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George Pickard
COTH: Chaplain for Business, and Recovery
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church.
My technical and administrative tendencies have been influenced through earlier Physics and Logistics degrees. Denise and I were called to Christ in 1998, two years after being married, and I spent three years as a small church administrator. After receiving my calling in 1998, the Holy Spirit sent me to George Fox Evangelical Seminary for my MDiv, and then to the Oregon State Hospital for my chaplaincy training. I am ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance. ECA, an interdenominational alliance, has no church or denomination. Its ministers offer their services to all Christian churches and denominations. Whatever educational background I have completed, I will never complete reaching for the depth of meaning to me that Romans 5:5 continues to have: I continuously walk to path of increasing experience beyond understanding of the majesty of God’s gift to me of the Holy Spirit through Whom I receive His love into my heart. What an awesome gift to convey to others, my world of neighbors, His people, and children in need.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church.
Since I came to Christ late in life, I consider my total professional background as being used by the Holy Spirit to prepare me for His purposes. I have not arrived at the COTH with the traditional ministerial background. I have discovered my propensity for a more structured business environment is being slowly replaced with a more casual and relaxed professional mode. I am even trying very hard to wear my shirttails hanging out.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church.
My parents are “Builder Generation” products, and I have been heavily influenced by their non-display of love and acceptance, no discussion of family issues, and a work ethic of perseverance and silence. I left their Presbyterian church at age eleven when I was told that the line of God’s acceptance was straight and narrow, and if I ever got off the line even if it was not due to me, that I would go straight to hell. Coming out of this background, my achievement drive overpowered past losses and present problems. I now realize that this tremendous and secularly successful drive was to compensate for my earlier loss parental love. Following my 27-year military career, I buried myself into small business manufacturing – plastics for pipes and aircraft, and steel for outdoor BBQ systems. I also have participated in and led SCORE teams that serve the SBA to assist small businesses. I experienced helping to start companies, turning them around, and when necessary shutting them down. Outside the COTH, Denise and I have discovered the world of on board cruising. During the Easter and Christmas seasons, I am an interdenominational chaplain for Princes Cruises. A very experienced pastor with me here at COTH, has observed that this must surely be: “Suffering for Christ!”
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church? Denise and I have sensed that we were led out of Bend, OR, to McMinnville then specifically to COTH, and more recently into Celebrate Recovery. My calling of 1999 has remained a strong focus: “Bring Corporate World to Christ.” For the first time in my Christian life, I feel that here at COTH I am living out my calling. I am deeply passionate about my Spiritual counseling to those in recovery. I sense that through this experience the Holy Spirit is strengthening my preparation for offering Spiritual counseling services to business owners and leaders, and then to their employees. The Celebrate Recovery system feels as the tool and the method that I have been led to use for the rest of my life and serve to Christ. This latter role in service to the business community is evolving as I mature in Christ, here at COTH. To my surprise, the most catching comment that I have made to business owners is “Have Ear Will Listen.” Clearly, confidentiality and “image” are essential to any relationship I am led to develop. To this purpose, I have entered the CR 12 Step program to give to Christ the negative behavioral aspects of my self diagnosed “achievement addiction,” and to walk the path so many of our business owners and leaders need to wrestle with. Denise has joined with me on this 12 Step path as a husband and wife team, walking together in Christ.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
I am maturing in Christ. From my secular background, and my nine years as a Christian, I see myself (Denise and me) tuning into the small quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, and obeying. We have been very clearly led by the Holy Spirit since we were married in Sep 1996. I presently have been led to serve the COTH and our senior pastor. I do this with a passion never experienced in my past.
--- Through Christ in Faith. --- George
Chris Collins
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Church and family life have always been important to Chris. He spent the first few years of his life attending a Church of Christ church with his mother. She remarried when Chris was six and, from that point forward, he was raised in a Southern Baptist church where his new father was pastor. At age 8, Chris made a decision to be a Christ follower.
