PASTORS


  • Tom benge

    teaching and leadership
    EMAIL PASTOR Tom

    Thomas serves as Senior Pastor of Teaching and Leadership at Redmond Community Church and considers it to be one of the most amazing and challenging experiences of his life. Although he was born and raised in Ohio, he spent most of his adult life in Pennsylvania where he went to college graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then went on to work 17 years in law enforcement, retiring as a police Sergeant in 2007. After this retirement, he moved to Redmond, Oregon with Nicole, his wife of over 23 years, and two adult daughters, Lauryn and Aaliah.

    Thomas and Nicole opened, owned, and operated a strength and conditioning facility in 2008 shortly after moving to Redmond.   In September of 2021 after 14 years and many amazing memories and learning experiences they closed the door to that chapter in their lives to fully embrace what God has for them in this season and Redmond Community Church.  “We loved what we did in that space and had so many opportunities to minister and learn to love people”.  When not teaching at church, training, or spending time with his bride, Thomas remains connected to the law enforcement and military communities providing consulting and training in various physical skills and tactical domains.

    In 2011, Thomas and Nicole, along with his pastor and spiritual father from Pennsylvania, planted a church where Thomas was ordained as a pastor two years later. He then joined the team at Redmond Community Church in 2016

    Pastoring is something that Thomas always considered to be a call on his life, even though he got there in a most unusual manner.  Thomas was influenced very early on by his maternal grandmother Maxine who he considered to be his primary spiritual influence.  “I would go to Wednesday night prayer meetings with Grandma Maxie,” and “she would have me read Psalm 91 every day.”  Growing up, church was a regular part of his life, and by age 14 (when he personally made the decision for Christ himself), being a Pastor or professional basketball player were the two things he wanted to do in his life.  “The first message I ever preached was when I was 15 years old in front of our church on a Sunday night after coming back from a Teens for Christ event in Cincinnati Ohio.”

    Thomas is passionate and driven about sharing and communicating God’s word and believes that His primary call is to communicate Jesus Christ and the love that the Father has to all of His people.  “I love when people encounter and are changed by the transformational love and person of Jesus Christ.”  He is currently in the process of pursuing his Master of Divinity (M.Div).

    Tom loves reading, learning, shooting, and spending time with his wife and daughters and close friends.

  • Mike Darby

    Administration & SMALL Groups
    EMAIL PASTOR Mike

    In addition to providing counseling and administration, Mike oversees the various small groups in our church. An Oregon native, he has a Technical Degree, over 40 years of Business Administration experience, and a wealth of construction and mechanical knowledge.


    On the ministry side, Mike has experience as a pastor and a teaching elder as well as service in several Christian and civic organizations. He is characteristically the “go to” guy at RCC when you need an answer to any question.


    Mike and his wife Marilyn live on a small ranch west of Redmond where they are often joined by their three daughters and their husbands, as well as numerous grandchildren.

Staff


  • tara davis

    Communications and media director

    EMAIL TARA

    Moving to Central Oregon in 2006, Tara has been serving in ministry at RCC since 2007.  The first part of her ministry career was dedicated to Children's Ministries. In 2018, she added some of the communication tasks to her role at the church. In Aug. of 2023, she handed over the reigns of Children's Ministry to Lauren, and now focuses all her energy on Communication and Media. Her love of learning and teaching began at an early age and directed her to get her BA in Liberal Arts from Pepperdine University and later a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University. With 13 years of classroom teaching experience, 5 years of owning an in-home daycare, and 25 years serving in children's ministry, her life has mostly been about kids! But, whatever she's doing, she knows the Lord has called her to Himself and to His ministry here at RCC. She strives to heed the Spirit's leading as she keeps her eyes on Him and her hands doing His work! Tara shares life with her husband Jerry and her two teen children, Megan and Ian, and her two fur babies Sam and Maddie. . When Tara is not working at church, she's in her garden! 

