After sifting through over 100 applications, we finally selected our five lead pastor residents for the first year of our Lead Pastor Residency Program. This month, our residents are getting settled in at some of our Mars Hill churches and preparing for long-term pastoral leadership. Below, we want to introduce you to three of these godly men.
Ryan Welsh
Mars Hill Downtown Bellevue
I grew up in Kent and graduated from Kentwood High School in 2001. After high school I moved to Salem, Oregon, to play baseball at Corban University. My wife, Kate, and I started dating at 16, continued dating though college, and were married in Seattle just after graduation. For the next seven years I worked as a youth, associate teaching, and then teaching/preaching pastor. During this time we had two children: Ella (3) and Liam (10 weeks).
I am working on my doctor of ministry in preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Although I honestly don’t love going to school, I do love preaching God’s Word and teaching the Bible and theology. I have had the opportunity over the past three years to do both, while preaching at Grace Baptist and also teaching as an adjunct professor of biblical studies and homiletics at Corban University. I am passionate about seeing lives changed and saved by the gospel, which is why I now find myself at Mars Hill. I feel a strong calling to be a part of the mission at Mars Hill to make disciples and plant churches.
Aaron Gray
Mars Hill Federal Way
I’m pastor at Mars Hill Federal Way where I oversee the music, Community Group, and Redemption Group ministries. I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where I served as a worship pastor for five years before moving to Seattle last summer. Since I was little, I’ve sensed a call to ministry and have been serving in the local church since childhood. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Erin Lynn, and we have four daughters: Mackenzie, Delaney, Tristen, and Reagan—with another baby girl due around Thanksgiving of 2012.
Ryan Williams
Mars Hill Downtown Bellevue
I grew up in Adelaide, Australia. After becoming a Christian at the age of 22, I felt called immediately to get prepared for ministry. I began some study through the Australian College of Theology. I was full time at Bible college when God clearly opened the door to move to Mars Hill and undertake an internship at Mars Hill West Seattle.
I felt God told me to take advantage of every opportunity he gave me, and when the Lead Pastor Residency Program opened, I followed his leading and applied. By God’s grace I was accepted and I am excited to be on mission with Mars Hill and the work Jesus is doing through this church.
I recently married my wife, Natasha, and we are excited to continue the journey that God has for us as a married couple.
I am passionate about seeing people grasp the reality of the good news of Jesus. I love sport in general, but particularly Australian Rules Football.
You can follow residents Welsh, Gray, and Williams on Twitter.
The 2012 Lead Pastor Residency Program application process is closed. If you are interested in applying for the 2013 program, please email residency@marshill.com and when applications reopen we will let you know.