Years later, at 21, Chris began dating a former high school crush shortly after she began attending the same church. They were married in 1994. Melissa and Chris now have 2 children, Carissa (10) and Corban (7) as well as another, Hattie, on the way.
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Chris attended Richland High School in Fort Worth, Texas, were he lettered in varsity football, track, gymnastics and cheerleading (or yell leading, as he prefers to call it). Upon graduation, Chris studied at the University of Texas and Tarrant Community College before pursuing a biblical studies degree at Dallas Baptist University and The Criswell College. He graduated in 1998 with 8 years of study, one degree and many life lessons learned. His degree in biblical studies with an emphasis on pastoral ministry has given him what he believes to be a solid educational foundation for ministry.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
After graduating high school, Chris worked with children and teens as a gymnastics and tumbling coach—giving him experience with and developing his love for kids of all ages. His relationship with Christ led him into vocational ministry at 23. He served as a college pastor, singles pastor and associate pastor his first 6 years in ministry before founding a new church in North Fort Worth and serving as senior pastor. He served at Grace Community Church for 6 years before being led to Church on the Hill where he serves as children and family ministries pastor.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
Chris’ role as children’s pastor was initially pursued because he wanted to personally influence his own and other kids to follow Jesus. That desire soon developed into a passion for reaching and influencing entire families in order to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of children. As family ministries pastor, Chris’ passion is characterized in the mission statement of the Children’s Ministry, “Building futures for Jesus—TODAY!” and that of Family Ministries, “Developing spiritual, emotional and relational health in our homes!”
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
Chris intends to make a difference in the lives of children and families for years to come. How that might look in the years ahead, he doesn’t know. One thing is sure, in his own words, “I am content to be used of God here at Church on the Hill and to live out the remainder of my life here in McMinnville, serving this community for years to come.
BIO Questions Format
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Church and family life have always been important to Chris. He spent the first few years of his life attending a Church of Christ church with his mother. She remarried when Chris was six and, from that point forward, he was raised in a Southern Baptist church where his new father was pastor. At age 8, Chris made a decision to be a Christ follower.
Years later, at 21, Chris began dating a former high school crush shortly after she began attending the same church. They were married in 1994. Melissa and Chris now have 2 children, Carissa (10) and Corban (7) as well as another, Hattie, on the way.
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Chris attended Richland High School in Fort Worth, Texas, were he lettered in varsity football, track, gymnastics and cheerleading (or yell leading, as he prefers to call it). Upon graduation, Chris studied at the University of Texas and Tarrant Community College before pursuing a biblical studies degree at Dallas Baptist University and The Criswell College. He graduated in 1998 with 8 years of study, one degree and many life lessons learned. His degree in biblical studies with an emphasis on pastoral ministry has given him what he believes to be a solid educational foundation for ministry.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
After graduating high school, Chris worked with children and teens as a gymnastics and tumbling coach—giving him experience with and developing his love for kids of all ages. His relationship with Christ led him into vocational ministry at 23. He served as a college pastor, singles pastor and associate pastor his first 6 years in ministry before founding a new church in North Fort Worth and serving as senior pastor. He served at Grace Community Church for 6 years before being led to Church on the Hill where he serves as children and family ministries pastor.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
Chris’ role as children’s pastor was initially pursued because he wanted to personally influence his own and other kids to follow Jesus. That desire soon developed into a passion for reaching and influencing entire families in order to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of children. As family ministries pastor, Chris’ passion is characterized in the mission statement of the Children’s Ministry, “Building futures for Jesus—TODAY!” and that of Family Ministries, “Developing spiritual, emotional and relational health in our homes!”
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years; if not where would you see you in the church?
Chris intends to make a difference in the lives of children and families for years to come. How that might look in the years ahead, he doesn’t know. One thing is sure, in his own words, “I am content to be used of God here at Church on the Hill and to live out the remainder of my life here in McMinnville, serving this community for years to come.
