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Meet Pastor Julia – Grace Presbyterian Church Transitional Pastor

Pastor Julia Leeth

Dr. Julia Leeth is the Transitional Pastor for Grace Presbyterian Church. As Transitional Pastor, Dr. Leeth serves the ministry through preaching, teaching, helping Grace Church live into its mission, and ensuring healthy church systems and policies. We sat down with her to discuss her role, impact, and aspirations.

Meet Pastor Julia, Grace Presbyterian Church Transitional Pastor

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in English Literature from San Jose State University (SJSU). Then I went on to get my Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. I completed my coursework, but not my dissertation, for a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Counseling from Denver Seminary. I received a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership in a Changing Church Context from Gordon Conwell Seminary. I have been a pastor for more than 21 years. I became a pastor because I wanted to use my gifts to help young people, especially young girls, and show them a life of faith.

2. Can you tell us about a difficult time that has helped you grow?

I remember taking kids on a mission trip, and everything terrible that you could think of happened. The Church was on fire, we lost a child, and more. Despite the tragedies, the trip showed us if you walk with God, He will carry you through no matter how hard the journey may seem.

3. What is one moment that has been with you throughout your journey?

I remember having a vivid dream one night. I was in a corner office with books and walked around to the desk. In the dream, I said to myself, “I guess I am going back to seminary.” I interviewed six pastors and changed my degree the following week.

Pastor Craig Sanders and his ministry to me is another memory that stuck with me through my years as a pastor. He molded me and showed me authentic faith when I was a new Christian. He loved us and invested in us, and I hope to do the same for my Church.

4. What do you look forward to the most?

What God has in store for me and how I will help the kids and people at grace Church. I am excited to see how God will form us as disciples that form other disciples. I want to be the best steward of my gift and help my Grace family through the transition to their permanent pastor.

5. What are your goals for Chapel this year?

The Children’s Ministries Program is terrific, and everyone is so fantastic. I hope my part will be to come and support them and show the students and faculty that they are valued and loved by our Grace family and by God. I want them to understand the value and importance of God and follow in his footsteps.

6. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a pastor?

I love that I get to share my life with people while helping do the Lord’s work. People trust and allow me into the most intimate moments of their lives and have faith in me. There is nothing else that can be more rewarding than that.

7. What is your favorite Bible verse?

1 Thessalonians 2:8
“So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also ourselves because you have become very dear to us.”

8. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I feel honored to partner with Grace School and do my best to love the people here. Dr. Liz and the staff at our Grace School consistently demonstrate love and excellence. I can’t wait to see what He does in this year ahead!

About Grace School
Grace School is a private Christian school in Houston, Texas, serving students from ages 20 months through Grade 8. Uniquely combining a faith-based STEM curriculum, Grace School fosters an environment where children develop the skills and mindsets to become compassionate innovators, problem solvers, creators, and changemakers