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
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 of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. He also has a Master of Arts from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. 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 of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. He also has a Master of Arts from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. He loves roasting and drinking great coffee, reading good books, and is a sports junkie.
Ryan Knight
Ryan began serving as a pastor at Summit in 2020 after serving both as a director and pastor at his home church in Southern California for more than 12 years. Ryan and his wife, Lori, are high school sweethearts and have now been married for over ten years. The Knights have three kiddos - their sons Hudson, Lincoln, and daughter, Brooklyn.
Ryan has his bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley, CA. As SoCal transplants, the Knights love the beauty of the PNW and are even warming to the Seattle Seahawks as well. Their family loves all things music-related, they bleed Dodger blue, 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 in Simi Valley, CA. As SoCal transplants, the Knights love the beauty of the PNW and are even warming to the Seattle Seahawks as well. Their family loves all things music-related, they bleed Dodger blue, are diehard LA Kings hockey fans, and good coffee is a must!
Ryan Wood
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.
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.
Rob Hostager
Isaac McPhee
Rick Brackett
Jacob Veliz
