About Gregg Farah

Snapshot
I’m married to Janine and we’re the parents of three amazing daughters. Besides hanging out and laughing with my family, I pursue other passions: I’m a Youth Pastor at Shelter Rock Church on Long Island, I write, I pursue the perfect pizza slice and I cheer for the Mets. My family and I live in Syosset, NY.

Overview
I was born in New York City and lived in and near the city until age twenty. I then spent the next fifteen years on the west coast: teaching high school English in Seattle, continuing my education in Portland, and then working as a youth pastor in the suburbs of Seattle and later at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Southern California. I loved my time on the west coast but longed to return to my homeland and did so in 2002.

Mosaic
I am the founding pastor of Mosaic Manhattan Church (established 2003 and now named Lower Manhattan Community Church), located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, blocks away from the World Trade Center. I started this church with my family of five and a vision to see a community of people seeking to Love God, Love People, and Serve the World. After seven amazing years of ministry at Mosaic, I passed the leadership baton to a talented friend from my days in California, who also served with me at Mosaic, Ryan Holladay. I’m excited to see the fruit of Ryan’s ministry in the coming years.

Shelter Rock Church
With much excitement, I accepted a student ministry position in September 2009 at Shelter Rock Church, a multi-site church on Long Island, about 30 miles east of NYC. This new season of life puts us in our first house–much more room than our previous 2 BR apartment. We’re not sure if we’re going to leave some rooms empty or run wildly throughout the house. To be continued….

Writing
I like to laugh, think, and learn about God, and I combine those elements in my writing. My experience with both urban and suburban living provides a unique perspective, as do my struggles with depression, diagnosis of Behcet’s disease (immune system disorder), and recent requirement to check the “40-something” box on surveys. When you add my willingness to share my fears and doubts about life and whether or not God is really out there, I’m able to write some humorous, humbling, thought-provoking material.

I have written, contributed to, or edited over thirty published products, all of which focus on helping students grow spiritually or equipping adults to work with students. I’ve got two book proposals for an adult audience—for the purpose of entertainment and spiritual encouragement—seeking a publishing home and dabble in stand-up comedy with my friend Brandon Williams under the name The Irreverends.

Bonus Fact
My first name is Gregg but because my father shares the name, everyone in my family calls me by my middle name, Peter. Can be a bit confusing when friends and family are in the same room—but plenty of fun.

Have other questions? Send me a note.