Written by: Jay Forseth on June 27, 2018

JAY FORSETH

BIOGRAPHY

Superintendent for the Western Conference of the Evangelical Church (MT, WY, ND, ID)

Former Lead Pastor at Columbus Evangelical Church for 15 years (Columbus, MT)

Former Athletic Director and Vice-President for Advancement at Rocky Mountain College (MT)

Current Professor at Arrowhead Bible College since 2003 (Fishtail, MT)

PERSONAL

Lives in Columbus, Montana with his wife and two children

Loves outdoor adventures including hunting, fishing and hiking

Coached at all levels of athletics for over 25 years

Denver Bronco Fan

EDUCATION

Diploma—Denver Christian High School (Denver, CO)

B.A.—Northwest Nazarene University in Teacher Education (Nampa, Idaho)

M.A.—Idaho State University in Athletic Administration (Pocatello, Idaho)

DMin Student at Portland Seminary at George Fox University (Global Leadership)

AWARDS

1983 Colorado High School Basketball State Champion

1989 Athlete of the Year at Northwest Nazarene University (Basketball and Soccer)

1996 Idaho Middle School Teacher of the Year (Physical Education)

Stewardship Director for the Evangelical Church (Kingdom Resource Ministries)

Teacher and Presenter at over 50 seminars and conferences on Biblical Stewardship

NARRATIVE

Born a twin, to a mother in a wheelchair, in an athletic family with 7 children, I wanted be a CHAMPION of something. Realizing sports would only take me so far to lasting fulfilment, I instead decided to follow Jesus and be HIS champion, and that has made all the difference!

Called into the ministry at age 35, I am passionate TO KNOW HIM BETTER (Ephesians 1:17).

I am inspired by MAKING DISCIPLES and I try to live out the Scripture verse, “Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him” (Luke 9:23). My life Bible verses are, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Not necessarily task-oriented or people-centered, I am GOAL-DRIVEN in my personality. I expect more out of myself than others do. This is difficult for a people pleaser like myself, but fortunately God works despite of me. I simply want to make an eternal difference for Him.

I am often asked, “What are you going to do with your Doctorate?” I don’t have a precise answer, but I believe God is going to put it to Kingdom use in ways that I cannot currently imagine. Since beginning my terminal degree, I have been voted Conference Superintendent in the Western Conference of the Evangelical Church. TO GOD BE THE GLORY is my motto.

Others have said I was “born to lead” and lead I shall, with humbleness and laser focus. Taking a Sabbath is vital to my soul care, as is the reading of Scriptures and personal prayer. I am staying connected to the Vine, as things are impossible without Jesus.

Attempting to stay balanced, my wife and I date every Thursday. We are both involved in our community as volunteers. Whether refereeing soccer, umpiring baseball, or teaching Hunter Education, my batteries are filled when I help make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Coaching sports is little different than being a Minister. We look for growth and maturity, which the Bible calls TRANSFORMATION. Ultimately, we strive for BEARING FRUIT that yields a crop 30, 60 or even 100 times what was sown (Matthew 13:8, Mark 4:20).

Basically, I get lit up being more of a giver rather than a taker. Not too bad of a life in Jesus for a bald headed, “not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree”, kind of guy!

About the Author

Jay Forseth

Superintendent of the Western Conference of the Evangelical Church. Blessed with 28 years as the husband of my amazing wife who I can't make it without. Now three of four in our family are attending University, but both my children are way smarter than me.