Colin Gray

From the roar of Marine Corps helicopter engines to the quiet study of scripture, my journey is defined by a transition from technical precision to spiritual purpose. After honorably separating from the Marine Corps in 1998, I spent years as a powerplant and airframe mechanic. This career instilled in me a rigorous discipline and a deep respect for the catastrophic weight of a single oversight—lessons in vigilance and transparency that remain my foundation.
Despite my proficiency in aviation, a growing spiritual yearning eventually eclipsed my technical passion. At age 52, I embraced the humbling challenge of becoming a first-year student at Liberty University. Balancing a dual focus in Christian Ministry and Aviation Maintenance Management, I navigate the complexities of being a non-traditional student, husband, and father. This path requires a different kind of resilience: trading the familiar world of mechanics for the nuanced study of theology, pastoral care, and ethics.
My goal is to establish a church and serve as a pastor. I believe my unique background—merging the methodical problem-solving of a veteran mechanic with a compassionate heart for ministry—allows me to offer a grounded perspective to leadership. My journey proves that it is never too late to answer a new calling.