Pastor Stephen Grant?

Stephen Grant is the pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on eastern Long Island. Grant is one of the more unique second-career clergy around, as he once worked for the CIA. Besides theology, his interests include archery, golf, writing, classic films, the beach, poker, baseball, and history. Grant also knows his wines, champagnes and brews. Oh yes, he generally dislikes politicians, and happens to be an expert marksman with a handgun and a rifle, while being pretty handy with a combat knife as well.

Friday, July 15, 2011

From Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating…

"Until that moment, Stephen Grant seemed to have existed in two completely separate universes. First, it was as a Navy SEAL, followed by time as an analyst—unofficially as an assassin – with the CIA. After a break, the second was studying to become and then serving as a Lutheran pastor. In a matter of mere minutes – excruciating minutes – the two worlds merged in a flurry of bullets, blood, song and prayer."

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

From CIA to Pastor?

How could Stephen Grant go from working for the CIA to becoming a pastor?

Note this description from the CIA website: "Operations officers comprise only a small portion of the whole CIA workforce. Being an operations officer demands a forceful personality, keen intellectual ability, toughness of mind, and a high degree of personal integrity, courage, and love of country."

Sounds like what's needed in a pastor - of course, adding in faith and compassion.

That's Stephen Grant from Ray Keating's Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel.