“A lot of young leaders and church planters think they need to get into ministry as a profession. However, there will be many pastors who will be fruitful and flourish as bi-vocational leaders, and we need to applaud that. You’re in a rich, rich field where you can plant and reap a harvest in ways that some of us will never be able to.”
Pastor Terry Crist is the co-lead pastor of City of Grace in Phoenix alongside his wife, Judith. As fifth-generation pastors, they have been building the local church and helping hurting people for over 30 years. Terry has both a Th.M. and a D.Min. and a business certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School. He is passionate about community transformation and promotes adoption and foster care through his work in state government.
In this inspiring ‘Unscripted’ conversation, Terry shares some enlightening perspectives with Dino, including:
- Why a comprehensive approach to addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in your community is crucial
- Pushing the bounds of women in ministry
- Embracing bi-vocational opportunities as a way to connect with communities and sustain your ministry during the early stages
- How pursuing knowledge and theological exploration helps you grow in your relationship with Jesus
- Showing up in a posture of curiosity and humility when working with the government to meet your city’s needs
Terry expounds on the essential role of partnership in ministry. Reflecting on his 40-year marriage and ministry partnership with Judith, he emphasizes the importance of working together, leveraging each other’s strengths, and embracing the challenges of co-leading. Their story is a testament to the power of mutual support and shared vision in building a flourishing ministry that stands the test of time.
Dino and Terry also unpack many principles of Terry’s new book, Loving Samaritans: Radical Kindness in an Us vs. Them World. As a pastor committed to building deep relationships with people whose life experiences are different from his own, Terry believes the church needs to return to loving people unconditionally. He explains how Jesus was the ultimate example as He engaged the Samaritan woman at the well about the most provocative topics of their day in a respectful, kind, considerate, and truthful way.
“Love fills the space between grace and truth.”
He believes we need to stop “othering” people and explores what it means to live faithfully and compassionately.
