Pastor Keith is relocating from San Diego where he served two tours over five years as Navy chaplain
VANCOUVER – Liberty Bible Church has selected Keith Ritter, a U.S. Navy chaplain and long-time pastor, to be its lead pastor. The public is invited to his installation in both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, Sun., Aug. 21.
Pastor Keith is relocating from San Diego where he served two tours over five years as Navy chaplain at NAS Lemoore and onboard USS Lake Erie. Earlier, he was founding pastor at Oasis Community Church of the Nazarene in west Salem, Oregon, outreach pastor for Salem First Church of the Nazarene, pastor of Sandy Church of the Nazarene, and youth pastor in his hometown of Warren, Pa.
Pastor Keith earned a Master of Divinity degree at Nazarene Theological Seminary and a B.A. degree in religion from Eastern Nazarene College in Boston. He was born in Toledo, Ohio. He and his wife Michele have four children and one grandchild.
“We are delighted to have secured such a talented and deeply experienced pastor, and his very supportive family, to lead Liberty Bible Church as we pursue our next season of serving people in our growing community,” said JT Smith, board secretary.
“I’m so excited to return to the beautiful Pacific Northwest and begin serving as lead pastor at Liberty Bible,” said Pastor Keith. “For 40 years, Liberty has served the greater Vancouver community with compassion and effectiveness. I look forward to carrying on that tradition in this new season as we develop ministries that enrich lives, provide hope to families and help people connect with God.”
Pastor Keith is the fourth pastor to serve Liberty Bible Church since its founding 40 years ago. Other pastors include Larry Rounsley who is a teacher at King’s Way Christian School, the late Aaron Knapp, and founding pastor P.D. James. During a preparation and search process, Liberty Bible Church was supported by author and pastor Dr. Tom Kinnan of Marion, Ind., through New Church Specialties.
Liberty Bible Church is located at 12401 NE Salmon Creek Ave. in north Vancouver, just southeast of Interstate 205 and 134th Street.
More information is available at www.libertybiblechurch.com or (360) 574-9302.
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