Pastor Dennis

Phone:831-728-1424

This is NOT the "official" story

Webmaster Note: We have waited patiently for the official story from Pastor Dennis but it has been slow in coming, why? Perhaps the difficulty our pastor has writing his story is a reflection of his most appreciated character trait. I would casually say humility, but that misunderstood word just doesn't adequately describe this trait. His passion is to see others grow and mature and prefers to strengthen and encourage from behind rather than set himself in front, and thus just seems reticent to talk about himself. Therefore with the indulgence of all, I will patch together a brief sketch of our Pastor with bits I have heard and some great photos clandestinely acquired. Enjoy, but remember, this is not the official story! For that you will have to ask Dennis.

Dennis grew up in a small town in Iowa and it has shaped his outlook. He is happiest in the background, taking pleasure in supporting others in the fulfillment of their spiritual dreams and passions. A quote he really likes by Rick Warren is "God gets the glory, others get the credit, and I get the joy of serving." You might think that as a public speaker he loves the crowd, but in reality, its not the crowd, but his concern for the people that brings him out to speak. Instead of longing for the lime light, God made him crave quiet time alone, to study and think.

His early years were spent in church, and he has a great respect for the Church tradition. But our decision to love and serve God is a personal one. For him that time of critical decision was made in his late teens. He began to see real differences between what people said they believed and how they acted. He believed there was a God but did not like the reality of the lives of Christians around him and felt no personal passion about serving God.

In the years ahead God gave him a purpose and passion that satisfied his doubts. God was not finished with these Christians and he could help Jesus be more real to them and help them find and fulfill His purpose for their lives. He looked for ways to help people. He spent some time in Bible School, was a counselor at youth camp, and was then asked to help a pastor reach the youth of his church. Since 1990 he has had the opportunity to help and support many of God's ministers here at Green Valley. He loves his job, and loves Watsonville. It is a community that has many of the strengths of his home town. It is a practical community where we grow food and get things done. His prayer is that in some way he could help you find God's purpose for your life and encourage you to fulfill that purpose with passion. Only in that will you find true happiness and contentment in life.

Pastor Dennis has done that in my life and in so many others I know. For that Dennis, we thank you and offer this humble tribute, to honor your mission and encourage others to reach beyond the mundane and join the epic journey God has planned for each of us.