Our Pastor comes to us with over 40 years of ministry experience in a variety of contexts, including 3 years in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) working alongside local church leaders. He also served as a Youth Pastor in several congregations in Canada and the US, as an Associate Pastor for two years, and as the Senior Pastor for various congregations. Pastor Tony served 13 years as a Chaplain in the US Army Reserve, including 4 years of full-time activation in several locations, including Fort Jackson, South Carolina, the Philippines, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Our Pastor also served 5 years as an online Pastor for Christian Services Association, the ministry organization of Patricia King.

Pastor Tony’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical and Religious Studies from Fresno Pacific University and a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Western University and Canadian Baptist Seminary.

Other areas of experience and education include completion of a Certificate in Automotive Technology from Reedley College, as well as completion of a Commercial Driver License (Truck Driving) course with subsequent employment.

Pastor Tony has been married to Connie Willems for 24 years. Together they have 7 children, 20 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Today, it is with great joy and thankfulness to God for the opportunity that he serves as the Pastor of The Gathering Church of Squaw Valley.