“It took time to learn that God didn’t expect me to live out this Christian faith on my own.” -- Sam Christensen, Jr. High Pastor
- Born and raised in Olympia.
- Life-long Calvary Chapel attendee.
- Married to Gretchen, whom he met in Bible college.
- Has one son named Carter, and one on the way.
- Earned his Bachelor of Biblical Studies at Calvary Chapel Bible College, A.A. at SPSCC
How did you become a Christian? I was blessed to grow up in a home where both my parents were Christians and where, as a family, we attended church regularly. Those things didn’t make me a Christian, but it was through those relationships I was introduced to God, the reality of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. You don’t have to be old to be convinced you are a sinner in need of a Savior. At a young age, I repented of my sin and put my faith in Jesus.
Was there a significant challenge for you at that time? The challenge for me at that time was learning how to live this Christian life. It took time to learn that God didn’t expect me to live out this Christian faith on my own. It was a process of learning that the same way I began in my relationship with God (by realizing I couldn’t do it and needed Him) is the same way I grow in my relationship with God. Through middle school, high school, and my first years in college God patiently taught me how to apply humility and faith daily, not just for salvation but for all of life after.
So, you grew up in the church. My parents started attending the church here when I was eight years old. That was over 20 years ago. It has been my home church ever since.
What are some highlights of your Christian service? Being asked to come on staff at Calvary as a middle school pastor. Marrying my wonderful wife, Gretchen. Watching others catch God’s vision and want to serve Him.
It sounds like God has put a specific calling on your heart for your Ministry. I want to see Jesus represented and I want to see disciples made. Within that vision, I see three needs. The need to reveal God’s grace, the need to express God’s love, and the need to teach God’s word.
Has God personally stretched you, in areas that you could not have anticipated? Certainly. In the opportunities He has given me to teach, in the workload and responsibilities that have grown with my job, and in learning how to delegate and raise up other people to assist in the work of the ministry.
What is one thing you want people to know about you? I enjoy my job.
What are some of your favorite websites, Christian teachers, or Christian news? I enjoy listening to messages from Damian Kyle (www.ccmodesto.com), Mark Driscoll (www.marshillchurch.org), and Ravi Zacharias (www.rzim.org). I also appreciate the Christian perspective on news World Magazine provides (www.worldmag.com).