It May Rain a Lot, But the Spirit's Often 'Dry'

CORVALLIS, OR (September 28, 2004) - Covenant church planting pastor Bernd Strom lives in one of the rainiest areas of the United States, but there is a dryness of spirit when it comes to Christianity.

Strom is planting a congregation called "The Well" to meet a spiritual need in one of the least-churched areas of the country. And he has found a high-profile way to get to know his community – as a volunteer coach for the men's soccer program at Oregon State University (OSU).

Last month, Strom began work as a volunteer assistant coach and team chaplain for OSU. He began church planting work in Corvallis after serving as a youth pastor for six years at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon, Washington. His church plant, The Well, has a core group of 15, according to a report in his previous church's newsletter.

"Corvallis is independent, it is quite liberal and unchurched," Strom said. "We want to be an expression of the church that takes seriously those who wouldn't normally enter a church. We want to engage the 'every man/woman' of Corvallis, to provide a place that becomes a genuine encounter with Jesus. So if it means going to unusual places, we are willing to go there."

A native of Dortmund, Germany, Strom carries United States Soccer Federation "B" and "C" coaching licenses, having coached at high school and club teams for many years, and is an ordained minister. He played competitive soccer for the "A" League's Portland Timbers after a four-year career at the University of Washington from 1986-89. While at Washington, he served as team captain and was an all-league selection. He and his wife, Deana, have three children: Eli (8), Anna (6) and Isaac (2).

"My life - as much as it is shaped by my love of Christ - also has had some other powerful influences," he says. "In particular has been a love of sports and in particular soccer. From as early as I can remember I'd been kicking something, eventually organized soccer that led to some competitive play. When I arrived in Corvallis, I emailed the head men's soccer coach at Oregon State University (Dana Taylor) to offer myself to help in any way I could - particularly as a team chaplain. The next day he called me, a half hour later we had a tentative agreement for me to not only participate in the chaplain program for the team, but also to be the team's volunteer assistant coach.

"Because I'm pioneering instead of coming from an established church, it tethers me – I take a couple of hours a day to hang out with the soccer team," Strom continued." And different things like coaching and a community prayer meeting (with other area pastors) is helpful. Kelly Sullivan, the women's track and field coach at OSU, attends Trinity Covenant in Salem. Mike Riley, the football coach, had attended McMinnville Covenant Church when he coached at Linfield College. In being with the athletic program, it is my hope to start a coaches Bible study and perhaps a players Bible study. I'm just being obedient to moments that come before me. And I've found that those random moments aren't so random after all."

Being a part of OSU's athletic department has been a great entry point for Strom and he and his wife are attempting to make other inroads into the community. Among the entry points are:

• A local women's Bible Study
• A weekly prayer gathering of 20+ local pastors
• A speaking engagement at an area Young Life fall retreat
• A speaking engagement at the University of Oregon's Campus Crusade for Christ fall retreat
• A local indoor play cooperative Deana has joined
• Volunteer work at the schools the Strom children attend
• Attendance at the AYSO soccer leagues in which the Strom children are playing

Strom has also watched God make connections through people in the community; some are from solid past relationships and others were through circumstances Strom believes were heaven-sent. A best friend since high school is a minister in the area and has been an encouragement to Bernd. The local Campus Crusade for Christ leaders provide needed encouragement as well. They knew Deana during her time as a staffer for the organization at the University of Washington.

A retired doctor with Evangelical Covenant Church connections inquired about whether there would be a church plant in Corvallis and was connected to the Stroms. McMinnville Covenant has pledged money via a capital campaign. And other Covenanters have helped the Stroms meet with friends and relatives living in and around the area. Strom admits that the initial months in Corvallis have had many lonely moments. "I think that for one of the first times in my life, the only thing to do at the end of the day is prayer," he observed. "I have been used to doing things on my own, on my talents." But, he quickly added that God has provided opportunities that have confirmed a ministry that was affirmed last February in a church planters assessment in Portland, Oregon, and has convicted him ever since.

"I met with one guy and he invited me to his home one evening," said Strom recalling a recent experience. "We sat together for nearly four hours, shared our lives, stories and came to the discussion of what it means to be in relationship with God. He said, 'I don't know if I'm unlucky or lucky, but it seems I am continually surrounded by Christians.' That evening we talked about the kooky John 3:16 signs that are flashed at sporting events - he had no idea what that was.

"This is why we are planting 'The Well' in Corvallis," he continued. It's for guys and gals who haven't encountered Christ. Although we aren't always sure how to do this, we know we love God and people and desire to introduce these people to our friend Jesus, who offers living water to a thirsty community that is arguably one of the least-churched in all of the United States."

To learn more about Strom's church plant efforts, call him at 541-231-6021 or email him at Jacobs_Well@hotmail.com.

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