Welcome!
New is good, and we know it does carry with it some unknowns. We've all been "new" at one point and we hope here you'll find helpful information that communicates a little about Grace and what you can expect when you stop by. If you have any questions as you browse, drop us a note, we'd love to hear from you!
What to Expect when you visit Sierra Bible . . .
Sierra Bible is a place where lots of different people feel comfortable and appreciated. Our common commitment is around the truth of the Bible and living lives that honor God and make our world a better place. While having a different style and feel in our two worship services, the same message from God’s word is preached with passion and practical application to everyday life!
Sunday 8:30 AM - Blended Worship
An assortment of musical insruments embracing the majesty of hymns and spirited praise songs presented by a vocal team and frequent choir anthems. If your soul is drawn by diversity within a more traditional worship environment, Sunday morning at 8:30 AM will let your spirit soar!
Sunday 11:00 AM - Modern Energetic Worship
Creativity marks this experience led by strong vocals, vibrant guitars and lively drums culminating with an exciting time in the Word. If you enjoy the energy of a dynamic service with new contemporary songs and experiences this may fit you just right!
Click to find out more about our weekend opportunities for Children and Students.
A Journey of Grace - An Introduction
We are a people who are excited and committed to know Jesus Christ as God our Savior and share His message of love with everyone. We call this "A Journey of GRACE" and everyone is welcome.
What is the Journey?
The Journey involves living daily with God participating in the four steps of Worship, Learning, Fellowship, and Serving as seen in the Bible. Each of the steps leads to another; it's an ongoing journey of abiding faith in Jesus Christ.
What is GRACE?
GRACE are our church's core values also given in the Bible: Growth, Relationships, Adoration, Compassion, and Evangelism. For more explanation on these values, please click here.
What is the church's vision (why do you exist)?
Our vision comes from God’s word, the Bible... to worship God, to equip people to live daily with Him, and to take His love out to our community & the world.
Simply said
The people at
Again, we call this “A Journey of GRACE" taking part in the four steps of Worship, Learning, Fellowship, and Serving all the while implementing GRACE.
We Believe
The Scriptures (Bible), both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where, at the right hand of the Majesty on high, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin, and is therefore lost, and can only obtain salvation and spiritual life through regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become the children of God.
That water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are not, however, to be regarded as a means of salvation.
That the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ, of which He is the head.
That only those who are thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.
That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. In the personal, premillenial, and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
These beliefs are consistent with the Evangelical Free Church of America.
Church Leaders
God
Pastors
Directors
Office Staff
Elders and Deacons
Building and Grounds
God
The Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Read our doctrine statement.
Senior Pastor: Greg Kuehn
Originally from Pinole, CA, Greg Kuehn, M.Div. (Western), D.Min. (Talbot), has been shepherding Sierra Bible Church since April 1988. His sermons are firmly grounded in the Word of God (Bible) as he teaches primarily in a verse-by-verse style. He recommends reading “any book by a Dallas Theological Seminary professor or John MacArthur.” Greg enjoys hiking in his spare time with his wife Debra and their young daughter Krystal, as well as reading avidly. You can contact Pastor Greg by e-mail or call 775-747-1217 ext. 224.
Executive Pastor: Dave Smith
Pastor Dave Smith accepted Christ at 21 years old and attended Grace School of Theology in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dave came to Sierra Bible Church in November 1989, after 6 years as a Youth Pastor in Hercules CA., to become the Pastor of Christian Education. His title and responsibilities changed to Executive Pastor in 2003, but after 27 years of full-time ministry, Dave still retains his same passion for God and for the spiritual growth of God’s people. When he's not at the church (to some it appears he's always there), he likes to spend time playing golf, reading, working in the yard and enjoying his grandchildren. Dave is also the chaplin for the Reno Aces AAA Baseball team. Dave has two grown daughters and 7 grandchildren (6 live on the East Coast!) Pastor Dave is engaged to Barbara Smith (they already have the same last name!) and will be married on July 7, 2011! Barbara has two grandchildren and is from San Diego, CA. When asked to sum up his life as a Christian, he replied simply, “His grace still amazes me!" You can contact Pastor Dave by e-mail or call 775-747-1217 ext. 223.
