Dr. Gary O. Grier, Sr., Senior pastor
Email: ggrier18@yahoo.com
 
Dr. Gary O'Neal Grier, Sr. is the senior pastor of Embracing Truth Ministries in Philadelphia, PA.
He is also the Chaplain at Broad Street Ministry in center city Philadelphia. 
 
Dr. Grier is the former pastor of the International City Community Church and Greater Lighthouse Community Churches of Philadelphia, PA, and New Beginnings Fellowship and Embracing Truth Ministries (west) of Downingtown, PA.


Dr. Grier is married for 43 years to Valencia Outley- Grier of New York, NY., and has four adult children and seven grand-children.

Dr. Grier has a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling, Master's in Christian Theology and Apologetics, and (2) Bachelors degree in Biblical studies. 
 
Dr. Grier is an author. His book, "Dying To Succeed," is auto-biographical in nature and chronicles his first 20 years as a young pastor in search of purpose, spiritual fulfillment and ministerial success. 
 
As a child pastor Grier was reared in a Godly home but strayed from the Christian faith as a teen. At 17 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in western Europe where he served in the 164th Military Police Company, Miesau, West Germany. Upon returning stateside he worked and lived in various locations before landing a steady position for18 years as a general construction worker for the Laborer's Union Local #413 in Chester, PA.

In 1989 Gary attended Bible studies at the International City Community Church (ICCC) where his father was the pastor. In 1991 (after the death of his youngest brother, Aaron) Gary received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord and united with the Int'l City Community Church.

On July 5, 1992 Minister Grier preached his initial sermon at the Christian Stronghold Baptist Church, Phila., PA. under Dr. Willie Richardson.
 
After retiring from the building/trades industry in 1996 pastor Grier was hired as the first African American site chaplain for Wackenhut Corrections at the George Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton, PA.
 
In the summer of 1996 reverend Grier began serving as the senior pastor of the International City Community Church (pro tem) and in February of 1997 he was officially installed as the church's new senior pastor.
 
In 2002 while still pastoring at ICCC, pastor Grier founded and pastored the Greater Lighthouse Community Church, in the Hunting Park section of the city of Philadelphia. In 2009 pastor Grier and ICCC merged with the New Beginnings Fellowship in Downingtown, PA, to render temporary support and in September 2010 he founded and planted Embracing Truth Ministries (west), also in Downingtown, PA. In 2011 pastor Grier replanted Embracing Truth Ministries (east) in the city Philadelphia.
 
Dr. Grier's mission is to make disciples. His vision is to train and lead God's soldiers in the fulfillment of their role in the Great Commission. His burden has always been to remain a vessel fit for the Master's use. His passion is to honor the Lord by leading men, women, boys, and girls to the life transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
Everyone who knows him acknowledges that pastor Grier is a family man who loves people and life.
If you would like to contact him please use the links and/or telephone numbers provided. I'm sure he would love to hear from you!
 
If you would like to purchase a copy of pastor Grier's book, "Dying To Succeed," you can do so by linking onto www.amazon.com or www.xulonpress.com or you can call the church at 1(215) 909.1388.
 
Thank you!