Leadership

As a young man God graciously placed people in my life who shared Christ with me in many different ways. As a teenager I prayed a prayer to receive Christ as my savior, but it wasn’t until after being defeated by bad choices that I realized Jesus must have first place and lordship in my life. This began a new lifelong process of learning how to allow Jesus to be my Lord in every day and in every part of my life. I am still on this journey with Christ.
My education follows in step with my journey as a Christian. I struggled to make it out of high school and didn’t graduate from college the first time I attended, but after surrendering to the Lord’s leadership in my life I decided to go back to college, which opened the door to attending seminary to gain a deeper grasp of God’s word and learn the tools for study and ministry.
My formal education consists of a BS from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and an M.Div. from Northwest Baptist Seminary (2009) now called Corban University School of Ministry.
While at seminary, I met Earl Oliver, who was teaching a counseling class. Earl is a former staff member of 45 years and one of the founding pastors of FBC. We began an initial relationship around discussing counseling practice. Our relationship led to the opportunity for an internship at FBC under his mentorship. This started part-time in December 2009, and eventually led to a full-time ministry position in January of 2011. I have been on staff ever since! My main responsibilities are to oversee spiritual formation, counseling, and discipleship. These reflect my passion for people, which includes helping people grow deeply connected to Christ and expressing that connection in continuing growth and service to God and others.  I also have a passion for making sure new people who visit the body are welcomed and connected to the fellowship so that all can experience the love and closeness of the body of Christ.
I have been married to my wife Tyla since 1987 and we have two grown children and 6 grandchildren, who all live in the Tacoma area. We enjoy having family and friends over for meals, conversation, and sometimes board games. We enjoy walks, hikes, reading, and especially camping with family.  
I grew up in the northwest and have lived here my whole life. I first served on staff as a youth pastor for 8 1/2 years in Renton, where Tyla and I were members for 17 years before attending seminary and then joining FBC.

FBC has been home for me since birth. In fact, before birth (my parents were the first two single members of FBC to get married to each other back in 1980). So if I were to list all the ways this church has blessed and served and enriched me and my family over the last 3+ decades, I’d get a hand cramp. Instead, I’ll just say this church is family, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
I’m married to Shawna and dad to Moses, Calvin, Rosemary, and Junia. We live in Tacoma’s central district (near 6th Ave), where we do a lot of family stuff. You can probably find us at the zoo, or parks, or looking for crabs under rocks at Ruston Way. I also enjoy running, writing, hunting, and going on dates with my wife.
My formal education consists of a BS from Seattle Pacific University (2011) and an MDiv from Corban University School of Ministry (2014). If you check out FBC, come say hi after the service – we usually sit on the right side, three rows from the front.

Born and raised in Tacoma, I am excited to serve Jesus here. I met Jesus in elementary school and grew up in church knowing him but didn’t really choose to follow him until 1999. As a parent, coach, teacher, and now youth pastor, I am passionate about helping young men and women through the hard process of growing up. 
I have been married to my beautiful wife Amy for 25 years. We have been attending FBC since 2002. We have 5, mostly adult, children (One is married in!) who have all been blessed by the youth group at FBC. This makes it such an honor for me to be able to serve Jesus through Impact since he has used it to richly bless my family. 
I love to barbecue, travel, and read. I even enjoy most home remodeling projects. Oh, it’s also really awesome to cross things off my Honey Do list. Am I right? Pizza is great, coffee rocks, but ice cream rules!