  • KARI CASTINO

    yoUTH gROUP lEADER

    EMAIL KARI

    Kari, a Central Oregon native, loves Jesus, son Rylen, dogs (Charlie and Piper) and the great outdoors. Mostly in that order. And books, lots of books. She’s an enneagram geek, loves deep dives into scripture and hiking. She has been a part of the family of RCC since 2008. She quickly got connected with the women in the Tuesday bible study group and began helping out with the youth group. Through the years she has alternated between volunteering with the youth group and the food pantry, both being close to her heart. Serving in these ministries she has been blessed in making many friends at RCC. Friendships that have been instrumental in maturing her in her walk with Christ. Her journey has had many seasons, some faithfully serving God and some walking her own way. Though these seasons she has come to trust fully in the Lord as she has experienced his forgiveness, grace and guidance. His faithfulness to her even in her unfaithfulness, has become part of her testimony. Kari wants to use every opportunity to encourage others to trust in him to write the story of their lives. She desires is to see the light of understanding and hope in our youth as they experience the reality of Gods love and purpose for them. She looks forward to the youth group spending time with one another’s families eating together, hiking together, studying the word together. What a great opportunity to support one another and grow together as the body of Christ, connected in Redmond Community Church. Her life verse (tattooed on her ankle) is Romans 8:37-39 and written in the front page of every new journal, is Hebrews 4:16. She believes the foundation of her life and the life of every believer, is the word of God and she will encourage you to read your bible every chance she gets! Philippians 2: 1-1

  • Patty Davis

    Worship leader

    EMAIL PATTY

    After Patty moved to Redmond in 2013, she married her long-time childhood crush, Pete Davis and they began attending RCC shortly thereafter. Together they are blending their families (6 adult children, 5 bonus grandkids, 3 cats and 1 dog) and learning how to navigate life, and all of its wonders. When they're not up on the stage singing or behind the sound booth, you'll find them fishing, camping, visiting kids, gardening, or decorating. 

    Patty has been playing, singing, writing, recording, directing, and teaching music since the Ice Age (or) 1986 all throughout the PNW and in various settings. Worship is her heart and sitting behind the piano, singing her guts out for Jesus, is her favorite place to be in the world. 

    Patty believes that music is one of the best gifts that God has given to each and every one of us, and that it is an honor to serve Him in this way. She is beyond thankful for the opportunity to lead us in worship to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

    As we gather, a wonderful exchange happens: as we lift up his name, give our praise and adoration to Him, He in turn, blesses us with a greater awareness of who He is, His presence and His promises in our lives and those around us. He is so worthy to be praised. Patty believes that true, spirit -filled worship comes from within - from our hearts. It is a sincere expression of our love and gratitude for all that Christ has done and continues to do in all of us.

  • Erin Briggs

    Ministry Assistant

    EMAIL ERIN

    Erin was raised, with her two sisters, by her Grandfather in the Willamette Valley where the love of Jesus was taught and instilled in her from a young age. She grew up knowing that her grandparents were both very involved in their church and that her Grandmother had been a church secretary. Erin wanted to follow in their footsteps, and dreamed of one day working at her church.

    Erin and husband Brandon moved, with their children, to Central Oregon in 2017. Shortly after their move they started to attend Redmond Community Church. Erin became involved in the Women's Bible study, as well as helping with the nursery, children's church, and high school youth group. In April of 2023 Erin fulfilled her dream and joined the RCC staff as Ministry Assistant!

    Erin and Brandon enjoy living on their small hobby farm in Prineville with their animals and younger children Kloey, Bransen and Masen. They also have three older boys; Drue, Jacen, and Nolan, who are no longer living at home.

