Leaders
God ministers to his people through other people. This is true of all Christians as they seek to love and serve one another (Romans 12:1-21; 1 Peter 4:10) and it is particularly true of those called to serve as leaders in the church (1 Timothy 5:17; James 3:1; Acts 6:1-7). It is the job of the leaders to serve the congregation and help them grow spiritually so that they might love God with all their heart and soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). There are three kinds of leaders (what we call officers) in the church, each with his own particular area of ministry.
THE PASTOR
The pastor of a church is called primarily to be a minister of God's word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). That takes place publicly in preaching and privately in visiting the congregation (Acts 20:20). The pastor seeks to help Christians love God with all their mind through proclaiming God's word (Romans 10:13-17; 12:1-2).
Brett McNeill has been our pastor since we began in 2004. He and Jen have been married since 1998 and have four wonderful daughters. Brett is a graduate of Westminster Seminary in California (Masters in Divinity, 2003). He is passionate about the Bible and desires to clearly proclaim Jesus Christ from all of Scripture in a way that is understandable, convicting and encouraging.
THE ELDERS
The elders in a church are called "overseers" (1 Timothy 3:1-2, Titus 1:7) because their job is to watch over the church as God's household (1 Timothy 3:4-5). That means they are given the job of protecting the congregation from dangers (moral and doctrinal) as well as seeking to watch over those within and help to bring resolution when issues arise between Christians (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). The elders seek to help Christians love God with all their strength through guiding their lives according to God's word.
John Buma, III is a member of one of our founding families and has been serving as an elder since 2008. John and Lori have four grown children and eight grandchildren.
Dave Statema is served as an elder in two previous churches before retiring to the Olympia area. He and Elaine have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Steve Ethridge has served the church as a deacon from 2010 until 2022 when he became an elder. He and Jaime have seven children and love to be outdoors and with God's people.
THE DEACONS
God has identified himself with the poor and afflicted, the widow and the orphan (Psalm 68:5-6). When the church fails to reflect that reality to the world, it is God's honor that is tarnished. The deacons in a church are given to the ministry of mercy, seeking to identify needs and using the resources of the congregation to meet those needs (Acts 6:1-7). The deacons seek to help Christians love God with all their hearts and souls through developing a godly compassion for others in need.
Anson Statema became a deacon in 2022. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children and love serving God’s people.
John Buma, IV Having grown up at Reformation, Johnny is known and loved by all. He and his wife Devyn have three children—Lyla, Beau, and Ally.
