Sunrise Staff

Pastor Jason has been serving students and families at Sunrise since 1995, most of that time serving as our Youth Pastor, and as our Executive Pastor of Community Life over the last couple of years. Jason graduated from Trinity Western University with a B.S. in Biology and an M. Div. from ACTS Seminaries.

Jason and his wife, Andrea, live in Lynden, WA, where they raised their three kids. Along, with their passion for God and serving at Sunrise, they love to spend time hiking, biking, and exploring God’s creation together. Near the top of their bucket list is visiting all 63 National Parks!

Pastor Andy is a graduate of Multnomah University (B.S. 2004) and Western Seminary (M.Div. 2011 & D.Min. 2024), both in Portland OR. As Pastor of Emerging Adult Ministries, Andy provides leadership for The Branch: An Emerging Adult Community (young adults, ages 18 - 28ish). He is also involved in discipleship training, and preaching and teaching ministries. Andy deeply values the disciplines of prayer, of studying Scripture, and of writing as a means of strengthening his relationship with Christ Jesus. Among other things, he also values family and friends, learning and continued education, and a lifestyle of serving and sowing the Gospel in his community.

Andy and his wife, Amy, live in Blaine with two of their kids (their third lives in Colorado). He loves reading and writing, walking, biking, and playing basketball, and finding adventures with his family. He also has a unique collection that you ought to ask him about sometime.

Michael grew up at Sunrise, first attending the preschool program, then participating in various ministries from AWANA to children’s Sunday School to BLAST and BREAK youth ministries to the Branch emerging adult ministry. These ministries, especially the people who served in them, had a significant impact on shaping Michael’s faith. Michael went on to earn both his B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies (2017) as well as his MDiv (2022) from Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary. Michael counts it a joy to serve as the Pastor of Student Life and proclaim the hope, peace, and life found in Christ to the next generations.

When Michael isn’t spending time with a bunch of middle and high school students, he loves to be with his wife, Bethany, and two daughters, Ruby and Esther, spending time outside, going on walks, and playing all the silly games his kids can come up with!

Pastor Bob grew up in Portland Oregon and attended Oregon State University. He became a follower of Jesus his sophomore year and began to work with Campus Crusade for Christ. Following graduation in 1973 Bob married Debbie Bailey and began attending Bethel Seminary.He has served in 5 churches as a youth pastor, pastor of evangelism and discipleship and as pastor of family ministries. Pastor Bob has served at Sunrise Baptist for 25 years. Currently he is semi- retired serving at Sunrise in several ministries.

Pastor Bob still serves Sunrise helping with hospitality teams, Pastors meetings, Preaching team and Sunday Morning services.

Sherri started attending Sunrise in 1979 when she and her family moved to Lynden, Washington from California. She met her husband, John, here at Sunrise. Sherri and John have five grown children and ten grandchildren.

Sherri enjoys serving at Sunrise as office administrator and giving her time to people.

In her spare time, Sherri enjoys being with her grandkids, traveling, being outdoors, reading, scrapbooking, getting coffee, and sharing intentional time with others.

Sherri is thankful for this role to serve Sunrise, the people of our community, and the Lord Jesus Christ for such a time as this.

Katharine has been a part of Sunrise most of her life. She is passionate about serving people, the Lord, and care of creation through hands on implementation of management and stewardship.

Katharine graduated from Trinity Western University with a degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in marine conservation. Her goal is to one day work with MPA (Marine Protected Area) establishment in third world countries. She enjoys teaching individuals of all ages about the wonders of God’s creation, marine biodiversity, and how we can be better stewards.

In her spare time, Katharine can be found hiking, paddle boarding, teaching, planning community events, and writing. Working at Sunrise allows Katharine to combine her love for people, ministry, and ‘environments’ together for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Laurie King knew from a young age that she was going to be a teacher. After almost 10 years in an elementary school classroom, Laurie joined Sunrise Baptist Church’s staff in 2018.

As Director of Children’s Ministries, Laurie oversees the Sunday morning ministries of nursery, 2 & 3 year olds, Children’s Church (Pre-K -kindergarten), and Children’s Sunday School (4 years-5th grade). She loves working with volunteers and developing engaging curriculum. One of her passions is to show kids who God is by bringing the Bible alive in tangible ways with songs, visuals, props, and plays. Her heart is for all children to know they are loved by Jesus!

Laurie is often found at soccer and baseball games with her husband cheering on her 2 sons. When she gets time alone, she likes to go for walks with friends, read, drink tea, and work on photobooks.

Kat Van Voorst is a graduate of Northwest College with a BA in Elementary Education. Specializing in: Reading, Early Childhood, and teaching English as a Second Language.

As Director of Sunrise Preschool, Kat serves in the areas of registration, fundraising, special events, and supporting the teachers.

Kat and her husband, Marcus, have four children, and live in Lynden. As a family, they enjoy being outside doing things like walking, bike riding, camping, rock hunting and going to parks.

Mark French has been a lifelong technology enthusiast. From taking apart every toy he owned to managing all of the IT for his dad's advertising company at the age of 15. With experience covering audio, lighting, video systems, computer and networking technologies, Mark has worked at several churches and been on the planting team for half a dozen more. He also teaches technology, photography, filmmaking and graphic arts at Lynden Christian High School. Mark's heart is to use technology to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus to many people as clearly as possible.

Mark loves to spend time with Laura, his wife; cooking, taking photos and, when possible, visiting Disneyland.

Terry kindly volunteers his time and energy to support our church. The church has never looked so beautiful as it does since he started helping out.

When not at the church, he can be found working on projects, building something for a friend or neighbor, camping or flying his drone.

Katie faithfully serves Sunrise in Housekeeping. alongside her daughter Sadie, in addition to guiding and serving the Women’s Ministries Program. She loves finding joy in the unexpected.

“I am privileged to work alongside Terry Munden and Sadie in meeting the regular upkeep and events of this thriving church,” Katie says. “The Lord sees no difference in a ‘small or big’ task if you are doing it unto Him.”

Katie and her husband Sam (of 29 years) are involved in various ministries, and have three beautiful daughters: Sadie, Skylar, and Pyper.

Kate has been attending Sunrise since 2023. After seeing her children go through our amazing Preschool, she decided to step into the Preschool three-year-old’s teaching position.

Kate is a devoted and compassionate individual with a heart for serving children in the church community. Kate takes pride in providing spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to children, while helping them grow in their faith, education, and understanding of God.

Through creative teaching, engaging activities, and meaningful relationships, Kate strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of the children coming from all around the community while instilling values of kindness, respect. and love for others.

In her spare time, Kate loves gardening and spending time with her two children, loving husband, and the array of animals she has on her property.

Debbie George serves in our preschool ministry watching the kids grow and learn.

Debbie has two daughters and has lived in Whatcom County most of her life. In her spare time she likes to run, travel, and watch her daughters play soccer.

“It is an absolute blast to serve in the Sunrise Preschool and be involved in the first step of so many young lives first school experience. The preschoolers are a joy to work with and constantly put a smile on my face. I am blessed God has called me to be a part of this ministry.”