Ian Nelson
Chief responsibilities:
Middle School
Bio:
I grew up in Vancouver Washington in a family of six, spending most of my childhood running around on a large strip of property out in the country. Being raised in a Christian family, I grew up going to church and I remember asking Jesus into my heart when I was seven years old. However, I did not fully understand the importance of living my own personal walk with Jesus on a daily basis until later in my youth. I first led a non-Christian friend to the Lord when I was in the 7th grade, and I have had a heart for ministering to youth ever since!!!
Throughout grade school I attended a private Christian school and was then home-schooled for a couple years, and ended up going to a public school during Middle School (I’ve tried it all!). My family then moved to Corvallis, where I attended high school at Corvallis High. After graduating, I was the worship leader for Real Life College ministries for three years and also spent three summers working with youth at Hume Lake Christian Camps in California, teaching bible studies and leading worship. I recently graduated from Oregon State University in June of 2007 with a degree in Business Marketing and English Literature.
Music has also been a huge part of my life. I play guitar and sing in a Christian rock band called In Pursuit Of, and we have had the wonderful privilege of touring all over the Northwest sharing the love of Christ through our music, as well as releasing a full-length rock album and leading worship for various church retreats.
I am a very passionate person, and I LOVE kids. It is so exciting to be the Middle School Pastor and to have the privilege of building relationships with kids and being a part of what God is doing in their lives.
Interesting Facts About Ian:
I play guitar, bass, piano, drums, and the clairinette
My favorite colors are blue and green
My initials spell my name: Ian Andrew Nelson. I.A.N.
My favorite food is PIZZA. Mmmmm, yummy!!!
I drive a Red Jeep Cherokee
My favorite book of the Bible is James
I like to skateboard, snowboard, and surf
I love coffee. Especially Dutch Bros!
I enjoy chewy brownies from the corner of the pan
My favorite place on earth so far is Makenah Beach in Maui
Prayer requests:
Please pray for strength and vision as well as God’s hand to move in this ministry.
Please pray for our M.S. leaders as they invest countless hours in these kids’ lives.
Goals in ministry:
To teach the Word of God and shepherd the flock.
To share the gospel and teach kids how to share the gospel.
To see kids grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
To equip middle schoolers for serving in the ministry.
To train kids to identify the deceptions of the enemy in our culture / media today, so that they can take a stand for what is right.
Favorite verses of the Bible:
Zephaniah 3:17
Proverbs 3:5-6
I Cor. 1:26-31
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Favorite Bible study tools and recommended books:
www.biblegateway.com
www.dictionary.com
The Knowledge of the Holy, by A.W. Tozer
The Making of a Man of God, by Allan Redpath
The Application Commentary, by Jon Courson
The Bible Knowledge Commentary, by Walvoord and Zuck
Email:
ianandrewnelson@yahoo.com
