Pastor Rayford John Grady
has been pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit for eleven years. Early in his pastorate, he developed an understanding of Holy Spirit and a deep love for the congregation. Pastor Grady has been the faithful, loving shepherd that has overseen Holy Spirit's growth numerically and spiritually. On his dedicated watch the church building has undergone a beautiful expansion, many new ministries have been born, the Wednesday evening Bible study has grown larger and more people now attend Sunday School.
Pastor Grady has helped establish a Christian school, Holy Spirit Lutheran Early Childhood Center. He also guided Holy Spirit's absorption ot Trinity Lutheran Church, which has become a satellite worship site and houses the early childhood center.
Pastor Grady shares his life with Faye Grady, his wife of more than thirty years. He is the proud father of 10 children and eleven grandchildren.
Pastor Grady is a second career pastor. After receiving his degree in engineering and working for 15 years in engineering at Borg-Warner Control Systems, he decided to follow God's calling to the ministry. He resigned his position at Borg Warner and enrolled in divinity school. This change in careers was no surprise to his family and friends, because he was and had been deeply involved in many church ministries for years. He had taught Sunday school in the church and on the radio . He had worked diligently with a drug and alcohol recovery program. And as an added incentive, his father and his grandfather were both ministers.
Pastor Grady holds a master's degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. He has been published in many magazines, he has been invited to speak at many churches across the country and has lectured at seminars, conferences and workshops.