I’m the poster child for the statement, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I live at the same address listed on my birth certificate, a house my grandfather built in 1926. In between I lived in four other states, and that was mostly due to the fact that my father was also a pastor. I thank God for my Christian upbringing. But it was not until I was a high school senior that I completely embraced the privilege of following Christ no matter where that might lead. For me that led to training at what is now called the Master’s College (B.A., M.Div.) and to further graduate studies at Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.). The first decade of my ministry was as a college and seminary professor where I taught theology, Bible, and Greek. The Seattle Mariners and Fellowship Bible Church started in 1977. My ministry at that point took on the exciting dimension of watching whole families learn the Bible and follow Christ. Nothing is more thrilling to me than to see the baton of truth carried from one generation to the next! I have fallen in love with this congregation and have raised my own family under its influence. My wife B.J. was raised on the mission field and is a huge part of my joy in ministry. My nine children include one in heaven and eight living children (four sons, four daughters). I also have seventeen grandchildren. Two of our children are war orphans from Liberia in West Africa. We also have a little lazy dog, Riddick (short for Ridiculous). My ministry duties include preaching and leading the church. I am committed to seeing a church that is both thinking and thoughtful—that cares for God’s truth and lives it out in acts of sacrifice. For me personally, this takes the form of an annual trip to Liberia where I can encourage the lives of those ministering to the suffering. I love to see people everywhere go deeper with God. My intention is to serve the Lord at FBC until He calls me home (or as long as people can put up with me).
When I need to relax, I read a book, or do a puzzle, or walk through the woods at Pt. Defiance, or listen to music, or watch my kids and grandkids play sports or sing. I love writing, and designing things. My wife thinks I also relax when I get to do gardening.

I am married to the love of my life, Sarah, who I met while attending Seattle Pacific University. We married after undergrad and moved to Denver for me to attend Denver Seminary. We moved back to Tacoma in 2011 to live close to family.  Shortly thereafter, we found FBC and have been increasingly involved ever since. We have five children: Adrianne, Micah, Stella, Robert, and Naomi. I also serve part time as a chaplain in the Army National Guard. It is an honor for me to come along-side others in the ordinary routine of the week, but especially in the highs and lows of life. I love to encourage others to know the love, grace and mercy of God, so that it may be shared with their spouse, children, friends and neighbors.

Any day of the week you may find me with my family: playing sports in the yard, climbing trees, or doing yard work.

Rich and his wife BJ have been part of the FBC family for many years, though he has recently become part of our part-time staff. He has worked alongside leaders volunteering to develop local outreach programs, such as the Eastside Community Festival and the Homeless Outreach Program. He is passionate about serving those in need and he works tirelessly behind the scenes to do so.

Makayla has served in the FBC Youth Ministry as part-time admin staff since 2016.  She loves discipling teenagers as they pursue a relationship with Jesus and learn to stand on His Word.  Makayla also works as a portrait and wedding photographer, and you can almost always find her with a camera in hand.

Bio coming soon!

I love working in the church office as bookkeeper & administrative assistant! I’ve been here since 2002. My husband, John & I have been at FBC since 1987!  We raised our sons Westin (now married to Kayla) and Michael here, and we have many dear friends and family here too. We’ve been so blessed by the high value the leaders here at FBC have placed on the Word of God and teaching through it verse by verse. When I’m not at the church office I enjoy spending time laughing with my family, going on walks, working in my yard, and traveling when I get the chance

I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and have been attending FBC with my family for most of my life. I became a Christian at a young age, but didn't really take my personal relationship with Jesus seriously until I was in High School. I learned firsthand how formative the high school years are, and was thankful to have some amazing youth leaders pour into my life and guide me through the different challenges of that season, while consistently pointing me to the Gospel. It's been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to have the chance to be on the other side of that relationship now as an adult. I have now had many years of experience working with youth ministry and I am constantly blown away by the depth and character of our students and how much they desire to seek after Jesus. It is truly an honor to walk alongside the students and learn together.

I am currently finishing up a degree in Graphic Design at Full Sail University out of Florida and working at a local coffee shop in the mornings. In my free time, I enjoy reading a book, watching a good movie, traveling, going to the gym, cooking, playing guitar, grabbing coffee with friends, and spending copious amounts of time with my nephew (okay and the rest of my family)." 

Laura started attending FBC a few years ago when she became engaged to a life-long FBCer, Jonathan Nyhuis. Laura has been blessed to utilize her creative skills for FBC during this unique moment in time and help expand the church’s reach past the congregation.
Laura runs her own video production company that has produced award-winning narrative films, soundtracks, and documentaries.

