Part two of my interview with Pastor Grant Fishbook of Christ the King church, Bellingham

1. What are you reading right now? My Bible (because I need it).  “Half Time” by Bob Buford because that is my season of life.  “Leading with Love” by Alexander Strauch because that is the theme of our Elder Team.  “Speed of Trust” by Stephen Covey because it’s a
great read for our Management Team and it’s the central issue of building a great
team.

2. What are you most passionate about right now? What are you hopeful about in
regard to the church?
I am passionate about teaching the truth of Jesus in a way that is compelling and
understandable.  I want transformation for our people – not just information.
I am excited that the church is being called to address real issues in real time.
We can no longer “tap dance” around the tough issues.  I believe this clarifies
God’s calling on the church and attracts people being drawn by honest and
transparent answers.
3. What would be one or strategies for reaching and transforming our cities and
even impacting our country?
As cities become more desperate to fund programs and infrastructure, the
Church can step into those gaps and meet those needs.  We are seeing a higher
level of openness to working with state organizations.  In this case, their
desperation is causing a higher opportunity for cooperation.

CTK looks for opportunities to touch the community when it is hurting.  We do
funerals for free because we don’t want to profit from a families grief. Many
people are coming to CTK because they came to a funeral here first.  They were
touched by the fact we didn’t charge and only wanted to help.  We are trying to
live up to our nickname – Crisis the King!  We recently became a drop-off
location for a program that hosts adult day-care for people struggling with
Alzheimer’s and dementia.  This program had been cancelled by the state but is
so needed.  We stepped in by providing a place for the drop off and support for
families who are trying to honor an ailing parent.  Both of these opportunities are
creating favor with the community.

4. What is a sermon or topic you have preached or taught on recently that has
really connected and landed with people?
I did a series called “Bent” on the life of Joseph.  People resonated with length of
time Josephs’ refinement process took and the fact that he chose to forgive when
he had the option to exact revenge.  The themes of trusting God in an unjust
world touched people in deep ways.  I am starting a series on “Revelation” this
weekend so, I am hopeful that this series can “connect and land” with people but
the jury is out!

Bonus Question: Who has been the greatest influence/mentor in your life? What did they teach you?
Pastor Ian Lawson taught me to preach.
John Havland taught me how to be whole as a person
Dr. Ellery Pullman taught me how to find the “teachable moment”
Gerritt Byeman taught me how to never get too far from dirt (a lesson in humility)
Pastors Todd King and Frank Talbot taught me how to thrive as a team
Pastor Jim Scobbie taught me how to last
Laurel Fishbook taught me how to love, live and laugh.
I am a composite of many mentors and that’s the way I think it should be.