Dale Collver
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 McKay high school.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I have been self employed for 10 yrs. I have been in the people business for most of my life. I have to learn to understand and communicate with people so as to get the product they are happy with into their hands. This has been helpful when working with teens and their parents. Of course this skill is translated into spiritual things.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I have a beautiful wife of 11 yrs named Heather Collver, and three gorgeous girls, Hayden 3, Hannah 6, Hayley 9. Real life lessons have helped shape me into a man who loves kids and wants to see that every one of them know Jesus loves them.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
My passion is to share Christ and His love with these kids. I want them to know that they can have a relationship with Him and that Christ doesn’t want them to be religious.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself working with teens until God moves me. Be assured this is not an intentional stepping stone for a “Pastor” position. I love teens #1, #2 I love senior adults.
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I graduated McKay high school.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I have been self employed for 10 yrs. I have been in the people business for most of my life. I have to learn to understand and communicate with people so as to get the product they are happy with into their hands. This has been helpful when working with teens and their parents. Of course this skill is translated into spiritual things.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
I have a beautiful wife of 11 yrs named Heather Collver, and three gorgeous girls, Hayden 3, Hannah 6, Hayley 9. Real life lessons have helped shape me into a man who loves kids and wants to see that every one of them know Jesus loves them.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
My passion is to share Christ and His love with these kids. I want them to know that they can have a relationship with Him and that Christ doesn’t want them to be religious.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself working with teens until God moves me. Be assured this is not an intentional stepping stone for a “Pastor” position. I love teens #1, #2 I love senior adults.
Jim Ramos
Profile of Jim Ramos
Jim is a 1984 graduate of Morro Bay High School in California. He accepted Christ after his senior year in high school when one of his football coaches, Gary McCuskar, wouldn’t stop bugging him about Jesus. Jim never attended a church youth function all through his teen years and never hear the term “Youth group” until after college.
From there he continued his education and football career at Santa Clara University where in 1985 he had a near death experience during a routine knee surgery. After the surgery he heard the voice of God saying “Jim, I want you to make a difference in the lies of teens.” Jim was only 19 years old when he began working with autistic and severely learning disabled teenagers through college. He graduated in 1988 with a degree in Psychology and moved to his home town of Morro Bay, California in 1989 where he officially began his youth ministry career in May of 1989.
Jim will have been in youth ministry 19 years come May of 2008. Jim began his ministry as Youth for Christ area director over San Luis Obispo County where he became a credentialed YFC director in 1994. He was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 2000. He has coached high school football (1990-1997) and baseball (1990-92) for fun and is now coaching his boys in football and baseball as a volunteer. Jim served teens in his first community of Morro Bay over 14 years before moving to the Church on the Hill in McMinnville, Oregon in June of 2003. Jim lives in Mac with Shanna, his beautiful wife of over 15 years (Shanna was his best volunteer in Campus Life) along with his three handsome boys James (13), Darby (11) and Colton (9). He has just completed his 4th year in youth ministry at the Church on the Hill overseeing the middle school through college ministries where he confesses he is ,”finally learning this countuy.”He is a youth ministry “lifer” and feels called to one day pastor youth pastors while serving the local church as thei volunteer youth pastor..
Jim is a 1984 graduate of Morro Bay High School in California. He accepted Christ after his senior year in high school when one of his football coaches, Gary McCuskar, wouldn’t stop bugging him about Jesus. Jim never attended a church youth function all through his teen years and never hear the term “Youth group” until after college.
From there he continued his education and football career at Santa Clara University where in 1985 he had a near death experience during a routine knee surgery. After the surgery he heard the voice of God saying “Jim, I want you to make a difference in the lies of teens.” Jim was only 19 years old when he began working with autistic and severely learning disabled teenagers through college. He graduated in 1988 with a degree in Psychology and moved to his home town of Morro Bay, California in 1989 where he officially began his youth ministry career in May of 1989.
