Our Pastors
Rev. Dr. Laurie Brenner
Senior Pastor
Pastor Laurie Brenner is a Pacific Northwest native. Laurie has served churches in Seattle, Vashon Island, Scotland and Paris. After completing her Ph.D. in New Testament Studies at Durham University (England), Laurie returned to the classroom, teaching at Seattle Pacific University and Fuller Seminary until the fall of 2018, when she accepted the call to be Senior Pastor at West Side. She and her husband, David, love walking their dog in West Seattle, travelling, reading, and especially spending time with their grown kids (Emma and Jeremy) and many nieces and nephews.
Chris Koch
Senior Director of Ministry
Chris Koch grew up in Wisconsin and Arizona. In 2007, He began serving with The American Protestant Church in The Hague, Netherlands, where he and his wife Kathryn spent 7 years.
After returning to the U.S. he became a pastor in Queens, NYC. In 2021 he became Senior Director of Ministry for West Side. Chris holds an MDiv from Fuller Seminary and is completing his M.A./E.D. in counseling from Seton Hall University. He and Kathryn have an 8-year-old son, Eben. Chris loves playing music, reading and exploring with his family. He is excited to be in the PNW where evergreen mountains, long hikes, and beautiful vistas are plentiful and always inspiring!
After returning to the U.S. he became a pastor in Queens, NYC. In 2021 he became Senior Director of Ministry for West Side. Chris holds an MDiv from Fuller Seminary and is completing his M.A./E.D. in counseling from Seton Hall University. He and Kathryn have an 8-year-old son, Eben. Chris loves playing music, reading and exploring with his family. He is excited to be in the PNW where evergreen mountains, long hikes, and beautiful vistas are plentiful and always inspiring!
Children, Youth & Families
Emily Vandervort
Escobar
Nursery Coordinator
Congregational Life
Music
Clint Gawthrop
Organist
