About
A lifelong Rhode Islander whose roots run deep.
Family is at the center of everything Joshua does, guided by values of integrity, hard work, faith, and service — from the pulpit to the marketplace to the home.
Joshua Luis Pereira is a proud husband to Nancy, his partner in both life and business. Together they are raising their two children, Hailey and Aiden, to embrace the values that define their family legacy. Faith, integrity, and service aren't just ideals — they're the foundation of daily life in the Pereira household.
Raised in a ministry family, Josh served in media, worship, and youth ministry from a young age, shaping his passion for developing leaders and strengthening the local church. Though once preparing for a career in the Marine Corps, he ultimately answered God's call to ministry.
As Executive Pastor of Saving Grace Church in East Providence, Rhode Island, Josh brings vision, leadership, and structure to the operations and ministries of the congregation. With more than 20 years of ministry experience, he has led multiple generations of youth, provided pastoral counseling, and continues to help guide the church forward alongside his father, Founding Pastor Floriano Pereira.
Alongside ministry, Josh is an entrepreneur — founder of Pereira Family Realty and the OptiSolutions family of companies, creating opportunity through technology, real estate, and business development. He holds degrees in Psychology, Justice Studies, and Biblical Studies, and is currently pursuing Doctorates in Systematic Theology and Christian Counseling.
20+
Years in ministry
3
Degrees earned
2
Doctorates underway
The journey
A few markers along the way
- Roots
Raised in a Ministry Family
A lifelong Rhode Islander, Josh served in media, worship, and youth ministry from a young age, shaping a passion for developing leaders and strengthening the local church.
- The Turn
From the Marine Corps to the Call
Though once preparing for a career in the Marine Corps, Josh's journey took a different path, including working in Computer Operations for a police department. But ultimately, it was God's call to ministry that would define his path and purpose. Answering that call became more than a career decision — it became the greatest privilege of his life and the foundation of a life devoted to serving God and others.
- Ministry
Executive Pastor, Saving Grace Church
With more than 20 years of ministry experience, Josh brings vision, leadership, and structure to Saving Grace Church in East Providence, serving alongside his father, Founding Pastor Floriano Pereira.
- Enterprise
Building Family & Business
Founder of Pereira Family Realty and the OptiSolutions family of companies, creating opportunity through technology, real estate, and business development.
- The Podcast
Temporary Insanity
Created and hosts a Christian podcast blending biblical wisdom, transparency, and humor to help listeners navigate life's chaos with faith and clarity.
- Today
Serving & Leading
Board member of the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce, mentor, educator, husband, and father — still convinced true success is found in lifting others.
What I believe
Convictions I build my life on
Faith
Rooted in biblical truth and guided by God's calling to serve His people with authenticity and compassion.
Community
Committed to strengthening Rhode Island through mentorship, leadership, and genuine relationships.
Integrity
Operating with honesty, transparency, and ethical standards in ministry, business, and family life.
Family
Home is the first congregation — raising the next generation in the values that define the family legacy.
Community leadership
Invested in Rhode Island
East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce
Board Member · Chair, Young Professionals Group
Serving on the Board of Directors and helping support the Chamber's mission of strengthening the local business community. As Chair of the Young Professionals Group, Josh helps create opportunities for emerging leaders to connect, grow professionally, build meaningful relationships, and become more engaged in the East Providence business community.
The Business League
Board Member · Leadership Role
Supporting entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals through relationship-building, collaboration, education, and community engagement. Josh helps advance the organization's mission of connecting local businesses, encouraging economic development, and creating opportunities for leaders to grow stronger networks throughout Rhode Island.
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs — RI Bailliage
Vice Chargé de Presse & des Médias Sociaux
Serving in the Rhode Island Bailliage of the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a gastronomic society dedicated to culinary excellence, hospitality, fellowship, and tradition. Josh supports the Bailliage's communications, media, and digital presence while helping promote its events and culinary partnerships. The Rhode Island Bailliage also invests in the next generation of hospitality professionals, providing thousands of dollars in scholarships and educational support to students at Johnson & Wales University and creating opportunities for emerging culinary and hospitality leaders.
Education & Youth Mentorship
Podcasting & Communications Instructor · Academic Advisory Board Member
Teaching podcasting and communications at East Providence middle schools, helping students discover their voice, build confidence, and develop real-world communication skills. Josh also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for East Providence High School's Information Technology Program, advising on curriculum development, program direction, and alignment with the evolving needs of the technology industry — helping prepare students for future education and careers in IT.
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