  • Lauren Shields

    Children's Ministry Coordinator

    EMAIL LAUREN

    Lauren has called Central Oregon home since 2000, and feels blessed to be a homeschool mama raising her kids here with her husband Jeremy. As a family they love spending time traveling, hiking, biking, snowboarding, and generally just making memories together! Growing up, Lauren always dreamed of being a teacher but was counseled to get a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, which she completed at OSU in 2009. Now, getting to homeschool Jackson and Sophia and serving in children’s ministry, Lauren knows God has called her back to her original dream. The opportunity to serve and do life with the RCC family is such a privilege and a blessing, one which Lauren is excited to see God use to His glory and for her growth. Above all, she hopes that the light and love of Jesus is poured out in everything that she does.

    "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

elders


  • nathan saito

    My Life in Christ (John 1:4). 

    The following describes how I learned about the life and teachings of Jesus, received Him as Lord and Savior and continue to pursue and enjoy life in Christ. I learned my family is deeply rooted in the Good News dating a hundred years back into the woods of Japan. Relatives immigrated to America and became elders and pastors shepherding the Japanese-American communities. My earliest memories are in the Japanese Church of Christ in Salt Lake City and being raised in a Christ-centered home. Matthew 1:1-17. I grew up in Mission Viejo, California and attended Wintersburg Presbyterian Church in Garden Grove. The junior high youth group was led by caring and intelligent people that challenged us with big questions of life, to think and to pursue Truth. I attended Bible study, discipleship, weekend and summer retreats and outreaches to Mexico and Japan. Junior High Bible Study taught me about John 3:16 and Deuteronomy 4:6-7. I studied at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Bible classes, chapel services and travel through the Holy Lands, Europe and Mexico broadened and deepened my faith. Homeless Outreach, Juvenile Hall Ministry, Halfway Homes and seeing life through the Christian worldview helped me understand what it means to live in Christ. Phillipians 1:20,21. My wife and I lived in Japan, taught high school English and were active in a church in Gunma-ken. Observing the commercialism, idolatry and emptiness of many I was reminded that Christ is the Bread of Life and Everlasting Water, the Way the Truth and Life. John 14:6. We worshipped with friends from Scotland, Ireland, England, Australia, Argentina, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, all parts of the US and all parts of the world: God’s people scattered yet praising together. Revelation 7:9. My family (Katie, Benny and Yoshi) has lived in Central Oregon for 24 years and attended RCC for 20 years. We appreciate the teaching, leadership, and ministries of Redmond Community Church.  Proverbs 22:6.


  • Gary Mcpherson

    Reared and baptized as a Christian in my youth, I rebelled in my later adult years and went through a period that really disappointed me and shook my faith in “religion”, “church” and all that I had been brought up to believe.  In the spring of 1988, after years of struggle, which had included abandonment of religion and divorce, I moved with one of my sons to California to be nearer to my sisters and their children.  While there, after going through a divorce recovery counseling group, I happened to meet Joyce who later became my wife and moved to Paradise CA. 

    I still had difficulties with “religion”, and “worthiness of salvation” until at a later point I attended a program call “ALPHA” where I began to re-examine: “Why” believe in the Bible; “Why” do I need a “Savior”; “Why” believe the bible is true; “Why” should I go to “Church” etc.?

    I had found earlier that living a hedonistic lifestyle resulted in only guilt and shame.  Although I had struggled with my “faith-vs.-works” mentality and given up on God, He had not abandoned me.  As I began to understand my Bible in a much better way, I knew that I could not “earn” salvation by good works!   As Eph. 2:8-9 says: “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God - Not by works, lest any man should boast”.  

    I now believe that God has restored and blessed my life, has given me peace, faith, and a greater love for Him. While trusting in His providential leadership He has renewed my hope, given me a better understanding of His word and His love, along with the love of my wife of 31 years. 

    If my wife and I may help you in any way, as servants of Christ, let’s talk; and by God’s grace we will all move forward and grow together in HIS LOVE – Gary & Joyce McPherson

  • Moises viramontes


    My name is Moises Viramontes. I’m from Mexico. I’ve been happily married since 2000 with my “Tica” (Costa Rican) Debbie. We have two beautiful children, Elizabeth and Ian, who have been a great blessing for our marriage.

