Our LEadership

Lead Pastor, Ryan White  

A transplant to Washington, I spent my first few decades in Northern California before accepting Christ’s call to serve as Elim’s lead pastor in April 2021. God has given me a deep passion for Scripture, for equipping the church to live as God’s witnesses in the world, and for coming alongside all who find themselves on a spiritual journey.

Prior to my time at Elim, I served as a campus missionary with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, earned an MA in theology and Biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, and pastored churches in Sacramento, California, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

My lovely wife Brianna, who serves the Lord as both a nurse and a mother, has been my partner in life and ministry since 2008. We have three adventurous and passionate munchkins together—Eliana, Elijah, and Amira—as well as two miniature poodles and a cat.

I love hiking, trail running, the Golden State Warriors, science fiction novels, ancient Near Eastern and US history, hot drinks, strange foods, and board games.

My prayer is that we here at Elim would joyfully chase after Jesus our Life Giver wherever He might lead. Join us on the adventure!

Office Administrator & Bookkeeper, Lori Cantu

I am a native of the great northwest having lived in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska for most of my life.

I keep the office running smoothly and am your main point of contact for all things Elim.

My husband, Mark, who happens to be my high school sweetheart, and I have a blended family of four adult-aged children, one grandson, and two crazy dogs.

I love to spend time with my family, and I love to travel. I am hopeful that Mark and I can spend more time traveling now that our kids are grown.

Kids’ Ministry Director, Beth White

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” My life’s goal is that the Lord would make these words more and more true of me. May Jesus’ love ever shine through me.

I have a hilarious and wonderful (handsome!) husband and five sweet kids. We love reading. All kinds of fiction, funny poetry, and missionary biographies are our favorites. It’s impossible to talk to me for long without hearing about something that Amy Carmichael once said or did.

My true ministry is not to teach kids, but to trust the Father, allowing his will to be done in and through me. A reformed yeller (praise God, there is hope for us all in Christ!), the Lord is now gently working his ways of love and patience in my heart. I consider it a true joy and privilege that the Lord has led me to serve my Elim family in Kids’ Ministry.

Youth Director, John Reynolds

I am a transplant to Washington. I have been working with youth ministry in some capacity since 2004, both with Churches and Para-Church organizations like Young Life. I have my Bachelor in Christian Ministry (Theology) and Non-Profit Management. My journey in ministry began when I personally experienced the transformative power of Jesus through Young Life (Lake Champion, NY 00). As a grateful beneficiary, I became deeply involved as a volunteer, intern, and staff working closely with students, and guiding them in personal growth and spiritual development. These experiences instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of mentorship and the positive influence the Gospel can have on young lives.

My amazing wife Alexia has served as an LPN specializing in Alzheimer’s care and a early childhood educator. She has a deep passion for helping the most vulnerable people. She currently has taken on the calling to homeschool. We have four boys: Zane, Grayson, Johnny, and Jackson. We are all excited to be a part of the team here and look forward to what God instore for the future.