Taunja, a third-generation pastor, spent her childhood preaching and singing to her dolls and stuffed animals using her Mag flashlight. As a child, she was quite the hell-fire preacher (apparently, her stuffed animals were total heathens); however, she has since dramatically improved her communication skills and now emphasizes the love of God.

She believes that church should be enjoyed, not endured. Her ministry life verse is Psalm 100:2, "Serve the Lord with gladness." As a gifted teacher, she simplifies difficult passages; as a storyteller, she brings the Bible to life; and as a communicator, she makes it all practical for our everyday lives.

In her free time, Taunja loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys grilling, and she's often asked to make her kickin' homemade salsa. She's currently on a mission to become a genuine coffee snob, mastering pour overs and cold brew. She's always up for a movie, playing music, games, and great conversations (especially over coffee). She loves it when you laugh so hard you cry, and if you dare to start a prank war with her, be ready for her to try and take it to the next level. She often admits her struggle to act like Jesus while driving and her general aversion to math (which she says is "of the devil, because God is not the author of confusion"). She served as our Youth Pastor at City Gate Church for nearly 20 years, and teenagers and young adults will always have her heart. In 2014, she became the Lead Pastor, often remarking, "I never saw that coming!" Indeed, God's plans are always good.

It's all about the simple Gospel—relationship with Jesus.

I believe the church is special. There's no other place on earth quite like it. No church is perfect because it's full of people, but the goal is to be a snapshot of heaven on this earth. #churchgoals

I see a church where:

• People love people.
• There's always room for everyone.
• Honesty and transparency are valued, even if it's messy.
• Brokenness and pain is healed.
• Hope is found, and futures are shaped.
• Dreams are encouraged.
• Lifelong friendships flourish.
• Generations serve God together.
• Life can be lived together--the good and hard times.
• Faith can be experienced.
• Identity is found in Christ.
• God's Word and truth is always honored.
• God's love and grace is consistently encountered.
• God's presence is powerful.
• Worship is expressive and heartfelt.
• Prayer matters and can change things.
• People bringing His Kingdom can change culture.

I firmly believe we are on the brink of an unprecedented global revival, and I'm excited for the Holy Spirit to move in ways never seen before in history. Above all, my greatest desire is for us to be at the forefront of this great harvest of souls in this city, with sleeves rolled up and boots muddy. I envision future generations receiving the baton of revival from us—a vibrant, fully awakened, and passionately devoted church ablaze for Jesus—empowering them to soar even further.

NICKNAME: Taun, PT (among many).  

NERDY STUFF: Bachelor of Science majoring in Pastoral Studies/Theology with a minor in Youth Ministry from Eugene Bible College in 1995. Bachelor of Arts in Music from Eugene Bible College in 1997. Honorary Doctorate in Theology (Th.D h.c.) from Global Action International in 2013.

MOVIE: I've watched Anne of Green Gables many times, and I even named my first car Gilbert. I like thrillers, suspense, comedy, action, and drama.

CLEANING/WORKING TUNES: I like most kinds of music, except the ones that scream because I feel like I need to perform an exorcism. I often work or clean to 50s through the 80s tunes.

BOOK (OTHER THAN THE BIBLE): Strong's Greek and Hebrew Bible Dictionary. Just kidding. I love Frank Peretti novels. Ted Dekker keeps me turning the pages too.

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Graphic design, playing music, reading, grilling, cooking, coffee, being creative, the lake, and traveling.

FEARS: Losing my notes before I speak, getting stuck behind slow drivers in traffic, falling off a cliff (heights), and spiders. It's not a fear, but I'm not a fan of loud mouth noises. Nope, don't like that.

LAST MEAL ON EARTH: Grilled Ribeye steak, buttery mashed potatoes, and an amazing salad.