Pastor Bios

Jay Schilling

"Before I was saved, my whole life revolved around me and whatever I wanted. . . ."  At age 14, I accepted Christ as Savior, when I first heard of God's love through Jesus Christ at a Christian Camp in the Redwoods of CA. God revealed Himself to me in a unique and personal way through a video that featured several NFL football players. These players shared what was most important to them - their relationship with Christ. "I heard for the first time from my heroes that there was something more important in life than sports and pleasing themselves. It was found only through a personal relationship through Jesus Christ." It was then that I realized my need for a Savior and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins. From that point on everything began to change.

Jay grew up in California, near San Francisco. He married Vicki in 1993, before moving to Washington to earn a Master's degree in Music from the University of Washington (1996). During their time in Seattle, Jay decided to serve the Lord vocationally and was called to join the GEBC staff in July '96 where he served as Youth and Music Pastor. He became GEBC's first full-time Youth Pastor from 2000 - 2004. After that, at the board's request, he transitioned to lead our music ministries while also overseeing other areas of ministry such as Outreach Ministry and the church website.

Jay and Vicki have two daughters, Hannah and Grace, a English lab puppy named Daisy and a rabbit named Donut (a.k.a. THE Fuzzy Bunny) They enjoy the outdoors and like to hike, bike, run and play sports. A favorite for Vicki is running in marathons! Jay especially enjoys fishing, especially fly-fishing!

"I realized now that there's nothing more important than putting Jesus first in everything."

The Schillings with Timber & Sgt. Rock from the Power Team at Church in the Park 2010