Meet Pastor Chris McKinney

Get to know Pastor Chris as he shares his journey, faith, and personal insights. Join the conversation and explore how faith, family, and community shape his life and ministry.

Hey there, friends! I’m Pastor Chris, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Whether you’ve been with me from the start or you’re one of our awesome new subscribers, welcome to this growing community! I’m thrilled to have you along for the journey as we explore faith, life, and everything in between.

I wish I had the time (and the travel budget) to meet every one of you and hear your stories. For now, let’s grab a cup of coffee and take a moment and get to know each other.

I’ll go first.

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Tacoma, Washington, and I’ve lived in this beautiful state all my life. Washington has a way of getting under your skin—in a good way! While I’ve had dreams of living somewhere else from time to time, I truly believe we’re planted in this community for a reason. At least until God leads us to the next adventure, this is home.

What’s your favorite hobby outside of ministry?

I’m a bit of a creator at heart. I love getting my hands on projects where I can build or design something useful—whether it’s writing software, crafting a new sermon series, playing my guitar, or even just fixing things around the house. Creating is my way of unwinding and feeling connected to the Creator Himself.

How did you meet your wife, Katie?

Katie and I met while serving together at the first church where I was on staff. It’s funny how God brings people into your life just when you need them most. She’s been my partner in ministry and in life ever since, and I couldn’t imagine this journey without her.

What’s your go-to worship song when you need encouragement?

Right now, it’s "Firm Foundation" by Cody Carnes. There’s something powerful about declaring that Christ is our firm foundation, especially when life feels anything but stable. That song always reminds me to keep my eyes on Him.

What’s your favorite meal or type of food?

I’m a big fan of BBQ ribs—there’s just something about the smoky, savory goodness that gets me every time. And I’ll eat just about anything if it’s served over pasta. Comfort food at its finest!

What’s your favorite movie?

My favorite movie has to be The Matrix. Although not suitable for children, the themes are closely related to our faith journey.

How did you first come to know Jesus?

My mother took me to church as a child, and it was there, at the age of 5, that I made the decision to follow Jesus. I didn’t understand everything at the time, but I knew I wanted to know more about this Jesus who loved me so much.

What’s one thing you love about living in the Northwest?

When the sun comes out, it’s absolutely breathtaking. There’s nothing quite like those clear, crisp days when you can see Mt. Rainier towering in the distance. It makes you stop and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.

What’s your favorite Bible story?

ALL OF THEM!!!! Okay, if I had to pick, I’d say the story of the Prodigal Son. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s grace and how He welcomes us back with open arms, no matter how far we’ve strayed.

How do you start your day?

Every day starts with God’s Word and a cup of coffee. There’s something about the combination of Scripture and caffeine that gets my heart and mind in the right place to tackle whatever the day holds.

What’s your favorite way to relax?

I love to go on road trips and find new places to explore. There’s something freeing about hitting the open road with no particular destination in mind. And if I can combine that with camping at the beach, I’m in my happy place.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Obedience is better than sacrifice.” It’s a simple yet profound truth that I’ve tried to live by. Sometimes we get caught up in doing more and giving more, but at the end of the day, God desires our obedience above all.

What’s one thing you’re currently learning or working on in your spiritual life?

I’m working on being more disciplined in how I spend my time. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but I’m learning the importance of prioritizing my relationship with God and being intentional about how I invest my time.

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Hey everyone! I’ve been praying about starting a podcast and would love to hear your thoughts. What podcast types would you be most excited to listen to? If you’ve got any other ideas, please drop them in the comments!

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Before we wrap up, I’d love to pray for you. Father, thank you for each person reading this. I ask that you bless them, guide them, and fill their hearts with your peace and love. May they feel your presence in every moment and trust in your perfect plan for their lives. Amen.

If this article resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reply or leave a comment. Share your answers to these questions. And if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to stay connected as we continue this journey together.