Virgil Askren - Senior Pastor

I am from a family of five children.  Needless to say, I am the oldest.  I was born in Jacksonville Florida, where my dad was stationed in the Navy. Our family started on the East Coast and ended up on Whidbey Island in the state of Washington. I graduated from Northwest Nazarene College in 1981 with a B.A. in history and in religion. In 1986 I graduated with my M. Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary.  In the spring of 2006 I completed my D. Min from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.  I like to learn new things and want to find ways to keep my mind fresh.

I met my wife Judy while attending NNC. We were married in March of 1981.  We have two incredible girls, Arielle and Abbey, who are both in college.  I am sooooo proud of both of them.  One of my hobbies is telling others how great they are and all that they are doing to make life exciting. 

My wife, Judy and I have been serving full-time in pastor ministry since 1986.  We have pastored and served on staff in Portland, Klamath Falls, and now Bend.  I have had the privilege of serving as pastor of Bend Naz since August of 2003.  We love the people, this place and all that God is doing here.  The greatest challenge is continually keeping up with a staff and congregation who love to keep growing in their relationship in Christ and finding ways to meet the needs of our community. I absolutely love new ideas.  I am afraid I get bored easily.   I love to be able to tell other pastors what a great church I serve.

When I am not working I love to ski, watch mindless reality T.V. shows (The Biggest Loser), and eat good food. I am always looking for someplace new to go and try out the lunch special.  Judy and I also love to travel and try to find the “good deal” to get there and have fun.  

Favorite Movie There are way too many movies to have a favorite, but I really like the Count of Monte Cristo.  I like movies with action, adventure, danger and happy endings!

Favorite Quote “The best of us is a Christian in the making.” 

~E. Stanley Jones

This is a constant reminder to give grace and to look for the places where God is working in other people.

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