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State: Oregon
Region: Northwest
Name: Dave Mendenhall
Church: Church On The Hill
Address of Church: 700 NW Hill Road
City: McMinnv ille, Oregon
Contact Info:
Phone: 503-883-7067
Mailing Address: PO Box 1319
McMinnville, OR 97128
Email: crstaterep@oregon.com
Personal Profile: Dave was born in McMinnville, October 31st 1962 and has lived locally 42 out of the last 44 years in the Willamette Valley.
His company, Bus Solutions, provides a number of valuation and marketing services for the bus, motor coach, school, transit, shuttle bus and limousine industries, and employs many folks who are in recovery.
Family, hobbies, etc:
Dave lives in McMinnville, OR with his son Joshua and two Labrador retrievers Jake & Gus. He enjoys fly fishing and entertaining folks at his home.
Celebrate Recovery Experience:
Dave was one of the founders of the McMinnville CR in March of 2002. He has served as the Ministry Leader since 2003 and has served as the state rep for Oregon since December of 2004.
Personal Recovery: Dave has been in recovery from sexual addiction since 1998.
CR Trainings attended or hosted:
Summits 2004, 2005. 2006 and 2007
One day Seminar in Vancouver, WA November 2004
One day Training, Newberg, OR February 2005
One day Seminar in Boise, ID June 2005
One Day Seminar in McMinnville, OR March 2006
One Day Seminar in Duluth, GA April 2006
One Day Seminar in Seattle, WA, Sept 2006
One Day Seminar, Boise, ID, June 2007
Various Networking events
Terri Sharp
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Hi my name is Terri Sharp. I was born in Anaheim, CA but raised in Napa Valley, CA. I attended Vintage High School graduating in 1986. During my high school years I was part of a state wide technical program in the Commercial Art Field. This was a program that led me to believe that my career would be in the art field. But…. later I went on to major in Interpreting for the Deaf in college. (How is that for a weird path?) I loved school and now have a passion for encouraging others to return back to college. I have learned through life’s experiences how to fan the flame and pass it on to others. Looking back on my years of growing up I can clearly see several people of influence and assistance that God placed in my life.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
My life has been blessed by the Lord providing me the opportunity to be involved with the following ministries: Blended Family Ministries, Outreach Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Mission Fair and most recently the Link to Serve Ministry. I did not arrive at COTH with a Nazarene background. I was raised Catholic. Believe it or not when I was little I thought I was going to grow up and become a nun. (Some of you are laughing!!) Well to make a long story short I did not become a nun. In fact I really count my walk with the Lord late in life. Through the years I have had to learn a great deal about life and God’s incredible grace. My professional background includes working with many types of people in various settings and meeting a need. This was a passion that I learned to love early on as an interpreter. One of my treasured memories was being assigned to interpret for a Deaf/Blind client for an art class. I believe that that the Holy Spirit was grooming me for bigger and better things. God’s way not mine!! Duh!! Took me a little while to figure this out though!
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Over the years I have experienced SO many different things. I am a daughter, sister, mother and wife.
I have chosen to take these moments of “Real Life” and encourage other woman to step up in various ministries.
If I can be used by the Lord as a voice of encouragement, a leader for woman’s ministries, a support for their heart, and a worker for His Kingdom…. I am so there!! Reflecting on my life I have been SO blessed to witness, as well as experience, strong, perfectly balanced Godly woman stand up and take small steps to change the world and lead others to a personal relationship with Christ.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
My passion is witnessing something “broken” and seeing the transformation into all that God intended her/him to be. Loving on what others may call the unloved, the unchurched and the unaccepted. Gang it doesn’t get any better than that!! After all we have ALL been those things at one time in our lives. My personal passion is to be used by Christ to pass on His miraculous love & His purpose. Bringing hope to others as well as encouragement through God’s promises is what it’s all about. Provide practical leadership skills that will facilitate, celebrate, encourage and even spark women to serve in various ministry roles at COTH.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
Yes if it is God’s purpose and God’s will! I will forever “seek”, “listen” and “walk” for the Lord. Everyday is a God given opportunity to be a woman of influence, and encouragement in someone’s life. Helping them discover and become all that God destined for them to be. My life will always be full of alacrity, dedication and a longing to teach others about Christ. I owe it ALL to Him!!