Young Adults Pastor: Eric Thompson
Eric Thompson brings a variety of ministry experiences to his role as Young Adults Pastor at Sierra Bible Church. Previously a church planter, discipleship pastor, and rural church pastor, Eric displays a passion to equip people for their spiritual journey. Eric met his perfect mate Tara while studying at California Christian College, they married in 1992 and have two excellent boys, Zachary and Seth. He recently completed a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland, OR. An avid sports fan, Eric loves the Oregon Ducks and the Los Angeles Dodgers and has been a high school sports official for over a decade. He enjoys talking about the journey in the ambiance of a coffee house, teaching the Bible in large and small groups, listening to 80's music and watching 80's movies, time with his boys, and breakfast dates with Tara.
You can or call 775-747-1217 ext. 228.contact Pastor Eric by e-mail
Youth Pastor: Cassidy Hastings (Engage Student Ministries)
Cassidy Hastings moved to Reno in May of 2005 after graduating with a degree in Youth Ministry and History from King College in Bristol, Tennessee. He worked in Nevada for two years as the Assistant Manager at STL|Distribution, a Christian resource distribution center in Sparks managed by his dad. In January of 2007, God called Cassidy to full-time ministry at Sierra Bible. His beautiful wife Erin teaches first grade in Reno and serves alongside him in the youth group. When their schedules allow, Cassidy and Erin love to hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, ski, and anything else that involves the outdoors. He is also an avid Ultimate Frisbee player. It is not a coincidence that Kaysi, one of the secretaries at the church, and he have the same last name—they are brother and sister.
Cassidy’s prayer for the youth that they see more and more how they can love God and love others and see how Jesus Christ and the truth of the Bible have practical application to every moment of their lives today. He is grateful for the opportunity to encourage and inspire the youth toward Christ-like transformation and gives all the honor and glory to Jesus Christ. You can contact Pastor Cassidy by e-mail or call 775-747-1217 ext. 227.
Worship Pastor - Johnathan Inscho
Johnathan Inscho was born in the city of Santa Maria on California’s central coast. Born into the family of a Minister of Music, he naturally spent his childhood and youth in various church choirs and musical groups often touring around the country. After graduating from Allan Hancock Junior College where he received his AA, he spent the next two and a half years at the Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA majoring in Church Music and singing in two college choirs. While at Master’s, Johnathan worked at a drive-thru coffee shop and it was there that he met his wife Katie. Johnathan and Katie were married in June 2000 then went to serve the Lord at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Kelseyville, CA. While there, the Lord blessed them with two children, Rachel and Micah. In June 2007 God called the Inscho family to Sierra Bible Church. Johnathan enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, playing disk golf, roller hockey, foosball, and playing video and computer games. He’s also pretty handy around the house—Johnathan likes woodworking and home improvement projects.
Johnathan’s prayer is to see the church body grow in worshipping God, not only on Sunday mornings, but by living a life pleasing to Him. He enjoys seeing young and old praising God together through the worship service and serving together throughout the week.
You can contact Pastor Johnathan by e-mail or call 775-747-1217 ext. 226.
Director of Care Ministry: Sherry Scofield Foster
Sherry Scofield Foster, R.N. lives to pour God's love into other people's lives. A sure-fire way to draw her into a conversation is to ask her about her love for God or her love for people. Sherry also delights in the arts. She hopes to some day spend an entire day in Italy touching Michelangelo's Pieta, and another day staring at the Sistine Chapel ceiling. She also loves singing and listening to a wide variety of musical styles. She says one day she will ask God, “What's Your favorite song? May I sing it for You?” When Sherry has some free time she likes to spend it with her family. She also enjoys writing and reading books. You can contact Sherry by e-mail or call 775-747-1217 ext. 225.
Children’s Ministries Administrator: Jane Houston
Jane Houston was born in Santa Clara, California, later living in Santa Barbara, California and Southern Oregon. A former 24-year high school and college teacher and coach, Jane earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Judson Baptist College and Southern Oregon University, respectively. She also owned a college consulting business where she assisted students in the college application process. In 1979, during her time at Judson Baptist College, Jane spotted a “person of interest” on the basketball team. Unbeknownst to Jane, this same person noticed her on the volleyball court. After thirteen years of simultaneously playing hard to get, Kirk and Jane tied the knot in 1992. Bringing great joy to their lives are their two children, Janae and Kyle. In her spare time, Jane enjoys reading, singing, walking, volleyball, movies, public speaking, and spending time with her family.