    I was a teenager when God found me. Receiving Jesus as my Savior is the best thing that ever happened to me. I love Him so much that I promised to wear out my life at his service. I started helping with youth groups, sharing the gospel at the town squares, singing Christian songs in busses (I only knew two songs with my guitar). I also was involved in a ministry of preaching at the city jail. I studied at a Seminary in México for two years, then I went to Texas in 1995 to obtain a Bachelor of Bible Studies from Rio Grande Bible Institute. I moved to Oregon in 2000 to start my ministry. In 2019 I obtained a Bachelor of Christian Ministries from Seminario Teológico Latinoamericano (SETEL), Arizona.  Currently I’m working on my master’s degree from the same Institute.

    I spent part of my life teaching the gospel in rural towns of Mexico, Central America, and other places while I was a student in Texas. Truly an unforgettable experience.

    When I came to Oregon, I served in the Conservative First Baptist Church of Madras. There I worked as a music director and as a leader of the youth group (Hispanic group). Later I moved to Bend to work at Eastmont Church (Hispanic group) as associate pastor. In 2006 my wife Debbie and I decided to start a new church in Redmond, OR. This is how we met pastor Curtis and our church family at RCC. I’ve been the pastor of the Hispanic Church here since 2006.

    During these years we started several programs, like the Gathering of the Baptist Family, when we had quarterly meetings with other five churches. Also, we started the Family Camp of Central Oregon, where we directed Christian family-oriented camps. Over the last ten years we have been helping our community in any way we can.

  • Steve Parnell

    Steve is a third generation Oregonian, and one of 5 children. He was born in Eugene in 1954.  Steve is a  graduate of McNary High School in Salem, holds a BA in Business Administration, from Point Loma Nazarene University, in San Diego, CA and a MA in Teaching, from George Fox University, in Newberg, OR. Steve has lived in Central Oregon for the last 29 years.  When he retired from teaching at La Pine High School in 2019, he moved to Redmond from Bend that year.

    Spiritually, Steve was raised in the Church of the Nazarene from birth, and personally came to know Christ at age 15 at the "Twin Rocks" Summer Youth Camp. While attending Point Loma University, Steve met his first wife Cathy.  They were married for 31 years  and served together in many capacities at various Nazarene Churches over that time.  Together they have 3 sons, Jason, Casey & Corey.  After Cathy, Steve suffered pain, loss and the trauma of a 2nd divorce in 2020.  

    After his first divorce, Steve endured what he describes as pain and abandonment by the church as he went through the most difficult and trying time of his life and faith.  But it was while going through counseling and therapy, recovering from the trauma of divorce, that Steve experienced the healing, restoration and renewal in his relationship with Christ. 

    A true product of the healing and restorative power of God’s grace, Steve met his now wife Michelle while working part time at Lowes in Redmond.  While dating, Steve and Michelle began attending Redmond Community Church and were married by Pastor Tom in January 2022.

    After their marriage, Steve and Michelle both began serving as greeters at RCC and in that Spring, agreed to facilitate one of RCC’s engage groups.  Steve was approached by Pastor Tom about considering being an elder based on witnessing Steve’s passion for connecting, loving and wanting to serve others.  Steve said “Initially my response was ‘no’ because of all of the things I thought made me unworthy.”  But as he sought the Lord, the response was to “Step in and Serve.”  Steve began an arduous mentoring and accountability training with Pastor Tom in September of 2022. 


    Steve & Michelle would say that they are living proof of God’s grace, love and healing. Combining their 2 families, they now have 5 amazing children and grandchildren. Steve is heavily involved in RCC’s Men's ministries, Agoge men's group, and leading a Home Care group with his wife Michelle.  And when not at RCC, Steve can be found connecting men in churches all through Redmond over coffee and enjoying traveling with His wife Michelle, especially wherever his boys are playing music.