PASTOR TORY JERMAINE LIFERIDGE
Tory J. Liferidge was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Moncks Corner, SC. He is .a graduate of Duke University where he attained a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology and minors in Business and African American Studies. In 2002, he answered his call to ministry and then pursued and earned a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He graduated in 2007. During his studies there, he followed the academic track on Urban Ministry, an area where Tory feels called to serve in his vocation. Currently, he has returned to Wesley to pursue a Doctor of Ministry degree in the Public Engagement Track
While in seminary, Tory served as a Youth Pastor at Heritage U.C.C for one year (2004) and Senior Pastor of Christian Community Church for three years (2004-2007); both in Baltimore, MD. Tory then relocated to New York City to serve as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem (2007-2012). This awesome move of God allowed him to join his pastor and long-time mentor, Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr., in the transformative work of ministering the Gospel and community impact.
During the five years of service at FCBC, Tory was instrumental in developing a youth and young adult ministry and helping the church grow to a membership of over 8,000. Under his leadership, the church and greater Harlem community were impacted by projects such as Southern College Tours, Breakfast Before Books (weekly breakfast program for all students), Youth Explosions (youth generated creative worship experiences), Film Works (youth written, acted and edited film projects), Spiritual Retreats, and Discipleship Trainings. This sample of special projects underscores Tory’s commitment to creatively engaging and empowering youth and young adults.
Tory has recently transitioned back to his hometown of Moncks Corner, SC where he is continuing his non-traditional and transformative work in ministry. He is now serving as the pastor of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church and seeking to empower the greater community spiritually, physically, economically and civically. In less than three years, the 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, sponsored a Sickle Cell walk and foundation, established a Community Development Corporation {Grace Impact Development Center - where Tory serves as Executive Director} and purchased five acres of land to develop affordable housing.
God has given Tory a passion for people and a heart for service. His vision for ministry is to be a part of a transformative movement that will embrace all people, the arts, the Gospel, and the example of Jesus to impact local communities and the world. Tory fundamentally believes that we can realize this God given vision by empowering one person at a time.
Tory is married to his beautiful friend and journey partner, Latashia Penick-Liferidge.
While in seminary, Tory served as a Youth Pastor at Heritage U.C.C for one year (2004) and Senior Pastor of Christian Community Church for three years (2004-2007); both in Baltimore, MD. Tory then relocated to New York City to serve as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem (2007-2012). This awesome move of God allowed him to join his pastor and long-time mentor, Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr., in the transformative work of ministering the Gospel and community impact.
During the five years of service at FCBC, Tory was instrumental in developing a youth and young adult ministry and helping the church grow to a membership of over 8,000. Under his leadership, the church and greater Harlem community were impacted by projects such as Southern College Tours, Breakfast Before Books (weekly breakfast program for all students), Youth Explosions (youth generated creative worship experiences), Film Works (youth written, acted and edited film projects), Spiritual Retreats, and Discipleship Trainings. This sample of special projects underscores Tory’s commitment to creatively engaging and empowering youth and young adults.
Tory has recently transitioned back to his hometown of Moncks Corner, SC where he is continuing his non-traditional and transformative work in ministry. He is now serving as the pastor of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church and seeking to empower the greater community spiritually, physically, economically and civically. In less than three years, the 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, sponsored a Sickle Cell walk and foundation, established a Community Development Corporation {Grace Impact Development Center - where Tory serves as Executive Director} and purchased five acres of land to develop affordable housing.
God has given Tory a passion for people and a heart for service. His vision for ministry is to be a part of a transformative movement that will embrace all people, the arts, the Gospel, and the example of Jesus to impact local communities and the world. Tory fundamentally believes that we can realize this God given vision by empowering one person at a time.
Tory is married to his beautiful friend and journey partner, Latashia Penick-Liferidge.
" I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Jeremiah 3:15 (NRSV)