Rev. Gary Fox serves Presbyterian Village North (PVN) as Director of Spiritual Life. He creates a welcoming and nurturing environment on campus and is deeply committed to supporting residents on their spiritual journeys. He recently shared insights about his work and personal approach in a fun Q and A, offering the community a chance to get to know him better. Read more about him below.
In a few sentences, how would you introduce yourself to the community?
I’m Rev. Dr. Gary Fox, Director of Spiritual Life at PVN. I’ve been at PVN for six and half years, beginning as a part-time Chaplain in the Transitional Rehab Center (TRC) then becoming the full-time associate director and in January of 2025, the director of Spiritual Life. Ministry as a vocation came as a second career for me, starting out as a graphic designer for 15 years. Dipping my toes into the ministry waters slowly, I started taking just a few classes at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University to see if this was what God was calling me to do. After those first few classes, I was all in and knew this was what was what I was supposed to be doing.
Who has been a meaningful influence in your life, and what did they teach you?
Terence Fretheim, a seminary professor, and author of the book “The Suffering of God”, had a huge impact on me. He was the first person I ever heard say, “If God has integrity, and God does, then when God offers possibilities to God’s people, they must also remain possibilities for God. For if God already knows what we will decide, it would be disingenuous of God to offer possibilities.” That simple statement blew my mind and helped me understand that God truly journeys with us. What excitement to know God is walking into new possibilities with us every day.
What hobbies or interests bring you joy outside your work?
As a former graphic artist, I still love to do all kinds of art. I have a mixed media piece of the Last Supper I did and I make a photo memory book each year for my daughter to recap her school year with friends and family. Recently, I created a book for my sister and brother using the text of a story my grandmother wrote for us when we were small. I also love listening to podcasts!
What’s something residents might be surprised to learn about you?
I collected comic books for seventeen years and when I finally sold my collection, I had over 1,800 comic books! I also played French horn for 22 years.
