Joe Springer
Senior Associate Pastor; Leadership Development
How long have you been working at Bethany, and what is it you do here?
I have been working at Bethany since October 2009. Initially I came on staff as the Small and Community Groups Pastor. In May 2010, I moved into a new role as Senior Associate Pastor and Pastor of Leadership Development. More often than not I’m spending my time working with Bethany’s undergraduate and graduate level interns; helping these individuals to discern their ‘call’ and apply their gifts within the community of Bethany. I also work with the larger congregation in figuring out what it looks like for all of us to live into our jobs in a vocational sense. We believe that all of us, whether teacher, doctor, stay-at-home dad, project manager, etc. have been called by God to use our gifts within our context. I’m challenged everyday by the creative ways in which the people of Bethany are living into their calls and are encouraging others to do the same. The Senior Associate piece of my life simply has me working with some of our pastors directly and puts me in the pulpit from time to time.
What relevant education or work experience prepared you for your position?
I spent 10 years in college ministry in Milwaukee, Wisc.; Tacoma; and Seattle. I also served as the Minister of Adult Discipleship at University Place Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. During these stops I have been a preacher, teacher, pastor, friend, mentor, small group coordinator, adult education supervisor, janitor, manager, fundraiser, executive director, missionary, advocate, and all-around jack of all trades, master of none (with an emphasis on the “master of none”). I graduated from the UW with a BA in speech communication, and completed my Master of Divinity through Fuller Theological Seminary.
What non-BCC things are you involved with in the community?
As someone who lives in a densely populated townhome community, I’m working on getting to know my plethora of neighbors. Allison (my wife) and I have begun mentoring a newlywed group and are loving the opportunity to get to know these folks.
Tell us about some of your hobbies, and about your family.
Allison is a General Surgery Resident at Virginia Mason, which keeps her busy. She’s also a very talented musician, so you might just see her playing the piano, violin, or singing some Sunday when her schedule allows. We have two dogs, and no kids–which is the perfect balance for this season of life. We both enjoy the outdoors. Allison is a climber, snowboarder, and compulsive runner. I enjoy hiking, skiing, fishing, hunting, and playing all sorts of sports.
Who is the famous person you’re most likely to be mistaken for?
Most people say I remind them of one of two people. Either Andre the Giant, the professional wrestler from the 1980s, or Fred Grandy, who played Gopher on The Love Boat.
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