Meet Pastor Graydon

Graydon Jessup has been senior pastor at Eastside Christian Church for the past thirteen years. Born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, California, Graydon brings a unique perspective and outlook on ministry. His relaxed and down to earth style is reaching the hearts and minds of thousands with the gospel message.

As a child, Graydon grew up in a family where his dad was the pastor of a small church. He decided to make his faith his own when he was 12, and gave his life to the Lord. Even in high school, his High classmates called him "Rev" (for Reverend), and he knew he was going into Christian ministry.

Graydon spent the first years of his adult life studying for the ministry at the School for Evangelists. While studying there, he worked at a bank, and excelled to such a degree that they offered him a career in bank management and a great salary. This presented a real temptation to leave God's calling on his life, given that he had recently married, and a new baby was on its way. Graydon turned down their offer and accepted a pastorate at a small church in rural Indiana in 1964.

Graydon "cut his teeth" in ministry in Indiana for 5 years, serving in Peru and Brazil, Indiana. In 1969, Graydon, Judy, and their growing family accepted an invitation to pastor a congregation in the great white north—Anchorage, Alaska, where his wife Judy grew up. For 22 years, Graydon preached biblical messages, counseled families, married and buried congregants (not at the same service), and went moose hunting and salmon fishing in his spare time. The church relocated and grew from 25 members to over 700 during that time. Graydon and Judy saw their four children all grow up and come to love God as they do.

Graydon's down to earth style and friendly, "people person" temperament struck a chord with the Eastside Christian Church leaders in 1992. Their long-time pastor was moving to Missouri, and they needed a strong and loving spiritual leader. Graydon accepted Eastside's invitation to be her Senior Pastor, and has been ministering here ever since.

Graydon's dream of a growing church that brings irreligious people into God's family, helping people experience Jesus' love and grace, starting new churches regularly, and supporting missions worldwide is being carried out daily here at Eastside. He's excited to build upon the strong legacy that Eastside has been for 43 years.

Graydon enjoys people! He is easy to talk to and get to know. He is an authentic man who loves God and wants to help others know Him too.

Graydon resides in Southern California with his lovely wife Judy Jessup. This year they celebrated 42 years of marriage. They have four children, and, soon they will have ten grandchildren.

To Listen to Graydon's teaching click here.