spearheaded impactful projects such as Southern College Tours, Breakfast Before Books, Youth Explosions, and Spiritual Retreats, all aimed at empowering youth and young adults.
In 2015, Tory returned to his hometown of Moncks Corner, SC, where he now serves as the pastor of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church. Under his leadership, the church has seen tremendous growth and community engagement. Grace Church has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County to build a community center, delivered a tractor-trailer full of water to Flint, Michigan, organized community Thanksgiving meals, and sponsored initiatives like a Sickle Cell walk and foundation. Additionally, under his vision, the church established the Grace Impact Development Center (GIDC), where Tory also serves as Executive Director, and purchased five acres of land to develop affordable housing, creating lasting change for the community.
Tory’s heart for service is deeply rooted in his passion for people and his commitment to empowering them spiritually, physically, economically, and civically. He believes in the power of one person to make a difference, and his vision for ministry embraces the arts, the Gospel, and the example of Jesus to impact local communities and the world.
Tory is married to his loving wife, Latashia Penick-Liferidge, and together, they continue to serve their community and spread hope, love, and transformation through their ministry.