Who We Are:
Members of Good Shepherd endeavor to be a caring, generous, supportive, independent-thinking, diverse, and informal community who come from a variety of religious backgrounds and generally consider themselves to be seekers in their spiritual journeys. Children and youth are an integral part of life at Good Shepherd. Their nurture, care and faith development are emphasized in our community and its programs.
Learn a bit about us by watching this video celebrating our volunteers and program year:
Our Church History:
The genesis of Good Shepherd Baptist Church occurred at a meeting at University Baptist Church in Seattle in spring 1959. The growing northern suburbs were beginning to incorporate and it was felt that the new city of Lynnwood would need an American Baptist congregation. Washington Baptist Convention purchased our current site (then five acres) in November of 1959 and our Organizing Pastor, Rev. Bernie Turner, was called in July, 1960. A Charter Signing Ceremony was held on May 19, 1961 and the congregation, which had been worshipping at Lynndale Elementary School, moved into its new building (the current Sanctuary and classrooms) on June 9, 1963. The Fellowship Hall and kitchen were added and officially opened exactly five years later.
Good Shepherd Baptist Church has had five pastors in its 51 year history. Four of these plus several of the ten co-pastors, associate pastors or interim pastors who served the church were present for the 50th Anniversary Celebration in May, 2011.
Front row (L-R): Rev. Bill Painter (1980-1982); Rev. Dr. Judy Gay (2003-2004); Rev. Dick Birdsall (1979-1980); Rev. Bernie Turner (1960-1970); Lee Campbell (1982-1983); Rev. Peter Koshi (2004-2005).
Back row (L-R): Rev. Dr. Curt Smith (1978-1979); Rev. Chuck Elven (1971-1979); Rev. Jerry Sutton (1982-1994); Rev. M. Christopher Boyer (2005-Present)
Denominational Affiliation:
We have determined to remained committed to our affiliation with the American Baptist Churches/USA and its belief in the values of diversity, religious liberty, and mission.
In addition, we are regionally affiliated to the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches. This region is committed to cultural diversity and reaching consensus decisions through a unique ethnic caucus format where all decisions are made by consensus and no one ethnic group has predominance over another.