Staff Members

 

Jim Snyder- Lead Pastor

Jim came to BMCC from Kansas City, Missouri, where he served 10 years as a pastor and church planter. Prior to that he served in Pasadena, Texas, as a Youth and Young Adults Pastor. He grew up in Western Pennslyvania (he roots for the Steelers) and Northeast Ohio. Jim attended Anderson University and Anderson University School of Theology where he received his BA and MDiv and met and married his wife, Leslie. They have three children, Hope, Abby and Jesse.

He has served on various ministry teams at the district, state and national levels. One of his strengths is identifying and launching new leaders by helping them discover their unique passions, giftedness and calling. Jim loves hiking, camping, hunting, playing with his kids, reading and muscle cars.


Don Reed – Life Groups Pastor

Don came to the Walla Walla area three years ago from Coeur d’Alene, ID when he met and married his wife Regina.  He attended college at Yellowstone Baptist College in Billings and earned a BA degree in Pastoral Ministries.  Don has 10 years of ministry experience with four years in youth work and 6 years pastoring in small Northern Idaho churches.  He is very excited about having the opportunity to be involved in the ministry here at BMCC.  His life has been a journey of learning how to place everything in God’s hands.  This journey is ongoing with some failure and some success, each leading him to a closer and more powerful walk with the Lord.

Don and Regina enjoy being outdoors with their four children.  Saturdays during the winter you will find them on the slopes at Bluewood skiing.  Regina is an expert ski instructor while Don is cutting his teeth on the teaching thing.  They also enjoy hiking, riding their two horses, bike riding, and flyfishing (well Don likes the flyfishing).  He is also an amateur chef.

Ryan Tackett- Worship Pastor

Ryan Tackett is a local guy with a heart for the local church. Having grown up in the Walla Walla valley, he has since had the opportunity to be trained by strong Christian leaders both near and far, most recently through a leadership college at Hillsong Church in Australia. Before going abroad he spent several years serving as an intern youth and music pastor at churches in the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla, experiences that greatly shaped who he is today. If you ask Ryan what really gets him fired up he would say, “connecting with Jesus and connecting people to Jesus. It’s all about Jesus.” This fuels his passion to go all in for the work that God is doing in this area by empowering believers to use their gifts to creatively communicate the Gospel in hopes that all people will love Jesus increasingly and grow to be more like Him.
When he has time to kill, Ryan likes reading old books written by dead guys, discovering great music, taking on anything outdoors, and having good ol’ fashion conversations with friends. While he has a lot of fun traveling and meeting new people, he is glad to have come back to hometown friends and family.

Ken Paine – Youth Guy

Ken grew up going to church, and always considered himself a Christian, although he didn’t really commit himself to Christ until he was almost 40. Ken has been working with kids for about 35 years, first as a soccer coach, and then as a children’s/youth leader. He really enjoys hanging out with everyone from little children through high schoolers (even middle schoolers!). He hopes he can teach them about what being a Christian really means, both through his words and life.

As the resident youth guy, Ken plans and leads youth Sunday School, the middle school group on Sunday night, and high school group on Thursday night. He also plans and leads events and retreats for the youth. This is all done with the help of some great youth leaders.  He tries to keep lines of communication open between the youth, the parents, and the church staff, and keep everyone informed about plans for the youth group.  And he attempts to keep the gym and café neat and organized so they are a fun and safe place for kids to hang out.

Life Verse – Joshua 24:15

Julie Caton- Director of Ministry Development

Julie is married to her college sweetheart, Nick.  They met at Whitman College, where Julie graduated with a Theater and English degree.  They chose to stay in Walla Walla, in part, because of their friendships at BMCC.  They have one daughter, Kaeldra.  Julie enjoys crafting, reading, baking and building relationships.  Julie’s passion is helping match gifts with service.

As Director of Ministry Development, Julie helps ideas grow into ministries or events. She publishes the newsletter, bulletin, and website.

Life Verse – Romans 11:29

Bob Loar - Financial Assistant

Bob has been married to Sharon for 43 years.  They came to Walla Walla 35 years ago in Southern California.  They have 4 grown children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  Bob has worked for the church since May of 2003.  Bob has served on commissions and is currently on the church Worship team.

As Financial Assistant, Bob records all giving, pays the bills, and processes payroll for BMCC and the Ark.  In addition, Bob compiles monthly reports for all church commissions and the Ark.

Life Verse – Psalm 100

Candy Whitaker – Director of The Ark Day School

Candy has 17 years of experience in early childhood education.  She applies this knowledge as she oversees the day to day operation of The Ark.  The mission of The Ark is to provide child care in a safe, accepting, Christian environment that provides fun, stimulating, learning activities.

She has been married for 33 years and has 3 adult children (Stephanie, Nicholas, and Christopher).

Life Verse – Psalm 27

Kim Skifstad - Administrative Assistant

Kim was born and raised in International Falls, MN.  She married her husband Ron in August of 1984.  They moved to Walla Walla in January of 1988.  They have two children, Matthew and Ariel.

Kim has been working at the church office since 1997 where she schedules appointments, maintains the church calendar, answers the phone and maintains church databases.

Life Verse – Philippians 4:13

Donavan Skifstad - Facilities and Custodial Assistant

Donavan maintains the church’s buildings and grounds.