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Hi my name is Terri Sharp. I was born in Anaheim, CA but raised in Napa Valley, CA. I attended Vintage High School graduating in 1986. During my high school years I was part of a state wide technical program in the Commercial Art Field. This was a program that led me to believe that my career would be in the art field. But…. later I went on to major in Interpreting for the Deaf in college. (How is that for a weird path?) I loved school and now have a passion for encouraging others to return back to college. I have learned through life’s experiences how to fan the flame and pass it on to others. Looking back on my years of growing up I can clearly see several people of influence and assistance that God placed in my life.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
My life has been blessed by the Lord providing me the opportunity to be involved with the following ministries: Blended Family Ministries, Outreach Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Mission Fair and most recently the Link to Serve Ministry. I did not arrive at COTH with a Nazarene background. I was raised Catholic. Believe it or not when I was little I thought I was going to grow up and become a nun. (Some of you are laughing!!) Well to make a long story short I did not become a nun. In fact I really count my walk with the Lord late in life. Through the years I have had to learn a great deal about life and God’s incredible grace. My professional background includes working with many types of people in various settings and meeting a need. This was a passion that I learned to love early on as an interpreter. One of my treasured memories was being assigned to interpret for a Deaf/Blind client for an art class. I believe that that the Holy Spirit was grooming me for bigger and better things. God’s way not mine!! Duh!! Took me a little while to figure this out though!
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Over the years I have experienced SO many different things. I am a daughter, sister, mother and wife.
I have chosen to take these moments of “Real Life” and encourage other woman to step up in various ministries.
If I can be used by the Lord as a voice of encouragement, a leader for woman’s ministries, a support for their heart, and a worker for His Kingdom…. I am so there!! Reflecting on my life I have been SO blessed to witness, as well as experience, strong, perfectly balanced Godly woman stand up and take small steps to change the world and lead others to a personal relationship with Christ.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
My passion is witnessing something “broken” and seeing the transformation into all that God intended her/him to be. Loving on what others may call the unloved, the unchurched and the unaccepted. Gang it doesn’t get any better than that!! After all we have ALL been those things at one time in our lives. My personal passion is to be used by Christ to pass on His miraculous love & His purpose. Bringing hope to others as well as encouragement through God’s promises is what it’s all about. Provide practical leadership skills that will facilitate, celebrate, encourage and even spark women to serve in various ministry roles at COTH.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
Yes if it is God’s purpose and God’s will! I will forever “seek”, “listen” and “walk” for the Lord. Everyday is a God given opportunity to be a woman of influence, and encouragement in someone’s life. Helping them discover and become all that God destined for them to be. My life will always be full of alacrity, dedication and a longing to teach others about Christ. I owe it ALL to Him!!
Kristina Wells
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University and an Oregon Teaching License (As of December 2007)
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Two years of student teaching-- 3rd grade, fifth grade, and kindergarten, and employment at a child development center.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I spent my childhood in churches, hearing Bible stories and memorizing verses, but never understood that God had any importance or relevance outside of church. I want to give the kids who come to our church a different experience.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
My driving force is the passion I have for kids to know who God is. I want them to have the foundational knowledge about God’s character that will enable them to engage in a relationship with Him that will mature over the years.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
My role in this church has evolved a lot in the past three years. With so many exciting changes in children's ministries coming up, it’s hard to say where I’ll be in five years, but my greatest hope is to continue serving kids and their families through the church for many more years.
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University and an Oregon Teaching License (As of December 2007)
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Two years of student teaching-- 3rd grade, fifth grade, and kindergarten, and employment at a child development center.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I spent my childhood in churches, hearing Bible stories and memorizing verses, but never understood that God had any importance or relevance outside of church. I want to give the kids who come to our church a different experience.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
My driving force is the passion I have for kids to know who God is. I want them to have the foundational knowledge about God’s character that will enable them to engage in a relationship with Him that will mature over the years.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
My role in this church has evolved a lot in the past three years. With so many exciting changes in children's ministries coming up, it’s hard to say where I’ll be in five years, but my greatest hope is to continue serving kids and their families through the church for many more years.
Jessica Spencer
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated from McMinnville High School, where I lettered for dance team and was among the first class to complete CIM & CAM before they were requirements. I became a wife and mother shortly after, which has been an educational process all on it’s own! I plan on going back to school when Grace is a little older.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I have worked in the children’s department here at the church for 5 years. I have been responsible for teaching the lessons, preparing crafts, ordering curriculum and training caregiver staff and volunteers making sure that our activities are age appropriate.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Growing up I went to church on Christmas and Easter with my parents. Sometimes my Aunt would take me with her and sometimes I would go to church with friends-mostly VBS. The majority of my younger church life was spent at The First Assembly of God and St. James. When I was about 5, I asked Jesus to come into my heart.
The summer after I graduated high school I was married and had my first of three children; Nicholas (10), Noah (8) and Gracella (2).
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I love kids! It’s an awesome responsibility to “Be Jesus” to the kids we see come through these doors every week. I love that we get to introduce these kids to Jesus and how much he has done for them and how much he loves them.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
It is up to God where I will be in 5 years. I will do what God calls me to do.
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated from McMinnville High School, where I lettered for dance team and was among the first class to complete CIM & CAM before they were requirements. I became a wife and mother shortly after, which has been an educational process all on it’s own! I plan on going back to school when Grace is a little older.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I have worked in the children’s department here at the church for 5 years. I have been responsible for teaching the lessons, preparing crafts, ordering curriculum and training caregiver staff and volunteers making sure that our activities are age appropriate.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Growing up I went to church on Christmas and Easter with my parents. Sometimes my Aunt would take me with her and sometimes I would go to church with friends-mostly VBS. The majority of my younger church life was spent at The First Assembly of God and St. James. When I was about 5, I asked Jesus to come into my heart.
The summer after I graduated high school I was married and had my first of three children; Nicholas (10), Noah (8) and Gracella (2).
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I love kids! It’s an awesome responsibility to “Be Jesus” to the kids we see come through these doors every week. I love that we get to introduce these kids to Jesus and how much he has done for them and how much he loves them.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
It is up to God where I will be in 5 years. I will do what God calls me to do.
Nicole Kearns
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
1. Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated from Morro Bay High School in 2003 and since have continued to further my education in Early Childhood Education. I have taken classes through Head Start, Chemeketa and the Child Care Division of Oregon.
2. Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I work for a child development center for two years where I was a teacher for the infants, toddlers and twos. After this I started an in-home day care where I had kids from infants to second graders. While the older kids were at school I held a preschool program that had age-appropriate activities (including toddlers).
3. Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I became a Christian when I was young and I grew up in a God-centered home. When I was younger baby-sitting was my job. I was always surrounded by kids. During High school I took several challenging child development courses. After this I moved to Oregon and immediately began working for the center. While I was working for the child development center and starting the in-home day care, I became a wife and a mother of two.
4. What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
The kids! They are so innocent and they absorb everything. If I can show them the love of Jesus Christ at such an early age it could make a life long impression on them; especially those who do not hear about Christ anywhere else. There is nothing like listening to a child’s first prayer or watching them sing “Jesus Loves Me” with a full understanding of it. They glow and that just warms my heart and makes me want to teach it all over again.
5. Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
I have just been given another opportunity to minister to kids in our community as the director of Discovery Zone Preschool that our church will be opening this coming January. So in taking that position I don’t know how long I will be “Preschool Ministry Director”. I would like to eventually step back from this position so that my main focus’ can be on my family and Discovery Zone Preschool.
BIO Questions Format
1. Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated from Morro Bay High School in 2003 and since have continued to further my education in Early Childhood Education. I have taken classes through Head Start, Chemeketa and the Child Care Division of Oregon.
2. Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I work for a child development center for two years where I was a teacher for the infants, toddlers and twos. After this I started an in-home day care where I had kids from infants to second graders. While the older kids were at school I held a preschool program that had age-appropriate activities (including toddlers).
3. Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I became a Christian when I was young and I grew up in a God-centered home. When I was younger baby-sitting was my job. I was always surrounded by kids. During High school I took several challenging child development courses. After this I moved to Oregon and immediately began working for the center. While I was working for the child development center and starting the in-home day care, I became a wife and a mother of two.
4. What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
The kids! They are so innocent and they absorb everything. If I can show them the love of Jesus Christ at such an early age it could make a life long impression on them; especially those who do not hear about Christ anywhere else. There is nothing like listening to a child’s first prayer or watching them sing “Jesus Loves Me” with a full understanding of it. They glow and that just warms my heart and makes me want to teach it all over again.
5. Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
I have just been given another opportunity to minister to kids in our community as the director of Discovery Zone Preschool that our church will be opening this coming January. So in taking that position I don’t know how long I will be “Preschool Ministry Director”. I would like to eventually step back from this position so that my main focus’ can be on my family and Discovery Zone Preschool.
Kristina Ribali
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated from South High School in Pueblo Colorado in 1991. Degree in Finance from the American Institute of Banking.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I was a Personal Banker and Investment Rep for US Bancorp until our first child was born in 1998. Since then and currently with my husband we run a lawn care and household services company. I’m a mom of two, a business owner and I work with the youth group at the church. I love encouraging and facilitating growth in students and in the other leaders in our program!
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I started working with our youth group in 2003, very soon after that I felt God telling me that I needed to do something more.
