Pastor Joel and his wife Karen have actively served our congregation for over 14 years.  Joel became our senior pastor in November of 1999.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering (weird I know!) from the University of Idaho and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (summa cum laude) from Carolina Evangelical Divinity School.  He concentrated in Christian Ministry.  Pastor Joel seeks to know Jesus and to make him known.

Christian Reconciliation Fellowship is a small congregation so Pastor Joel also works as an IT Consultant.  He has been in the IT field for over 27 years – now the engineering degree makes some sense!  Asked why he continues to serve a small congregation and work another job Pastor Joel says:

“This is where God has called me to serve.  I love the diversity of our congregation.  To me it reflects what God is really about.  I also love the journey and theology of the Worldwide Church of God.  Our journey of grace to where we are has been hard work but worth every moment.  That journey has been taken with the brothers and sisters of CRF and not alone.  Where else would I go!”

Pastor Joel prays with you the Prayer of Ignatius of Loyola:

Teach us, Good Lord

To serve you as you deserve.

To give and not count the cost.

To fight and not heed the wounds.

To toil and not to seek for rest.

To labor and not to ask for any reward

Except that of knowing that we do Your Will.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!