Larry Butterfield
Curriculum Developer
Larry Butterfield has been involved in full-time ministry for over 30 years in a vast variety of roles. He has served on the staffs of Faith Tabernacle (Basic Christian Education Director - 7 years), Philadelphia Church ( Youth Director, Interim Pastor, and Executive Pastor - 6 years), and Sunshine Gospel Ministries (Interim Director, Camp Director, Program Director - 10 years).
In addition, Larry has served as a small group leader coach as a volunteer basis at Willow Creek Community Church, Barrington, IL. Throughout all of his roles, Larry has always continued his hands-on involvement in youth ministry. While at Sunshine, Larry created the original SLAM programming concept and recruited the original SLAM leadership team. He directed the program and oversaw its development from its inception in 1999 until 2002. Currently, Larry is the teaching pastor at Philadelphia Church in Chicago, IL and continues to serve as the SLAM program director.
Getting to know Larry
Role at GRIP: Curriculum Developer
Email: larry@gripyouth.com
Hometown: Norton, Kansas
Family: My wife Chris, my daughter Tashia, and my son Nate
Church: Philadelphia Church
Fondest Memory: Our wedding day
Proudest Moment: The birth of my daughter
Biggest Challenge: Juggling two ministries
First Job: Paperboy
Favorite Food: Filet Mignon
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite Song: Amazing Grace
Favorite Spot: Green Lake Conference Center
Inspiration: My pastor while in High School
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-5, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will"