Jim will have been in youth ministry 19 years come May of 2008. Jim began his ministry as Youth for Christ area director over San Luis Obispo County where he became a credentialed YFC director in 1994. He was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 2000. He has coached high school football (1990-1997) and baseball (1990-92) for fun and is now coaching his boys in football and baseball as a volunteer. Jim served teens in his first community of Morro Bay over 14 years before moving to the Church on the Hill in McMinnville, Oregon in June of 2003. Jim lives in Mac with Shanna, his beautiful wife of over 15 years (Shanna was his best volunteer in Campus Life) along with his three handsome boys James (13), Darby (11) and Colton (9). He has just completed his 4th year in youth ministry at the Church on the Hill overseeing the middle school through college ministries where he confesses he is ,”finally learning this countuy.”He is a youth ministry “lifer” and feels called to one day pastor youth pastors while serving the local church as thei volunteer youth pastor..
Lon Eckdahl
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
BA in religion and a Master of Ministry degree from Point Loma Nazarene University. Some specialized training in senior adult ministries from CASA (Christian Association of Senior Adults).
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
36 years as a senior pastor, plus work as a hospital chaplain and law enforcement chaplain.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
My love for senior adults. And the privilege to offer continuing care to my aged mother.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
The realization that the people I am responsible for are probably the closest to eternity of any group in the church. And as they face the changes that age brings, there is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to the Person of Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to bring love and hope into their lives.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself in this role until I can no longer function effectively. Another 5 years, or 10 years at the outside.
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
BA in religion and a Master of Ministry degree from Point Loma Nazarene University. Some specialized training in senior adult ministries from CASA (Christian Association of Senior Adults).
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
36 years as a senior pastor, plus work as a hospital chaplain and law enforcement chaplain.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
My love for senior adults. And the privilege to offer continuing care to my aged mother.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
The realization that the people I am responsible for are probably the closest to eternity of any group in the church. And as they face the changes that age brings, there is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to the Person of Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to bring love and hope into their lives.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself in this role until I can no longer function effectively. Another 5 years, or 10 years at the outside.
David Ballard
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
After high school I attended a junior college for two years working on a degree in wildlife management. Then on December 23, 1975 God made it clear I was to study to be a pastor. So I enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1980.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
While at Point Loma, I worked as a youth pastor at a Presbyterian church in San Diego. I saw the struggles a mission minded pastor experiences when leading a mission-less congregation. After I graduated, Lon Eckdahl hired me as his youth pastor in February of 1981. Two years later he headed to Hawaii and I served as interim pastor until the new senior pastor was hired. I learned to love people from Lon, saw what passion could do for a youth ministry, and had my first lessons at top level leadership. Soon after, I was picked up by the Oroville Church of the Nazarene as their youth pastor. I served there 5 ½ years and then went to the Porterville Church of the Nazarene to lead their youth department. There John Denney (Sr. Pastor) taught me about organization, management and structure. After three years there I left full time ministry, moved my family to Oregon and worked as a project manager for a large landscape company. We began attending the Church on the Hill in June of 1992 and was hired as an associate pastor in December of 1994. I served under Wes Smith in various roles until May of 2000 when I became the senior pastor.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Looking back, it seems leadership and hard work has always been a way of life for me. In sports I served as team captain. With my friends, I was the decision maker. When I became a Christian at age 16, I was soon the youth group leader. I led bibles studies while in the junior college, as well as when I went to PLNU. From the time I was in junior high, I went to work concrete every day after school, every weekend, and all summer long. By the 12th grade, I was foreman of my concrete crew and supervised men twice my age. The two things I seem to do well is work hard and lead people and that is what my role requires of me today.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I still remember what it was like to be lost and going to hell. Not until a Wednesday night in the spring of 1972 did I know what it was like to be on your way to heaven. That journey to heaven also brought me into a loving church family where I learned about life in God’s Spirit. While that church loved me, they did not seek me. They just stood by and waited, hoping God would bring someone new into their midst. I NEVER want to be a part of a church that idly stands by and waits for the lost to find them. I will forever pour my life out for a church that cooperates with God’s leading to seek after those who are far from God. Leading this staff and congregation seems to be exactly what God has been designing me for all my life. I am living out God’s perfect purpose for my life and that gives me passion.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself in this role for many years - until I can no longer be effective as the senior pastor. Then I hope to step aside and let some younger pastor take my place and I hope the church finds some other role for me to serve at that time. I want to actively and aggressively work to help this church achieve it’s mission until the day I die. Then I will continue to pray for it’s success for the rest of eternity.
