There are experiences in life that change everything. For Brad Gray, his first biblical study trip to Israel and Turkey with Ray VanderLaan was one of those moments that completely changed the trajectory of his life. Understanding the text in its geographical, historical, and Jewish context unleashed the depth and nuance of the Bible in the most compelling and awe-inspiring of ways. This experience launched him into a lifelong pursuit of seeking to understand what was going on in the biblical text. Brad’s greatest desire is teaching people how to passionately love the text – the very words of God! For as the Rabbis encouraged, “Pore over it again and again, for everything is contained in it; look into it, grow old and gray over it, and do not depart from it, for there is no better pursuit for you than this” (m. Avot 5:27).
Molded by the rabbinical approach, Brad has been on numerous biblical trips with Ray Vander Laan to Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Sinai, both as a participant and as a facilitator. In addition, Brad spent a year studying in Jerusalem at Jerusalem University College after receiving his Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary. During his seminary studies, Brad was an intern at Mars Hill Bible Church where he studied under Rob Bell. Brad also holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Cornerstone University.
Along with being part of That the World May Know Ministries, Brad is presently serving in a couple of communities as a teaching pastor. He is also a consultant for Free2Play (a physical education/personal training company).
Brad lives in Holland, MI with his wife, Shallon, and their children.
|