Jane is motivated by the challenge of providing kids with experiences that bring them closer to Christ, while encouraging them to share their faith outside the church walls. You can contact Jane by email or call 775.747.1217 ext. 229.
Church Office Manager: Marcy Frith
Marcy Frith and her family have been attending Sierra Bible since the summer of 1988 and Marcy has been working in the church office since the Fall of 1998. Marcy was born and raised on a farm in southern Idaho and is still a farm girl at heart. She was blessed to be raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl. Although the journey has not always been smooth and easy, God is always faithful! Marcy and her husband Doug, have known each other since the 3rd grade and were married in 1981. They have three daughters: Angie (Aaron Parker), Sarah (Adam Hemler) and Megan. She also counts it a privilege to be Nana to two adorable grandsons, Kyle and Evan. Marcy enjoys camping, hiking, spending time with her family and walking with her husband and dogs. You can contact Marcy by e-mail or call 775.747.1217 ext. 221.
Secretary: Kaysi Hastings
Kaysi Hastings was born in Florida and raised in Tennessee before moving to Nevada in February of 2005. She loves music, movies, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She is particularly fond of road trips, the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, and the band U2. In addition to serving as a secretary, Kaysi also sings in the choir and has previously served as a youth shepherd. She loves to pray for and encourage the people God puts in her life. Kaysi’s favorite Scripture passages are Galatians 6:9 , Hebrews 10:35-39 , and Psalm 27:13-14 . You can contact Kaysi by e-mail or call 775.747.1217 ext. 222.
Elders
Gene Weller, Chairman
Howard Begbie
Doug Frith
Jake Huber
Edd Lawhon
Mark Pingle
Tom Standlee
Dean Stone
Gene Weller
Pastor Greg Kuehn
Pastor Dave Smith
Deacons
David Brown, Buildings & Grounds
John Weller, Care
Don Carlson, Evangelism & Outreach
Diane Harper, Global Outreach Team
Men's Ministries
Melissa Pingle, Women's Ministries
Buildings and Grounds
Rick Anderson, Facilities Manager
Robert Dickson
John Hall
GRACE Explained
Our core values
Growth
We encourage the pursuit of, participation in, and provide different levels of discipleship (following God) through every one of our education programs. (ie. Learning Groups, Fellowship Groups, Awana, Mentoring, etc.) We train leaders, teachers, and mentors so that every person within our church family will have abundant opportunities for growth and maturity in Christ.
Relationships
We are a family ... and as a family we spend time together, sharing our common bond and life in Christ. We have programs and events that encourage the building of close relationships within our church family. Because of our size, we work hard at encouraging every person in our church family to be involved in several different size groups so they will have a sense of belonging and will have meaningful relationships.
Adoration
God desires and deserves our worship. We are to worship "...in spirit and in truth". Worship must be led by the Spirit of God and therefore be supernatural. If it is not, how can we "...see the invisible, know the unknowable, comprehend the incomprehensible, and experience the eternal". We therefore provide worship experiences (prayer times, worship services, alter calls, readings, dramas, etc) that center our focus on the character and attributes of God, and His incredible workings in our lives. We encourage every saint to make their life a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1 , NIV).
Compassion
Over and over in Scripture we see Jesus showing compassion to lost and hurting people. The early church followed our Lord's example and many were brought into new life through caring. We therefore design ministry that teaches and helps our church family to "put a heart of compassion". (Colossians 3:12 ) We expose our church family to the needs of our community and then empower them to show God's love "in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18 ).
Evangelism
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is called evangelism. It is the very thing God asks His followers to do (Mathew 28:18-20; Romans 10:14 ). We therefore promote and proclaim His good news through every aspect in our church. Some of the ways we do this are: helping meet immediate life needs, neighborhood/city outreach events, hospital visits and follow-up, taking part in community events, prayer walks, simply being goods friends, etc.
Every ministry at
