Pastor Mark started Go Church from scratch but he "wouldn't have got very far" without his wife Kristy or the rest of the team that formed around them. Our pastor is focused on Christ and His Church, but he is also well rounded and can be a blast to be around (as long as he has had plenty of coffee). Mark loves to hike and camp and drive his 4x4 into places where most vehicles can't go. If you talk to our pastor very long, you'll likely hear multiple quotes from the Lord Of The Rings or Star Wars and might be surprised by sudden hilarity (note previous qualification re: coffee). Mark loves to do just about anything outdoors as long as there can be coffee... and Mexican food... and no more than two days without a hot shower. All joking aside, Pastor Mark lives to passionately serve Jesus in the community and in the people of Go Church.
LEADERS
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lead pastor – mark ford
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WORSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR – ConnEr FORD
Conner and his wife Caroline have been with Go Church since before the beginning of it’s launch. In 2018, they moved from Kansas City, Missouri when Conner believed he was being called to help plant Go Church. Now, they are living in Ridgefield with two beautiful children. Conner is passionate and convicted that the Pacific Northwest is thirsty for Worship and Discipleship that is founded in Biblical truth. While Conner leads both worship and discipleship ministries at Go Church, he firmly believes these two areas are largely interconnected. In his own words, “worship fuels discipleship and discipleship fuels worship. You cannot have one without the other.” In each area of ministry Conner’s heart and strategy aligns with the overall vision of Go Church in the categories of loving God and loving each other. In the interest of serving his church better, Conner is also pursuing a Master of Divinity degree.
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YOUTH Pastor – JAMES HEBERLING
James was raised in a Christian home, but soon ventured off to do what he wanted with his life. In college, Jesus got a hold of him with a clear wake up call which led him down a path of growth until he was ready to lead student ministry. James is excited to be a part of what God is doing in Ridgefield by using his experience as a High School teacher to lead the students of Go Church to walk with Jesus. He has four wonderful daughters and spends every waking moment he can with them and his wonderful wife Jess.
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Women's Ministry Director – Kristy Ford
Kristy Ford was born in Kansas City and grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri. In high school, her long search for a trustworthy friend ended one night during a revival when she realized Jesus was not only the friend she had been looking for, but her Savior and Lord as well. She is a Christ-follower, pastor's wife, and church planter. God has blessed her with 2 wonderful, red-headed children who both serve in ministry, as well one daughter-in-love and a very adorable grandson and granddaughter! Kristy has a heart for women to find strength, encouragement, and comfort as they apply God's Word. She enjoys walking, singing, and dark chocolate.
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Children’s Ministry Director – NICOLE PEACH
Nicole grew up in Sherwood, Oregon on a daffodil farm. Only three weeks after getting married and moving to Vancouver, her mother-in-law invited her to bible study fellowship (BSF) where she found what was missing in her life and gave her life to Christ. Since then she has done BSF every year, including serving as a class administrator for two years. She is a recent stay-at-home mom that enjoys homeschooling her son, baking, cooking, anything sourdough, kombucha, canning and more. She enjoys adventuring to Sunriver or the beach, going on walks, bike rides, hikes, and occasionally watching a few shows and movies (her absolute favorite is Pride & Prejudice). Her next fun adventure is underway with starting a garden this year. Her family has been attending Go Church for more than two years now and also enjoys the connections made at Go Groups.
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RANDY ADAMS – Pastor/ELDER
Randy is the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention and happens to live in Ridgefield. When Pastor Mark decided to plant a church near his home, Randy and wife Paula jumped on board. While Randy is often out of town preaching in other churches on Sundays, he is committed to helping support Go Church, leveraging his extensive experience to provide important input and leadership behind the scenes.
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Bevan McWhirter – Pastor/ELDER
Bevan brings a wealth of experience from his 41 years of Christian ministry in the Northwest, where he has served as a church planter, pastor, and church planting director/state missions director with the Northwest Baptist Convention. His hobbies include fishing, camping, hunting, and target shooting. He is a lover of Jesus and passionate about church planting. He has plugged into Go Church, serving in various capacities, along with his wife, Joyce, and they are excited to be a part of what God is doing in our church.
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VICKI EDENS – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT