Family and Ministry at Grace Bible Fellowship

Dean and his wife, Deborah, have been part of the Grace Bible Fellowship family since June 2014. They are the proud parents of five children: Desiree, Troy, Caleb, Devin, and Mark. Dean began serving as an Elder in 2019. In December 2020, he joined the pastoral staff as Pastor of Discipleship.

Early Life and Faith

Dean grew up on his family’s farm near Moses Lake in Central Washington. From an early age, church was an important part of his life.

His family was actively involved at First Baptist Church in Othello. There, Dean regularly heard the Gospel preached and saw his parents live out their faith at home. He trusted in Christ at a young age and soon began serving in the church.

A Growing Passion for Ministry

Dean’s love for ministry began early and grew through more than 20 years of involvement in the AWANA program. He first took part as a student and later became a faithful leader in several churches.

When Dean was 16, his family moved to Vale, Oregon. He finished high school there and attended community college in nearby Ontario.

During that time, he served at Malheur Butte Baptist Church in several ways. He taught children’s Sunday school, worked as an usher and greeter, occasionally led worship, and directed the AWANA program. He also became involved in youth ministry, serving as youth group treasurer and helping plan events.

College Years and Meeting Deborah

In 1998, Dean transferred to Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

While attending OSU, he lived at the Varsity House Men’s Cooperative, attended First Baptist Church, and continued serving in AWANA.

Dean also became involved with Campus Ambassadors, a college ministry. He served in leadership by teaching, writing skits, and organizing events.

Most importantly, this was where he met his future wife, Deborah, with some helpful encouragement from mutual friends that they are still thankful for today.

Thankful for God’s Faithfulness

Dean and Deborah are deeply thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness throughout their lives and for leading them to Grace Bible Fellowship.

They feel blessed to be part of a genuine, Christ-centered church family and look forward to many more years of growing and serving together for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.