Leadership

Stephen is a member of Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church and has the privilege of serving as its senior pastor. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and The Master’s Seminary, he is passionate about preaching God’s Word expositionally and shepherding people with the power of the Word to transform their lives, relationships, and communities through the Gospel for God’s glory. He is married to his beautiful bride, Kimmie, and together they have three wonderful children: Anna, Titus, and James. Stephen loves to read—especially books about mountain men, dead theologians, U.S. Presidents, and shipwrecks. He also enjoys taking day trips with his family to corners of the Pacific Northwest, preferably those that require a ferry ride. Stephen’s favorite Bible verse is whichever one he is preaching on that Sunday, but Philippians 3:10 holds a special place in his heart. His favorite worship songs (because it’s impossible to pick just one!) include “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “Only a Holy God” by CityAlight,  “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” by Matt Boswell, and “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand."

Born and raised in the Pierce County area of Washington State, Brian has the PNW in his genes. With a deep love for the church, Brian has served in many roles, including VBS, AWANA, Homegroups, Nursery, Usher, Sunday School, Youth Group, or wherever there is a need. He and his wife Sarah, his high school sweetheart, are blessed with three children: Olivia, William, and Parker. Brian enjoys hiking, backpacking, fishing, and cheering for the Mariners, Rainiers, and Seahawks. His favorite hymn is “The Solid Rock” and his go-to praise song is “Where Were You.” His favorite bible verse is Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Hello! My name is Joshua Cross, and I have the privilege of serving as the Worship Pastor here at GEBC. My wonderful wife Nicole and I were both born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and we are blessed to chase around our four kids . I’m an avid coffee drinker, a music lover across many genres (although I do have a soft spot for worship, folk, and indie), a backyard gardening aficionado (circa 2020), a maker and consumer of homemade pizza, and my love language often involves the three letters of BBQ. One of my favorite Hymns of all time would have to be “Rock of Ages” by Augustus Montague Toplady, and one of my favorite chapters in all of scripture would have to be Ephesians chapter 2, with verses 8 and 9 keeping watch over my heart: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

I facilitate the Men's Wednesday Night Bible Study. Married to my wife Melissa for over 30 years, and together we have three daughters: Hayley, Ainsley, and Lainey. I enjoy playing racquetball, golfing, and watching soccer. My faith is rooted in James 1:2-5, and I believe in sharing the good news—Go Tell it on the Mountain.

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Mike Lehman serves as an elder at GEBC and remains involved in the home group ministry, men’s bible study, VBS, and the Sunday School check-in team. Mike and his wife, Lynn, have five sons and three grandsons, and they have attended GEBC since 2018. Two of his favorite Scripture passages are 2 Tim 3:16-17 and James 1:22. His favorite traditional hymn is “Amazing Grace”, and his favorite modern worship song is “Christus Victor.”

I am the chairman of the board and an elder.  I lead the adult Sunday school classes and mid-week inductive Bible studies and help out anywhere that is needed.  Been married for over 30 years to my wife Kris and have a daughter that recently graduated High School.  When not at my regular job or church you can find me at the archery range flinging arrows to get ready for the next competition.  My favorite book in the Bible is James, that is where the rubber hits the road "consider it all joy my brethren when you encounter trials...."

Chris Adams is married to Bridget and blessed with three adult stepchildren and one beautiful 13-year-old daughter, Sadie. He serves as a Deacon at GEBC and participates in several ministries including IT, Facilities & Operations, and as the Awana T&T Director. Chris has worked in the big tech industry for more than 26 years in a variety of leadership and technology roles. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with family, traveling to warm beach destinations, and umpiring baseball and softball games across the nation. His favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Chris enjoys various worship song types but his favorite worship song is In Christ Alone.

I’ve been privileged to be a Sunday School teacher for over a dozen years. Teaching, talking and singing with the kiddos about God’s Word and life blesses my heart to no end! Serving as a deacon and leading the Last Out and Care ministries privileges me to interact with and get to know the people here. Wendy, my life partner, and I have been gratefully married since 2010. We are blessed to have six children and fifteen grandchildren between us. Our oldest grandchild is in heaven. Photo’ing God’s fabulous creation, nature and people, is a delight Wendy and I share. Amateur Radio is an interest of mine too. I used to fly small planes all around and miss that. A favorite scripture of mine is Matthew 22:37 to 39; Love God, love people. Jesus was right, pretty much all of life is covered by this admonition. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite song. From centuries old hymns to the latest praise and worship music, I love it all. Even the simple Doxology, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” assists my focus as I live life.

I was voted by the congregation to serve the church as a deacon and am currently fulfilling that role in my first term. My bride (Traci) and I became members in 2024. We have three children, all are married with children, and all live out of state. All attend Bible believing churches in their communities. I don’t have a favorite Bible verse but do hold all of God’s word as God breathed and infallible. My favorite songs are hymns.

I am blessed to serve our church as a deaconess and office administrator, supporting ministry and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. My husband, Jake, and I have five kids, ages 10 to 19, who keep our home full and lively. In my free time, I enjoy working on puzzles, crocheting, and reading. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:12, which continually encourages my faith. I also love the hymn Be Thou My Vision, a beautiful reminder to keep Christ at the center of all I do.

I serve as a Deaconess, where I am truly grateful to serve our various ministries as well as serving alongside the body at GEBC. It is a great privilege and a joy to serve my church family. I have been blessed beyond measure for my husband, David. Together we share two beautiful children, our daughter Saylor and our son Noah. My family is a constant source of joy and encouragement in my life. I enjoy baking sourdough bread and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Our family loves road trips and camping adventures. Each year I have loved adding new additions to my garden and challenging myself to learn more about gardening. My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5–6, a passage that continually reminds me to trust in the Lord with everything. Some of my favorite hymns are “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” both of which reflect the timeless truths of God’s faithfulness.

Pete serves as our facilities Manager, faithfully overseeing the care and upkeep of our church building. He is an empty nester and appreciates this season of life. In his spare time, Pete enjoys working on paint-by-numbers kits. His favorite Scripture is the Lord’s Prayer, and his favorite hymn is “Amazing Grace,” reflecting his appreciation for the enduring truths of the faith.

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Hello, my name is Isaac Brewer, and I am the Youth Director here at GEBC. My wife, Aleah, Mordecai (son), and I love camping, outdoor sports, and trying new things. My favorite bible verse (right now) is John 15:4 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. My favorite worship song is "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

I’m blessed to be the bookkeeper here at GEBC. My husband, Marshall, and I were married in 2001 and together we have raised our two beautiful daughters. In my personal time I enjoy reading, playing games and going on scooter rides with my family. My favorite worship song is Purify My Heart by Brian Doerksen. Psalm 91:4 has always been special to me as a reminder of God’s protection, nurturing and faithfulness.

Since November 2021, I’ve been blessed to serve our church as the Front Office Admin, helping support daily operations and welcoming those who come through our doors. My husband Jason and I have been married for 26 years, and together we have three children, one son-in-law, and one delightful grandson. Due to my husband’s military assignment, we moved our family to Washington in 2014 and have been part of this church family ever since. When time allows, I enjoy gardening, traveling, and spending time with family. I feel blessed to serve and be a part of this church community. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”