Who We Are

Pastor Chad and Jamie arrived in Sandpoint in 1997 to a handful of people.  Having grown up just outside of Spokane coming to Sandpoint was like coming home.  Since 1997 the congregation has grown dramatically. The Wilks have done their part to add to the congregation by adding two boys and a girl to their family.

Chad and Jamie both appreciate the fact that Schweitzer mountain is just out their back door and up the hill. In the summer time they love to be on the water, and Chad likes to make sure he gets some motorcycle time in. Jamie's time is invested in running the kids from place to place and attempting to keep Chad on track.  As a result of Chad's odd sense of taste, every church gathering has some form of rhubarb dessert.

Chad is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary where he received a Masters of Divinity degree.

If you asked him what his primary responsibility in life would be he would tell you, to be the best husband I can be and to make sure my kids get a good dad that models for them what it means to be a follower and disciple of Christ. Chad loves working with the great people at Sandpoint Nazarene.  God created every person with a purpose and calling and Chad's passion is to help people discover who God is calling them to be.

JoLynn Bennett is investing in the lives of children and families. She and her husband Kevin, have lived in North Idaho since 2000. Prior to joining our staff as our Children's Minister, JoLynn served as the church's Sunday School Superintendent.

JoLynn is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University

Before joining our church staff, JoLynn worked in the field of Early Childhood Development, particularly with families of children with disabilities. JoLynn rejoices in the many opportunities to spend time with her three children and, when she can find an extra minute, loves to devour a really good book.

This is our Youth Pastor Kyle and his wife Dr. Kendall Yake. Kyle and Kendall both attended Northwest Nazarene University and graduated in 2004 and 2005. They were married in Nampa, ID in June of 2006. Kyle has a deep passion for working with teens and leading them closer to Jesus.  Kyle earned a masters degree in Spirital Formaiton from NNU in 2008 and was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene this last district assembly. Kendall earned her Doc. in Pharmacy in 2009 and she now works as an Oncology Pharmacist.

They both love camping, boating, skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and really just doing all things outdoors. Kendall and Kyle both play on our sunday morning worship team and have a deep rooted passion for music.

Pastor Craig and Shar have lived in North Idaho for over twelve years. Before coming to Sandpoint in 2002, Craig was the Senior Pastor of the Bonners Ferry Church of the Nazarene.

Craig and Shar love the many outdoor opportunities that North Idaho offers. Craig particularly enjoys summer and the fishing, boating, water skiing, and camping that it allows. Craig and Shar have three wonderful kids. Their third child is a high energy little boy that came to them by way of China. Shar works part-time for Idaho Virtual Academy. When she has spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, biking, and skiing.

Craig graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in 1992 with a bachelor of arts, and from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1997 with a Masters of Divinity. He is primarily responsible for discipleship and small groups, but he gets his hands into a little bit of everything.

A few of Craig's goals for the future include flying in a glider, learning how to sail, learning how to make pottery, (alright pottery that is recognizable), growing the best blackberries in North Idaho, being the best dad and husband that he can be, and helping others discover the joy of relationships with great church people and a great God.