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
After high school I attended a junior college for two years working on a degree in wildlife management. Then on December 23, 1975 God made it clear I was to study to be a pastor. So I enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1980.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
While at Point Loma, I worked as a youth pastor at a Presbyterian church in San Diego. I saw the struggles a mission minded pastor experiences when leading a mission-less congregation. After I graduated, Lon Eckdahl hired me as his youth pastor in February of 1981. Two years later he headed to Hawaii and I served as interim pastor until the new senior pastor was hired. I learned to love people from Lon, saw what passion could do for a youth ministry, and had my first lessons at top level leadership. Soon after, I was picked up by the Oroville Church of the Nazarene as their youth pastor. I served there 5 ½ years and then went to the Porterville Church of the Nazarene to lead their youth department. There John Denney (Sr. Pastor) taught me about organization, management and structure. After three years there I left full time ministry, moved my family to Oregon and worked as a project manager for a large landscape company. We began attending the Church on the Hill in June of 1992 and was hired as an associate pastor in December of 1994. I served under Wes Smith in various roles until May of 2000 when I became the senior pastor.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Looking back, it seems leadership and hard work has always been a way of life for me. In sports I served as team captain. With my friends, I was the decision maker. When I became a Christian at age 16, I was soon the youth group leader. I led bibles studies while in the junior college, as well as when I went to PLNU. From the time I was in junior high, I went to work concrete every day after school, every weekend, and all summer long. By the 12th grade, I was foreman of my concrete crew and supervised men twice my age. The two things I seem to do well is work hard and lead people and that is what my role requires of me today.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I still remember what it was like to be lost and going to hell. Not until a Wednesday night in the spring of 1972 did I know what it was like to be on your way to heaven. That journey to heaven also brought me into a loving church family where I learned about life in God’s Spirit. While that church loved me, they did not seek me. They just stood by and waited, hoping God would bring someone new into their midst. I NEVER want to be a part of a church that idly stands by and waits for the lost to find them. I will forever pour my life out for a church that cooperates with God’s leading to seek after those who are far from God. Leading this staff and congregation seems to be exactly what God has been designing me for all my life. I am living out God’s perfect purpose for my life and that gives me passion.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself in this role for many years - until I can no longer be effective as the senior pastor. Then I hope to step aside and let some younger pastor take my place and I hope the church finds some other role for me to serve at that time. I want to actively and aggressively work to help this church achieve it’s mission until the day I die. Then I will continue to pray for it’s success for the rest of eternity.
Jerry Moen
Pastors and Ministry Directors and Leaders
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
After high school I attended a junior college for two years working on a degree in wildlife management. Then on December 23, 1975 God made it clear I was to study to be a pastor. So I enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1980.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
While at Point Loma, I worked as a youth pastor at a Presbyterian church in San Diego. I saw the struggles a mission minded pastor experiences when leading a mission-less congregation. After I graduated, Lon Eckdahl hired me as his youth pastor in February of 1981. Two years later he headed to Hawaii and I served as interim pastor until the new senior pastor was hired. I learned to love people from Lon, saw what passion could do for a youth ministry, and had my first lessons at top level leadership. Soon after, I was picked up by the Oroville Church of the Nazarene as their youth pastor. I served there 5 ½ years and then went to the Porterville Church of the Nazarene to lead their youth department. There John Denney (Sr. Pastor) taught me about organization, management and structure. After three years there I left full time ministry, moved my family to Oregon and worked as a project manager for a large landscape company. We began attending the Church on the Hill in June of 1992 and was hired as an associate pastor in December of 1994. I served under Wes Smith in various roles until May of 2000 when I became the senior pastor.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Looking back, it seems leadership and hard work has always been a way of life for me. In sports I served as team captain. With my friends, I was the decision maker. When I became a Christian at age 16, I was soon the youth group leader. I led bibles studies while in the junior college, as well as when I went to PLNU. From the time I was in junior high, I went to work concrete every day after school, every weekend, and all summer long. By the 12th grade, I was foreman of my concrete crew and supervised men twice my age. The two things I seem to do well is work hard and lead people and that is what my role requires of me today.