Pastors
We believe a local church is meant to be shepherded by a team of pastor-elders who love Jesus and give their lives for the good of His people. Pastors are "under-shepherds" entrusted with protecting, feeding and caring for the church. We lead in plurality, striving to honor one another, make space for each others gifts, and humbly submit to Jesus as the church's one true "Chief Shepherd".
Ben Sansburn
Staff Elder
Ben began serving at Summit in 2013 after living nine years as a missionary in China with his wife Eliana. He is a dad to four beautiful girls - Ava, Miren, Charis and Eden.
Ben grew up in Canada. He played college basketball and earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. He also has a Master of Arts from Western Seminary. He loves roasting and drinking great coffee, reading good books, and is a sports junkie.
Ben grew up in Canada. He played college basketball and earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. He also has a Master of Arts from Western Seminary. He loves roasting and drinking great coffee, reading good books, and is a sports junkie.
Ryan Knight
Staff Elder
Ryan began serving as a pastor at Summit in 2020 after over 12 years of ministry in Southern California. He and his wife, Lori, are high school sweethearts and have three kids—Hudson, Lincoln, and Brooklyn.
Ryan has his bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Eternity Bible College. Their family loves all things music-related, they bleed Dodger blue, and are diehard LA Kings hockey fans, and good coffee is a must!
Ryan has his bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Eternity Bible College. Their family loves all things music-related, they bleed Dodger blue, and are diehard LA Kings hockey fans, and good coffee is a must!
Ryan Wood
Lay Elder
Ryan was installed as a non-vocational pastor here at Summit in the spring of 2023. He and his wife Amy recently celebrated their 25th anniversary and have two daughters - Rylie and Anna.
Ryan pursued his Bachelors of Arts at Corban University in Salem, OR and then returned to Tacoma, where he studied for his Masters of Divinity at Northwest Baptist Seminary. Ryan has over 25 years worth of ministry experience as both an Assistant and Lead Pastor at previous churches. Ryan suffers as a Seattle Mariners fan, and enjoys good cigars, engaging movies, and great coffee.
Ryan pursued his Bachelors of Arts at Corban University in Salem, OR and then returned to Tacoma, where he studied for his Masters of Divinity at Northwest Baptist Seminary. Ryan has over 25 years worth of ministry experience as both an Assistant and Lead Pastor at previous churches. Ryan suffers as a Seattle Mariners fan, and enjoys good cigars, engaging movies, and great coffee.
Pete Corak
Lay Elder
Pete became a non-vocational pastor at Summit in the spring of 2025. After a 34-year corporate career in IT and HR, Pete served over a decade in full-time ministry as an associate pastor and teaching elder. He joined Summit in June 2023.
A widower since 2017, his home remains super-charged with the two grandsons (and daughter) who live with him. Pete has four other daughters and six more grandchildren scattered from Canada to Mexico. He also serves on the board of Village Missions. Read more of Pete’s biblical reflections on his blog, mymorningmeal.com.
A widower since 2017, his home remains super-charged with the two grandsons (and daughter) who live with him. Pete has four other daughters and six more grandchildren scattered from Canada to Mexico. He also serves on the board of Village Missions. Read more of Pete’s biblical reflections on his blog, mymorningmeal.com.
Deacons
Deacons are servants entrusted to care for practical needs in the life of the church. Deacons serve in all kinds of "behind-the-scenes" ways that allow ministry in the church to flourish and grow.
Isaac McPhee
Roy Steffens
Jacob Veliz
Rick Brackett
Tom Utterback
Kimmer Utterback
Mollee Peterson
