Derek Grier
Derek Grier (born May 28, 1965) is a nationally recognized clergyman and the founding pastor of Grace Church located in Dumfries, Virginia.[1]
Early life
[edit]Grier was born in Long Island, New York and went to Howard University from 1983 to 1988, where he studied business, and served as a campus minister. He later went on to earn a master of education degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also holds a doctorate in practical ministry from Wagner University in Pasadena, California, as well as an honorary doctorate from Beulah Heights University.[2]
Biography
[edit]Grier is a nationally recognized clergyman and the church's founding pastor. He is a mentor to Christian leaders and business owners and a prominent radio and television presence. Grier broadcasts locally in the Washington, D.C. market; nationwide weekly on BET, The Word Network, Hillsong Channel, Impact Network, and internationally on stations in South Africa, Ethiopia, and parts of Kenya.[3]
Grier's uncompromising approach to preaching and teaching the gospel has helped him lead Grace Church in phenomenal growth.[4] In 2013, the highly acclaimed Outreach Magazine listed Grace Church as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation and among the top 100 fastest growing of all churches.[5] Again in 2014, Grace Church was listed in Outreach Magazine's annual “100 Fastest Growing Churches in America” as the 7th fastest growing church in the United States.[6]
In 2008, Grier was ordained Bishop by the late Rev. Dr. Myles Munroe, an internationally renowned preacher from the Bahamas.[7]
In 2008, he founded the Dumfries Youth Center (now the Grace Youth Center) as an extension of Grace Church, which has served hundreds of high-risk children in the Dumfries area.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Campbell, Charlie. "Can This Church Spark Spiritual Transformation in DC?". Charisma News. Retrieved 2017-12-04.
- ^ "Dr. Derek Grier - Derek Grier Ministries". Derek Grier Ministries. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
- ^ Campbell, Charlie. "Can This Church Spark Spiritual Transformation in DC?". Charisma News. Retrieved 2017-12-04.
- ^ "Renowned Pastor, Bishop Derek Grier, Presents The Grace Church Worship Team, In A Praise-Packed CD, GRACE LIVE | Prince William Living". princewilliamliving.com. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
- ^ Harris, Hamil R. (2013-09-06). "The Rev. Derek Grier of Grace Church takes a centrist approach to religious leadership". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
- ^ "The Word With Conviction: Grace Church - OutreachMagazine.com OutreachMagazine.com". www.outreachmagazine.com. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
- ^ "Dr. Derek Grier Archives - TRUE WORD OF YESHUA". TRUE WORD OF YESHUA. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
- ^ "Rev. Derek Grier: A Dad First, Pastor Second | Afro". Afro. 2017-06-15. Retrieved 2017-12-01.