Leadership

Will came to Island Church by way of Little Rock Arkansas, where he worked at Fellowship Bible Church in a number of capacities. Originally born and raised in Upstate New York, Will moved to Canada to attend Canadian Bible College where he prepared to enter ministry. There he met his wife Jennifer, a British Columbia native, who also sensed God’s calling on her life as well. After marrying, Will and Jennifer pastored in a number of Alliance churches in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, where Will served as the lead pastor at Cornerstone Alliance church. During their time in Saskatchewan, Will also completed his M.Div from Canadian Theological Seminary. Will and Jennifer have four daughters, a boxer, two cats, a chameleon and a pretty busy life. When not busy, Will loves to watch movies, smoke brisket, tinker with old VW's and accomplish his check list of projects around the house. He is hoping life on the Island will afford him new opportunities to fishing, crabbing, and clamming!

Having originally lived on the island from 2007 to 2018, Evan grew up in this church playing on the worship team and volunteering for the youth group which is where he found his calling to youth ministry. This led him to pursue his degree in youth & educational ministry and psychology minor at Multnomah University in Portland Oregon. This is where he met his wife Julie, who grew up in Portland and also graduated from Multnomah. Alongside volunteering in the Island Church youth group for four years, Evan also worked with Central Bible Church in Portland for two years, YoungLife for two summers and helped lead a youth camp in Okinawa through Cadence International. Evan is passionate about truth and helping today’s youth develop a firm and personal foundation in Christ. Evan loves reading philosophy, theology and psychology. Outside of reading, you'll find him out on the golf course or cycling. 

Liz joined Island Church team after retiring from serving in children’s ministry in the Bellevue area. Liz married Arnold and they raised their 4 boys together with all of the adventures, joys and struggles that are a part of family life. Liz concentrated her first 2 years of college on early child development, taking a break to homeschool her 4 boys. She returned to school receiving her degree in ministry leadership. She has worked for several churches both large and small.
 Liz loves to watch kids of all ages develop and find adventure in life. Her passion is for families  to know God, love Jesus and walk with friends. She has a heart for our community to work together across generations to bring God’s love to each person, young and old.
When she is not involved with families at church, you can find her with her grandson, in her garden, enjoying her Great Pyrenees puppy, enjoying her photography hobby, or traveling with her husband.

Will and his wife Danielle have been married for over 25 years. They have raised three beautiful daughters and are coming into the “empty nest” phase of life. They look forward to what God has planned for their future. Music is his passion. He has been a musician as long as he can remember. He has been part of the Island Church worship team for over 13 years. He is blessed, and humbled to be the current worship leader. Will believes their job as a worship team, is to prepare the congregation’s hearts for the revelation of God’s word. Shout to the Lord, all the earth, breakout in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord. (Psalm 98:4-9)

Originally from California, Samara has taught elementary and middle school students for over 20 years. She LOVED teaching U.S. history.  She has lived on Whidbey Island for over 9  years and enjoys living by the lake. Samara volunteers with our youth and worship departments. She loves hanging out and fellowshipping with the amazing students we have here at the Island Church. In her free time she loves to watch movies, read books, and spending time with family and friends.