Meet Our Elders and Staff

Ben Orchard

Teaching Pastor

Position and description of what you do: Teaching Pastor & Elder. I love to preach and teach God’s Word. I want VBC to be a place where people know Jesus and follow His Word. I’m also a Navy Reserve Chaplain. I enjoy this as it keeps me in touch with the real world.
How long have you been involved with VBC? We came to Spokane and Valley Bible Church in August 2005.
Place of birth: Pocatello, Idaho
Some favorite dead guys/gals: C.H. Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer
Some favorites still among the living: Os Guiness, John Piper, Haddon Robinson
A favorite quote: "The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."--Frederick Buechner
Family information: We have six children, five boys and one girl. Jesse, Emilee and Joel are still at home. Benjamin, Jonathan and Micah are out of the nest.
On living in Spokane, Washington: We have found people in Spokane to be very friendly. There is a lot to do and it is beautiful as well. Our kids who moved here with us really like it.
What do you enjoy most for refreshment? I like to run. That is my source of exercise and time of greatest meditation.
Any other activities you enjoy? I also like to cook. But my favorite activity is drinking coffee and talking with my wife, Tara.

Doug Snook

Elder over Music

Ed Mattfeld

Elder over Missions

Jerry Laursen

Elder over Adult Ministries

Cheryl Bosch

Administrative Assistant

Position and description of what you do: Administrative Assistant. My job is to help the church run smoothly by supporting the Elders, Pastors, Staff and Ministries of VBC. I consider it a blessing from the Lord to be employed by VBC.
How long have you been involved with VBC? My husband and I have been part of VBC since 1993 and I have been employed by the church since 2001.
Place of birth: Seattle Area
Some favorite dead guys/gals: Jane Austen, my grandmother, Martin Bowen (4th grade Sunday School Teacher).
Some favorites still among the living: my husband, my parents, Rich & Marti Carlson, Stuart Rowell.
Favorite verse: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8.
Family information: Married to my best friend Kyle for 29 years who is a music educator for a local school district.
On living in Spokane, Washington: I enjoy the pace of the Spokane area (a little slower than larger cities). There are so many outdoor activities to choose from, especially with the Spokane River and Centennial Trail so readily accessible.
What do you enjoy most for refreshment? Being with my husband. Playing with my greyhound and cat. Working in my yard during the growing season. Going to Drum Corps shows. Watching musicals.
Any other activities you enjoy? Choreographing and instructing color guards and dance teams for local high schools

Chris Martin

Youth/Music Pastor

Position and description of what you do: Youth & Music Pastor. I have the privilege of shepherding our High School students and overseeing our Middle School ministry as well as serving the music ministry.
How long have you been involved with VBC? Our family joined Valley Bible Church in July of 2010.
Place of birth: Everett, WA
Some favorite dead guys/gals: Jonathan Edwards, C.H. Spurgeon, Jeremiah Burroughs, C.S. Lewis
Some favorites still among the living: John MacArthur, Sean Higgins, Jerry Bridges, Kevin DeYoung, Al Mohler
A favorite quote: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."--Jim Elliot
Family information: I am married to my wonderful wife Izumi and we have two children. Noelle and our still-to-be-named little boy due in November.
On living in Spokane, Washington: As a native of the Pacific Northwest, it has been wonderful to be back in Washington again. We love the laid-back spirit of the area and having four real seasons.
What do you enjoy most for refreshment? Spending time with family and friends.
Any other activities you enjoy? Like Ben, my wife and I enjoy cooking together - particularly something crazy and challenging we have seen on a cooking show. And reading, lots of reading.

Elois Stager

Director of Children's Sunday

Gunnar Tesdahl

Youth/Music Intern

Jennifer Dokken

Administrative Assistant