I have been a part of FBC since the age of 4 when it was a Bible Study in my parent’s living room. Growing up as a pastor’s kid at FBC has deeply blessed and shaped me. Not only have I seen examples of godly men and women authentically living out their faith, I’ve experienced such kindness and encouragement as I’ve wrestled with big questions, served imperfectly, and strived to grow in my love for the Lord. The solid Biblical teaching grounded my worldview and provided a framework for life. It’s a privilege to still be part of FBC with my husband Jeff, our three almost grown kids, Anders, Audrey, and Caden, along with all 7 of my siblings and their families.
Over the years I’ve helped out with the youth group, served in women’s ministries, and participated in the worship team. An organizer at heart, I love to plan events that bring people together for fellowship and encouragement in the Lord. It’s been a joy to join the staff here at the office in the spring of 2020! Most of my time is spent managing the database and supporting the organizational side of ministries. When I’m not at my desk I can be found reading a book, painting in acrylics or watercolor, working in my garden, or playing board games with friends and family. Above all else, my greatest desire is that the Lord get the credit for anything good in my life. All glory be to Him!

Michael Stufflebeam is going to help us minister to the body part time in a similar fashion that Jack Willsey by teaching some classes. In addition, he will be available to meet with people and couples for discipleship and counseling as he has time and there is need. Here is some background on Michael to help us all get to know him and his ministry better.
Michael Stufflebeam studied at Moody Bible Institute, Trinity Lutheran College, Fuller Seminary and Northwest Baptist Seminary.  He earned a BS in Biblical Studies, and both an M.Div and Th.M. from NBS.  He has taught as an adjunct instructor at Cascade Bible College, Puget Sound Christian College, Shepherds Bible College and Northwest Baptist Seminary.  He has served as an interim senior pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Seattle, Life Church in West Seattle and Valley Church in Renton.  He has served on the board and was part of the strategic planning committee and board that organized and started Shepherds Bible College.  Although he has taught both OT and NT classes, biblical interpretation classes as well as homiletics classes at both the college and seminary level, his area of interest has always been OT history and languages.  He has served as Elder in several churches and has taught various classes in the church:  Discipleship, Elder training, Strategic Planning, Individual biblical book studies, parenting and working with challenging youth.  He has worked in churches with the purpose of conflict resolution and helped one church find its way after years of conflict. Currently, Michael is Classified Manager [Vice Principal] of Renton Academy, a school in the Renton School District that serves students with emotional and behavioral challenges.  He has worked with troubled youth for 15 years and has become the district trainer for de-escalation and interventions with students in crisis. He also counsels couples who are working on strengthening their marriage and communication.  He loves to read, and is always reading several books at the same time.  Usually a history, a counseling help and theological or linguistic study. He is an avid outdoorsman, he loves hunting, hiking and backpacking when he can get away. He is married to Sharon, who at times co-counsels with him. She is a school reform specialist with Success For All and recently worked to plan, train and execute a elementary tutoring program with a Kent elementary school.  He has two boys, Matt and Tim who are both married and his youngest son and wife are expecting their first child in December. They live in Renton and love to have travel adventures.
He and Randy have been friends since being elders together some 20+ years ago. They have not only remained friends, but hold each other accountable and spend parts of each summer getting away and discussing some aspect of theology.
Michael has preached at FBC several times in the past as well as provided the study at Men’s Breakfast and with Randy planned and taught 2 Men’s Retreats for FBC.  He longs to see people connected well to each other as well as connected well to Christ.

My journey to FBC started before my husband Scott and I were married.  We were college sweethearts and were looking for a place that taught the Word of God with passion and humility.  33 years later we are still here and are still being amazed at the teaching!  Scott and I have the distinct honor of being the first couple to be married by Bruce Stabbert, one of our pastors.  We have three wonderful children who are an incredible blessing to us.
I get the opportunity to help lead our music and worship ministry at FBC.  This is near and dear to my heart as I have been involved in music my whole life.  I graduated from college with a concentration in music and spent a year traveling the country in the drama/comedy/musical group “Jeremiah People”.  It was during this time that I learned how important music is in worship.  We have a vibrant “intergenerational” church that loves to sing together and to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  Again, we are so blessed to have solid biblical teaching, and it is natural and fitting for our hearts to worship in response to all that He has done for us.
In my spare time, (do moms have spare time?) I love being outdoors, staying active, and hanging out with family and friends.   Eating together is also high on the list!
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let is make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”  Psalm 95:1