Bethesda Pastors and Church Staff

Pastoral Team

We, your two Bethesda pastors, are passionate about the beautiful collisions that occur when God encounters broken people like us with a grace that explodes into joy, wholeness and generous service. We cherish the Good News of Jesus Christ and count it a great privilege to serve among the people of Bethesda and our surrounding community.

Pastor Tom Welch

Hi there, I’ve served as one of Bethesda’s pastors since March 2011, primarily in the areas of youth and family ministry and adult education. I previously served as Bethesda’s youth director and Young Life partner from 2002-2008. I’m particularly passionate about helping Bethesda to be “From Cradle to Commencement, a Great Place to be a Kid!” My wife Andrea and I are blessed with three sons, Ezra (2012), Judah (2013) and Emet (2015). In addition to operating and enjoying a toddler zoo, we enjoy fitness, the outdoors, gardening, reading, board games, and the Seahawks. And I love my Ducks and Mariners! I think out loud here.

Pastor Steve Dow

Hailing from Northern Wisconsin, I bring a little mid-west sensibility to the team in my leadership and personality. I spent my summers in high school as a fishing guide and these days I’m a fishing guide in a whole new way (see Matthew 4:18-22). Volunteering is important to me because I met my wife Sarah when I was a volunteer at Holden Village, a Lutheran Retreat Center in Washington. I now volunteer my time as a coach on soccer fields and basketball courts for the teams my kids play on. I may seem a little shy or even standoffish at first but once you get to know me, you will get a sense of the heart I have for this calling.