In the spring of 2015, I hurried into the sanctuary of a small-town church 12 minutes from my dorm room at Corban University. I found a spot a few chairs past the sound booth and tried not to stick out as a new guy. Over the years, the seats around me filled with a wife and growing family. We spent countless hours in several living rooms throughout the Canyon, depending on who hosted Life Group that year. We volunteered with the 3-year-olds upstairs and at Sports Camps in the summer. I was even on stage for Jingle Jam one year, though my memory is fuzzy about the particulars of my role. Throughout those seven years, the people sitting in different rows, standing on stage, and attending both services became our church family.
Returning to Foothills is a great joy, though I am doing so in a new capacity as the Discipleship Pastor. In this role, I will focus on the church’s various ministries and groups and help people connect to the best step as they grow in faith. I am eager to see how the Lord is currently at work in the groups, families, and individuals who call Foothills home and encourage our church to stay a light in the community. In this new season, I am eager to walk with you, Foothills Church, as we each experience this wonder of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our individual lives and collectively as a church.
As I jump back into this community, I’d like to share (or refresh) a bit about my family and background:
I am married to Carley. As I love to say, she’s the fun one in the relationship! Being a part of Team Locke is my greatest delight. She is a school counselor and does tutoring on the side… all while making countless aspects of family life come together. We have two girls, Piper (4) and Florence (2). Piper started All-Star Preschool at the church this month and loves it. Flo is likely the easiest one in our family to hear at any given moment. They are gifts.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Corban University. Since then, I have spent most of the last eight years at Western Seminary learning how to think, speak, teach, and lead in a way that helps people know and follow Jesus.
I grew up attending church and being pretty good at knowing the correct answers. Genuine faith grew a lot slower in my life; I tended to be more interested in having my life shaped by several things other than faith. Faith became a firm commitment late in high school and early in college. Over the years, I have experienced several faith crises, which the Lord graciously has used to bring me closer to him—I’m happy to share these over a cup of coffee one of these days.
As a family, we are glad and grateful to return to Foothills. In my role, I am honored to serve this body and enjoy the fruits of the gospel in your company. I hope and plan to connect with everyone throughout the months ahead. Please don’t hesitate to say hello on a Sunday morning or reach out to schedule a time to chat during the week!
Joyfully,
Conner
Email: conner@foothillsstayton.org
Phone: 503.769.2731