My Pastors

One of the greatest benefits I've had as a Christian is the exceedingly solid pastors I've been blessed to have had in my life. I became a Christian in 1977 at Bellingham's Western Washington University. I had little follow-up, but returned to my home in Seattle and began attending church. Here's how it went...

What I needed and when I needed it...

At Bellevue Christian Center I needed a small-church environment with a dynamic sold-out young pastor, and that's what I got in Pastor-Teacher Phil Gaines. Phil showed me that a young man could live for God and do so enthusiastically. My love for this man will never dim. What I received: Seeing a young man live for God. Seeing full-gospel ministry in action. Learning of and developing a thirst for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Gaining a good friend in Phil Gaines.

At North Seattle Alliance I needed a large-church environment (though I didn't know it at the time). At this church many national and international missionary personages came through, including Evangelist Ravi Zacharias. At a week of meetings with Ravi I re-dedicated myself to God and have never looked back. Many good memories of this church. Solid Sunday-School format (early service - Sunday School - late morning service) that encouraged participation from everyone. What I received: Marriage counseling and that's where I was married. Water baptism. Ravi Meetings where I developed a desire to memorize scriptures - over 100. Meeting and hearing from visiting missionaries. Starting to get a vision for bigger things that one could do for God. Began tithing. Also was married at this church by Pastor Ralph Shelrude.

At Beacon Hill Christian Center my Christian life really hit high-gear. I was ready to "do something for God" and this church had the leadership and vision that fit me to a tee. Pastor Rollie Capes had an experienced Bible Teacher, Don Lee, teach a series on Basic Christian Doctrine that has served me well to this day. We learned door-to-door evangelism with Randy Dyer, jail ministry with Gene Williams, the prophetic ministry of the Presbytery (three times) from Pastor Rollie, and learned to grow close to the brethren. Pound for pound this was the most spiritually-minded body of believers I've every been associated with. We build a church after acquiring land. What I received: Understanding of Doctrine. Filling of the Holy Spirit (on our first visit). Began ministry in the gifts of the Spirit. Learned jail ministry. Learned door-to-door evangelism. Learned leadership. Learned holiness from the brethren. Learned to worship. Taught the youth. Learned to give my personal testimony.

At Snohomish Christian Center, which was just being founded, we were able to put our past experiences to use with this new fellowship. Many of God's choicest people were a part of this new work. Here I founded a jail ministry, became very close to Pastor Randy Siers, learned more in leadership, and helped in the building of this new work. What I received: Started a jail ministry. Participated in the organizing of church finances. Matured in the gifts of the Spirit (there was an emphasis and encouragement in this area that was a real blessing). Listened to a series of Bible School tapes and heard Apostle Dick Benjamin, the founder of Abbott Loop Christian Center in Alaska, a man with an apostolic ministry, preach and teach many times.

At Cedar Park Assembly we had the stability of a church with many years of heritage, a solid building, solid programs, solid finances. After coming from two church "foundings" we needed a break from being on the edge and being front and center and needed a time of refreshing. Here we developed in place, and took in much preaching and teaching from an intellectual/historical perspective. Being a large church many large ministry persons again came through, including R.W. Schambach, Joni Eareckson-Tada, Huldah Buntain, Ravi Zacharias, to name a few. Our children began participation in the music and arts of the church. What I received: A time of refreshing and renewal. Exposure to national ministries. Seeing the birthing of the Cathedral Church model. Our children entering into adulthood at this church. High School Graduation ceremony. My two oldest daughters performing piano and singing solos and in the choir before the congregation. Learning history. Improving my knowledge of political issues as Pastor Joe Fuiten is very much in touch with this area of Christian experience. Four of my kids participating in "Artfest." Taught a 30+ week series for the Pastor on Wednesday nights. Was guest preacher at an AG church as well. Learned the value of a denominational church regarding world-wide influence.

In all of the above churches we had many positive experiences, met many wonderful people, made many friends, and continued serving God with passion and zeal! With all of my pastors and church experiences I learned a lot and grew a lot. All of the men above filled an important need in my life and added much value to me at the time I needed it. Because of this it is not necessary to single out any one church or pastor as being the "most important" or "most favorite." What I will say, though, is that my strong foundation and vision that has served me all of these years came under the leadership and mentorship of Pastor Rolly Capes of the great Beacon Hill Christian Fellowship, and the brethren of that church, including deacons Randy Dyer, Don Lee, Gene Williams, Ernie Knox. Other men of God at that church include Steve Scheving, Rich Duston, Paul Smith, Ken Downs, Tim McCormick, Ernie Zeitler, Dave and Frank Antuna, and many others who put Christ first above all else and lived like they meant it. A great group of men, all of whom are serving God in various places in this region and most all are leaders in their churches.

Pastoral Baby Dedication History