PASTOR TORY JERMAINE LIFERIDGE
Here’s an updated version of the biography with recent developments:
Tory J. Liferidge, along with his wife, Latashia Penick-Liferidge, currently serves as the pastor and first lady of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church in Moncks Corner, SC. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Moncks Corner, Tory 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, graduating in 2007 with a focus on Urban Ministry, an area he feels deeply called to serve.
Ministry Journey
Before coming to Grace, Tory served in various leadership roles, including:
At FCBC, he worked alongside his mentor, Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr., and played a key role in expanding the church’s youth and young adult ministry, helping the congregation grow to over 8,000 members. He spearheaded impactful projects such as Southern College Tours, Breakfast Before Books, Youth Explosions, and Spiritual Retreats, all aimed at empowering young people.
Leadership at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church
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, including:
Advocacy and Community Leadership
Beyond his pastoral duties, Tory has been actively involved in community advocacy. In 2022, he joined a coalition of teachers, parents, clergy, and community members calling on South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to investigate the Berkeley County School District firings. He spoke out against the abrupt removal of the superintendent and district lawyer, citing concerns about transparency and governance.
Vision and Passion
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.
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Tory J. Liferidge, along with his wife, Latashia Penick-Liferidge, currently serves as the pastor and first lady of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church in Moncks Corner, SC. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Moncks Corner, Tory 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, graduating in 2007 with a focus on Urban Ministry, an area he feels deeply called to serve.
Ministry Journey
Before coming to Grace, Tory served in various leadership roles, including:
- Youth Pastor at Heritage U.C.C in Baltimore (2004)
- Senior Pastor of Christian Community Church in Baltimore (2004-2007)
- Youth and Young Adult Pastor at First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem (2007-2012)
At FCBC, he worked alongside his mentor, Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr., and played a key role in expanding the church’s youth and young adult ministry, helping the congregation grow to over 8,000 members. He spearheaded impactful projects such as Southern College Tours, Breakfast Before Books, Youth Explosions, and Spiritual Retreats, all aimed at empowering young people.
Leadership at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church
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, including:
- Partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County to build a community center
- Delivering a tractor-trailer full of water to Flint, Michigan
- Organizing community Thanksgiving meals
- Sponsoring initiatives like a Sickle Cell walk and foundation
- Establishing the Grace Impact Development Center (GIDC), where he serves as Executive Director
- Purchasing five acres of land to develop affordable housing, creating lasting change for the community
Advocacy and Community Leadership
Beyond his pastoral duties, Tory has been actively involved in community advocacy. In 2022, he joined a coalition of teachers, parents, clergy, and community members calling on South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to investigate the Berkeley County School District firings. He spoke out against the abrupt removal of the superintendent and district lawyer, citing concerns about transparency and governance.
Vision and Passion
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.
Would you like me to refine any sections or add more details?
" I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Jeremiah 3:15 (NRSV)