In 1994, while still a young minister, the Lord began to speak to Dr. Gray about founding a new Christian University in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Dr. Gray, then only a college graduate in Christian Ministry and yet to go to seminary, much less hold advanced degrees, began to consider and pray about the possibility. But the time never seemed right to begin such a venture. Dr. Gray virtually forgot about this vision for more than 22 years.
During the intervening years Dr. Gray went through many trials in his life including divorce, betrayals, and health issues. He was very wounded and unable to minister for many years. He sought complete healing—Spiritually, Emotionally, as well as Physically.
Dr. Gray went through DivorceCare and Beyond DivorceCare programs at a local church. But, he knew that he needed far more healing than he had experienced at that time.
Dr. Gray continued his search to be transformed by the Power of God! He finally found his answer in Christ Jesus by being introduced to the Gospel of Grace teachings that is best exemplified by the ministry of Joseph Prince, Senior Pastor of New Creation Church, Singapore.
In his own words Dr. Gray shares what he found….
“I have learned about the Love and Grace of God toward us in a way that has transformed my life in many ways. My health has improved, my damaged emotions have been healed, my outlook on life has improved, and I have been given a new direction for ministry. I have a joy and peace that I had not known prior to this. God can and does restore, heal, and transform lives, not just save them!”
Dr. Gray began to search for an institution that trained people for Ministry and Discipled believers in a way that kept the Gospel of Grace central to all that they did, so that those they trained might be Positively Impacted In A Way That Transforms Lives, not just get them a degree. He was unable to find such an educational institution.
The Lord reminded Dr. Gray of the Vision He had given him so many years ago. After much prayer, Dr. Gray felt the Lord leading him to found such an institution and to train others in the scriptures with the Gospel of Grace being central to each course.
GraceLife University was born out of Dr. Gray's Desire to bring the liberating truths of God's Unconditional Love, Grace, and Mercy to others. In accordance with Dr. Gray's Vision and Calling, GraceLife University seeks to put Our Lord Jesus Christ as Central Focus in all our courses and all that we do, so that we might Positively Impact People In A Way That Transforms Lives!
GraceLife University has grown from the personal Ministry of Dr. Charles R. Gray, II & the Mission of GraceLife Ministries USA which is to reach the world with the message of God's Unconditional Love & Grace through the Finished Work of Jesus Christ, to Make Disciples (empower believers through the Word), Prepare Leaders to positively impact their world and Plant Grace Communities (churches) to reach the lost and disciple the found. Dr. Gray believes that GraceLife University is the vehicle God has chosen to use to fulfill the missions to “Make Disciples” & to "Prepare Leaders to positively impact their world".
On November 5, 2017 the first board meeting was held to organize GraceLife University. Within a few months the University was legally incorporated as a Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Louisiana (USA) and on May 1, 2018 GraceLife University opened it's doors to accept students!
