The Reverend Greg Leslie and Family
The Leslie family, Greg, Stephanie, Morgan (18) and Olivia (15) currently live in Staples, Minnesota where Pastor Greg serves the Staples and Motley United Methodist Churches. As a family they enjoy camping, watching movies and just being together. During the summer, they also like to garden and can or freeze what we grow to enjoy throughout the year.
Greg is a graduate ILIFF School of Theology with a Masters of Divinity. Before enrolling at ILIFF, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management along with having classes in both Music and Psychology.
Stephanie is currently teaching in New York Mills as an elementary LD/EBD teacher. She is just finishing her 3rd year of teaching and is loving it. Stephanie also has her elementary education license. In her free time, she likes to knit, tries to quilt, and read.
Morgan is a Senior at the Perham High School. She loves school and is active with their Speech team along with choir and a few other organizations. She enjoys singing and being active in the community. Like a typical teenager, she loves to listen to music and hang out with her friends. In the Fall, she plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Morris where she will pursue education.
Olivia is a 9th grader at the Perham High School. She is a very active girl and likes to play soccer and swim. She is also in choir and on the Speech team. This past year, Olivia started to get involved with the local FFA program at school and is really enjoying that. Olivia likes to be outside with her dad, and they also enjoy hunting together.
Experience in the Church/Ministry
Before becoming a Pastor, Greg was Praise Team leader for almost four years. He has been pastoring two churches with focuses on local mission and youth. One of the programs that have been started at our current churches is the back-to-school backpack program.
Vision for the Church
There are many different visions for churches, but the most important is leading the congregation to Christ. I believe in a Christ based church that grows consistently with good leadership, music, and congregational involvement. I believe in building teams to carry out the church’s mission, especially developing disciples to help lead people to Christ.
Leadership Style
I am a person who loves to work alongside people. I believe that it takes a community. I do delegate work because one cannot do it all. I also am not a person to wait. I am honest. I ask for communication that is always open.
Serving
I believe that I have been called to serve Motley & Staples United Methodist churches. I will lead with the Holy Spirit as my guide. Remember that Grace is always present.
