Pastor Roger was appointed to Kennewick First in July of 2005, following over 30 years of ordained ministry. He serves in a variety of capacities as lead pastor, including preaching, church administration, Bible teaching, providing outreach and pastoral care, and sharing leadership in the Pacific Northwest Conference. He received a B. S. in American Studies from Willamette University in 1973, and a Doctor of Ministry from The Claremont School of Theology in 1978. Before coming to Kennewick, he served churches in Los Angeles and Ontario, California; and Omak, Davenport, Edwall, Sequim and Woodinville, Washington. Roger enjoys officiating high school basketball in the winter months. He is married to Nancy and has four grown daughters. The Barrs have a heart for the church and its ministry in the broader community and world.

Pastor Doug was appointed to Kennewick First in July of 1994. He specializes in pastoral care. He preaches about every sixth Sunday, leads the opening time for Sunday school, and creates a wonderful children’s time with puppets every Sunday during worship. Other duties include youth confirmation, prayer ministry, short-term counseling, and work with children and families. He received a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from Northwest Nazarene University in 1984 and a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri in 1989. He also has one year of specialized training in hospital chaplaincy from the CPE program at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Before receiving chaplaincy training, Doug served the Church of the Nazarene in Gridley, California. He is married to Aggie and has three children: two daughters, one in middle school and one in college and a son in high school.

For a picture of Doug's family, click here.

Cynthia was hired as one of two half-time youth and education directors in September of 1992 and has been instrumental in building the programs to about 100 active youth and a Sunday School of about 200, staffed by two full-time directors. Her primary responsibilities are with the Sunday School and youth programs, including youth confirmation, weekly Bible studies for maturing youth, and the many events planned for youth and families. Her specialty is leading the church’s ministry with junior high youth. She is a graduate of Kennewick’s Kamiakin High School and has some training at Columbia Basin College, but her greatest training has been years of on-the-job experience leading various programs with children, youth, and adults at Kennewick First. She is married to Randy and has a son and a daughter in college.

Nancy Barr came to our church in July of 2005.  She has a rich background in choral and praise music, having directed choirs in Woodinville, Davenport and Omak, Washington, and recently sang with Seattle's premier chamber choir, Choral Arts.  Nancy studied music at Keuka College in New York and received her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. She completed her certification in Music Therapy at Pacific State Hospital, Pomona, California. Her instruments are voice, guitar, flute and recorder. She has taught in special education and pre-school programs in public schools for the past 25 years.

Nancy is the wife of our pastor, Roger Barr.  They have four grown children living in various places around the world.

We are very pleased to have someone of Nancy's professional and spiritual caliber as our Director of Music Ministries.

Melanie joined our staff in September of 2005. She and her husband Mark have been strong leaders in the church since they began attending in 1995. Melanie was born and raised in Wyoming. She has a heart for God and is always willing to serve. Melanie also loves matching volunteers with ministries that will be fulfilling to them. Melanie and Mark have two children, Noah and Abby.

Margo graduated from Walla Walla College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in music performance. She accompanies worship and special music on both the piano and the organ. She also teaches piano. Margo plays with skill and inspiration. Margo is married to Walter.

Peggy has been secretary for Kennewick First since 2002. Peggy does the weekly worship bulletin, including announcements for the many events of the church, as well as the Clarion and many other clerical tasks for the church. Peggy has a B.A. in English and is well-versed in scripture. Peggy has a daughter in college and a son in high school.

Ruth has been financial secretary for the church for over twenty years and continues to faithfully appear most Monday mornings to count money from offerings and record each individual’s giving. Ruth is married to Don and has grown children and grandchildren.

Don and Janece work about twenty hours a week as church custodians, seeing that the 25,000 square feet of church program and office space is clean and organized. Don is a retired minister in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. They enjoy the flexibility of the work that allows them to also spend time with family who live in other communities.