a message from the bethel elders:
We’re excited to share that Steven Wallace is being presented as a candidate for Bethel Elder.
Our elders are entrusted with providing spiritual guidance and direction for Bethel Church. After a thorough vetting process and much time in prayer, the Elder Board is united in presenting Steven as a candidate for the newest member of the team.
Please take a moment to read about Steven in the message below. If you’d like to connect with Steven in person, we invite you to a Meet & Greet on Sunday, June 8, from 10:00–10:30 AM in the Desert View Room.
Bethel members will have the opportunity to vote on this candidate during the Annual Family Business Meeting on June 22.
MEET Steven Wallace:
Family:
My wife, Jessica, and I have been married for over a decade, and we’re raising three amazing kids—Atalie (10), Reece (8), and River (6).
Time at Bethel:
We’ve been part of the Bethel family for 15 years.
Leadership & Service at Bethel:
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of ways—first as a missionary in East Asia, then as Bethel’s Executive Pastor, and now as a mental health counselor, partnering with Bethel. I’ve also been actively involved in leading and participating in small groups and volunteering with Global Outreach.
My Journey with Jesus:
I came to know Christ early in life, but it wasn’t until college at Washington State University—through my involvement with CRU—that I really began to understand what it means to follow Jesus authentically. Like many, I went through a season of chasing fulfillment in relationships, experiences, and success, only to realize how temporary those things are.
Through these struggles, God gently revealed that true fulfillment comes only through Him.
As I surrendered more areas of my life to Christ, He began to transform my priorities and purpose. What started as seeking personal happiness evolved into finding joy in serving others.
That transformation has shaped my career—moving from engineering, to ministry, to mental health counseling—all of which reflect my growing passion to walk alongside people in their own journeys.
Looking back, I can see how God has used every step—even the hard ones—as preparation to serve His Kingdom. I recognize how each step of my journey, whether seemingly forwards or backwards at the time, was part of God’s larger plan to equip me for ministry.
Why I’m Willing to Serve as an Elder:
Throughout my life I’ve discerned God’s will by responding to doors He opens rather than trying to force my own way. When the Elder Board approached me about joining them, I recognized this as one of those open doors. I believe my spiritual gifts, past personal and professional experiences, along with my people-oriented heart, have prepared me for this role. I trust the discernment of our leadership and am ready to serve our church community in this capacity if affirmed by the congregation.