As a teen I struggled to find who I was in Christ. I made many poor choices that brought me to a place where all I had was my belief in Christ. From there it has been a journey to become whole. To finally see myself as Jesus sees me. That is the goal for our Life Hurts God Heals program; that students will begin their journey and start to see themselves as Jesus sees them.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I love students who want change in their life! It is priceless to me to see how students grasp the reality of who they are in Christ and the change that ultimately brings in their life. There is no greater reward then to watch a student transform before your eyes, to see them make healthy and good choices and the joy brought back into their lives. I believe our program does this! It transforms broken vessels into servants ready to serve their Lord and change the environment around them.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
Yes! I have a heart to lead students and to lead other student ministers. I don’t think their will be any fewer hurting students in 5 years from now. I have a goal to have this program running in every church that currently has a Celebrate Recovery. I want every youth group and church to have the opportunity to learn how they can change students at a younger and more impressionable age.
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated from South High School in Pueblo Colorado in 1991. Degree in Finance from the American Institute of Banking.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I was a Personal Banker and Investment Rep for US Bancorp until our first child was born in 1998. Since then and currently with my husband we run a lawn care and household services company. I’m a mom of two, a business owner and I work with the youth group at the church. I love encouraging and facilitating growth in students and in the other leaders in our program!
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I started working with our youth group in 2003, very soon after that I felt God telling me that I needed to do something more.
As a teen I struggled to find who I was in Christ. I made many poor choices that brought me to a place where all I had was my belief in Christ. From there it has been a journey to become whole. To finally see myself as Jesus sees me. That is the goal for our Life Hurts God Heals program; that students will begin their journey and start to see themselves as Jesus sees them.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I love students who want change in their life! It is priceless to me to see how students grasp the reality of who they are in Christ and the change that ultimately brings in their life. There is no greater reward then to watch a student transform before your eyes, to see them make healthy and good choices and the joy brought back into their lives. I believe our program does this! It transforms broken vessels into servants ready to serve their Lord and change the environment around them.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
Yes! I have a heart to lead students and to lead other student ministers. I don’t think their will be any fewer hurting students in 5 years from now. I have a goal to have this program running in every church that currently has a Celebrate Recovery. I want every youth group and church to have the opportunity to learn how they can change students at a younger and more impressionable age.
Tracie Utti
Bio for Tracie Utti
I graduated from Sprague High School in 1982 in Salem Oregon. I started working at what I call my first real job 2 months after graduation at State Farm Insurance. I worked there for the next 21 years. I met my husband in 1988 at work. I didn’t grow up going to church so it really wasn’t much of a priority but found out rather quickly that if I wanted to continue my relationship with Rich it was going to be a very important factor.
We dated for about 1 ½ years prior to getting married. He introduced me slowly into a small Presbyterian church in Multnomah which is where we got married and I accepted Christ sometime in my mid 20’s. We had attended church here and there from then on but never really became active until moving to McMinnville in 2001 where we started attending Church on the Hill. We both became active volunteers in several ministries, started up a small group in our home. I became an employee of the church in March 2004 as an assistant and became the Connections Ministry Director in April of 2007.
I live in McMinnville with my husband Rich and son Taylor who is a sophomore in high school. Our daughter Venessa who is 21 and living in Portland, she has completed two years of community college and will start this fall at Western where she will major in criminal justice. She hopes to become a police officer. I feel God will continue to work on me to become the best leader of the Connections Ministry I can helping people get assimilated into the body of the church.
I graduated from Sprague High School in 1982 in Salem Oregon. I started working at what I call my first real job 2 months after graduation at State Farm Insurance. I worked there for the next 21 years. I met my husband in 1988 at work. I didn’t grow up going to church so it really wasn’t much of a priority but found out rather quickly that if I wanted to continue my relationship with Rich it was going to be a very important factor.
We dated for about 1 ½ years prior to getting married. He introduced me slowly into a small Presbyterian church in Multnomah which is where we got married and I accepted Christ sometime in my mid 20’s. We had attended church here and there from then on but never really became active until moving to McMinnville in 2001 where we started attending Church on the Hill. We both became active volunteers in several ministries, started up a small group in our home. I became an employee of the church in March 2004 as an assistant and became the Connections Ministry Director in April of 2007.
I live in McMinnville with my husband Rich and son Taylor who is a sophomore in high school. Our daughter Venessa who is 21 and living in Portland, she has completed two years of community college and will start this fall at Western where she will major in criminal justice. She hopes to become a police officer. I feel God will continue to work on me to become the best leader of the Connections Ministry I can helping people get assimilated into the body of the church.
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