Meet Pastor Jim DeGrado
Southern California was where Jim DeGrado was born and spent the first 13 years of his life. In 1967 his family moved to Hinsdale, IL, a Chicago suburb and became active in the
Hinsdale Covenant Church, where he eventually met and married his wife Linda. His college studies included Biblical Studies at Biola
University, History at North Park University and the College of
DuPage, and visual arts at The School of the Art Institute of
Chicago.
In 1989 Jim surrendered to a call to ministry that he had wrestled
with since Jr. High. After selling the business that grew to include
a staff of 32 artists and photographers, he joined the Uptown Habitat
in Chicago, as the Family Services Coordinator.
There he was responsible for working with 14 families of differing races and ethnicities to become homeowners and part of the community. In the fall of 1990 he entered North Park Theological Seminary where he ultimately received his Master of Divinity in the spring of 1993.
Also in January of that year he accepted a call to the Evangelical
Covenant Church in Evanston, IL. After almost 5 years of rewarding
service, Highland Covenant Church in Bellevue, WA, called Jim as their Senior Pastor which he accepted and served for 9 years. Most recently he served as Lead Pastor of Faith Covenant Church in St. Petersburg, FL.
He and Linda have received recognition for their interactive art installation, “The Veil”, which depicts the last days of Jesus life during the events of Holy Week.
Jim is serving and has served on various regional conference
committees and has participated in many denominational projects.
