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Mark Tumney - Associate Pastor to Families & Missional Outreach
Both Stephanie and I want to express just how excited and humbled we are to come and serve with you all in Yakima!
One of the primary reasons that we felt called to First Pres was the dynamic of having a pastoral position devoted to missional outreach and families. The Lord has given me a passion for sharing Christ with others, particularly with those who have not yet come to know God’s love personally. I also have a tremendous heart for families. Although the Lord calls us to share His love with all segments of our world, He calls us to pay special attention to children--and subsequently, to those who care for children (Mark 10: 13-16). Given that each year 85% of people who make an initial commitment to follow Christ do so before they’re 18, it becomes clear how family ministry is indeed a very fitting compliment to our missional efforts.
Despite having ministered for the past few years in what is one of the least churched areas of our country (in Silicon Valley), I remain convinced that the Church currently has a unique opportunity to transform our culture. No longer are people confident about what is right and wrong, nor do they have a clear sense of purpose. It’s a dynamic time when our neighbors are asking some very significant questions. Whole groups of people know little or nothing about what the Bible says, or even about Jesus. Subsequently, by demonstrating God’s unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness to our friends we earn the right to enter this dialogue and hopefully to help them discover the truth in Christ.
Stephanie and I are excited about joining you all as we together seek to fall deeper in love with Jesus and live out God’s calling to proclaim the Good News of Christ to our world.
In Christ,
Mark and Stephanie Tumney
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