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I still remember what it was like to be lost and going to hell. Not until a Wednesday night in the spring of 1972 did I know what it was like to be on your way to heaven. That journey to heaven also brought me into a loving church family where I learned about life in God’s Spirit. While that church loved me, they did not seek me. They just stood by and waited, hoping God would bring someone new into their midst. I NEVER want to be a part of a church that idly stands by and waits for the lost to find them. I will forever pour my life out for a church that cooperates with God’s leading to seek after those who are far from God. Leading this staff and congregation seems to be exactly what God has been designing me for all my life. I am living out God’s perfect purpose for my life and that gives me passion.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself in this role for many years - until I can no longer be effective as the senior pastor. Then I hope to step aside and let some younger pastor take my place and I hope the church finds some other role for me to serve at that time. I want to actively and aggressively work to help this church achieve it’s mission until the day I die. Then I will continue to pray for it’s success for the rest of eternity.
BIO Questions Format
Educational Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
After high school I attended a junior college for two years working on a degree in wildlife management. Then on December 23, 1975 God made it clear I was to study to be a pastor. So I enrolled in Point Loma Nazarene University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1980.
Professional Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
While at Point Loma, I worked as a youth pastor at a Presbyterian church in San Diego. I saw the struggles a mission minded pastor experiences when leading a mission-less congregation. After I graduated, Lon Eckdahl hired me as his youth pastor in February of 1981. Two years later he headed to Hawaii and I served as interim pastor until the new senior pastor was hired. I learned to love people from Lon, saw what passion could do for a youth ministry, and had my first lessons at top level leadership. Soon after, I was picked up by the Oroville Church of the Nazarene as their youth pastor. I served there 5 ½ years and then went to the Porterville Church of the Nazarene to lead their youth department. There John Denney (Sr. Pastor) taught me about organization, management and structure. After three years there I left full time ministry, moved my family to Oregon and worked as a project manager for a large landscape company. We began attending the Church on the Hill in June of 1992 and was hired as an associate pastor in December of 1994. I served under Wes Smith in various roles until May of 2000 when I became the senior pastor.
Personal Background that helped prepare you for the role you play at the church?
Looking back, it seems leadership and hard work has always been a way of life for me. In sports I served as team captain. With my friends, I was the decision maker. When I became a Christian at age 16, I was soon the youth group leader. I led bibles studies while in the junior college, as well as when I went to PLNU. From the time I was in junior high, I went to work concrete every day after school, every weekend, and all summer long. By the 12th grade, I was foreman of my concrete crew and supervised men twice my age. The two things I seem to do well is work hard and lead people and that is what my role requires of me today.
What is the passion that drives your particular role in the church?
I still remember what it was like to be lost and going to hell. Not until a Wednesday night in the spring of 1972 did I know what it was like to be on your way to heaven. That journey to heaven also brought me into a loving church family where I learned about life in God’s Spirit. While that church loved me, they did not seek me. They just stood by and waited, hoping God would bring someone new into their midst. I NEVER want to be a part of a church that idly stands by and waits for the lost to find them. I will forever pour my life out for a church that cooperates with God’s leading to seek after those who are far from God. Leading this staff and congregation seems to be exactly what God has been designing me for all my life. I am living out God’s perfect purpose for my life and that gives me passion.
Do you see yourself in this role in 5 years, if not where would you see you in the church?
I see myself in this role for many years - until I can no longer be effective as the senior pastor. Then I hope to step aside and let some younger pastor take my place and I hope the church finds some other role for me to serve at that time. I want to actively and aggressively work to help this church achieve it’s mission until the day I die. Then I will continue to pray for it’s success for the rest of eternity.
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