Conversations with Perry Slaughter III

Today we’d like to introduce you to Perry Slaughter III.

Hi Perry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t step into ministry because I had everything figured out. I stepped into it because I felt called to serve people right where they were. My journey started with a simple desire: to make sure young people felt seen, heard, and valued. Growing up, I understood how powerful it is to have someone believe in you, and I knew I wanted to be that person for others.

I began by volunteering, showing up consistently, building relationships, and listening more than I spoke. Whether it was mentoring students, helping families navigate challenges, or partnering with local organizations, I realized that ministry wasn’t confined to a building. It lived in everyday moments: conversations, presence, and trust.

Over time, what started as a passion turned into purpose. I pursued opportunities to grow, took on leadership roles, and stayed committed even in seasons of uncertainty. There were moments when doors didn’t open right away, but those seasons strengthened my faith and clarified my calling. I learned that impact isn’t about titles, but it’s about obedience, consistency, and genuine care for people.

Today, serving as the Director of Student Ministry, I have the privilege of walking alongside young people during some of the most formative years of their lives. My work extends beyond students to families and the broader community, creating spaces where people can belong, grow, and discover who they are called to be.

What brought me here wasn’t a straight path; it was faith, perseverance, and a willingness to serve wherever I was needed. And that same mindset continues to guide me today: show up, love people well, and trust that every step is part of a bigger purpose.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced has been navigating seasons of uncertainty. There were moments when I knew I was called to ministry and community work, but the opportunities didn’t come as quickly as I hoped. Walking through periods of waiting, after job applications, interviews, and “no’s”, tested my patience and my faith. It forced me to trust that purpose isn’t always revealed on our timeline.

Another challenge has been learning how to lead while still growing. Stepping into spaces where I was responsible for guiding young people and supporting families, I quickly realized that leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. I had to become comfortable with learning in real time, asking for help, and being honest about my own growth.

I’ve also faced the tension of pouring into others while making sure I wasn’t running on empty myself. Ministry and community work can be deeply fulfilling, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Learning how to set boundaries, rest, and stay spiritually grounded has been essential to sustaining the work long-term.

Building trust within a community has been another journey. People don’t open up overnight, especially young people. It takes consistency, authenticity, and time. There were moments where progress felt slow, but those experiences taught me that real impact is built through relationships, not quick results.

Through all of these challenges, I’ve grown in resilience, faith, and clarity. Each obstacle helped shape not just what I do, but how I do it with more patience, more empathy, and a deeper commitment to the people I serve.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Director of Student Ministry, my role centers on guiding and supporting students through some of the most formative years of their lives. I oversee programming for middle and high school students, create spaces for spiritual growth, and build meaningful relationships with both students and their families. My work goes beyond organizing events. It’s about mentoring, listening, and helping young people navigate faith, identity, and real-life challenges in ways that feel authentic and relevant.

I specialize in relational ministry by meeting students where they are and walking alongside them consistently. I focus on creating environments where students feel safe asking questions, being themselves, and growing in their faith without pressure or pretense. I also place a strong emphasis on connecting with parents, because lasting impact happens when the church and family work together.

I believe I’m known for being present and approachable. I don’t just lead from a stage. I show up in everyday moments, whether that’s at school events, over conversations, or simply being available when a student needs someone to talk to. That consistency helps build trust, which is the foundation of everything I do.

What I’m most proud of is the culture we’re building, one where students feel like they truly belong. Seeing students grow in confidence, step into leadership, and support one another is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about attendance or numbers; it’s about transformation and community.

What sets me apart is my commitment to both faith and authenticity. I don’t try to present a perfect image; instead, I lead with honesty, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand people. I’m also deeply committed to meeting students in today’s world, engaging their realities while helping them stay grounded in something bigger than themselves.

At the core of it all, my goal is simple: to create a space where students are seen, supported, and challenged to become who they are called to be.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t describe my journey in terms of luck as much as I do faith, timing, and perseverance. From the outside, some opportunities may look like “good luck,” but I’ve come to understand that they’re often the result of consistent effort, preparation, and trusting the process, even when things aren’t going my way.

There have definitely been moments that felt like “bad luck”, missed opportunities, doors that didn’t open, and seasons where I questioned what was next. But looking back, those moments were shaping me. They taught me patience, strengthened my character, and clarified my purpose. What didn’t work out was just as important as what did.

If anything, I’ve learned that what people call luck is often where preparation meets opportunity. When the right doors did open, I was ready, but not because everything was perfect, but because I had grown through the waiting.

In ministry and community work, especially, I’ve seen that impact isn’t built on chance. It’s built on showing up consistently, investing in people, and trusting that even the unseen work matters. So while I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had, I don’t credit luck. I credit faith, growth, and the willingness to keep going no matter the season.

Contact Info:

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