Joe Springer
How long have you been working at Bethany, and what is it you do here?
I have been working at Bethany since October 2009. I help to connect people with small groups of people where they are able to study, share their lives, and pray in the context of a community of people who are care about them. These groups are always forming, and you’re welcome to contact me about joining one. We also provide training for leaders and are available to help make group experiences more meaningful.
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?
For the last two years I have served on the Board of Directors for Sound Youth Counseling, an agency serving at-risk youth in the Tacoma area. I’m continuing to switch commitments in life from the south sound to the Seattle area, and hope to be able to do some basketball coaching in the near future.
Tell us about some of your hobbies, and about your family.
My wife, 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.
