Larry Shallenberger
Pastor of Children and Student Ministry

What do you do at Grace? I oversee the ministries that touch the lives of church goer’s ages 0 through 25.

How long have you been at Grace? 9-years.

Family Information: I’m married to a wonderful woman, Amy. I have three sons, ages 2, 6, 12.

Education: BA in Biblical Studies, Old Testament and Language Degrees.

Fun Stuff:
If you were an animal, what would you be (why)? This is going to be used in a psychological evaluation of me, isn’t it? So I’ll be a dog that eats this bio…

Favorite color: Green.

Favorite Food: I love to cook and experiment. So no favorites…

Hobbies: I don’t remember hobbies…I write. Does that count? I also love listening to Jazz.

If you had 24 hours to live, what three things would you do? I’m doing what God made me to do. I’ll just keep on. Maybe catch a nap.

Tell us about a few influential (or favorite) books you’ve read:
I’ve read the Brothers Karamazov more times than I care to admit. It’s a great look at the simultaneous nobility and depravity of humanity. And there’s great insight into God’s grace…and there’s a murder mystery. How great is that?

Spiritual Stuff:
Tell us a little bit about your spiritual journey: My journey was a movement from being religious to becoming a Christ-follower. I identify with the story of the child Samuel in the Bible. He grew up with the trappings of faith, but needed to learn to hear from God on his own.

What did you do before you started working at Grace? I was a mental health case manager at Sarah Reed Children’s Center.

Why are you passionate about church and ministry? This is a Bill Hybells’ line, but it works for me: “There is nothing like the local church when the local church is working right.” I can’t think of another group or organization that I’d rather give myself to.

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