Pastor Herb Shao joined the synod staff team as Director of Evangelical Mission beginning August 1, 2021. He will serve alongside Deacon Dianne Johnson who is continuing in her role as Director of Evangelical Mission. Pastor Shao and Deacon Johnson will both be 3/4 time.
Pastor Shao will work with our Asian congregations and ministry sites as well as implement the NWWA Synod Living Legacy Initiative. Together he and Deacon Johnson will work with new ministry sites and current congregations in the area of vitality. We are grateful to have this dynamic duo serving together in this important ministry area.
Pastor Shao comes to the NWWA Synod with a myriad of skills and experiences, most notably he just completed 20 years as a chaplain in the US Air Force. He and his wife, Akiyo, are delighted to be back in the NW Washington Synod. Together they have two young adult children.
The synod staff is excited to continue building on the five focus areas of the synod: Connection, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Youth and Young Adults, Faithful Innovation, and Leadership. We continue to live into our guiding statement: Trusting in the Spirit, we are walking together with God's people so that all may discover and participate in what God is doing among us through Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as we welcome Pastor Herb Shao to the staff!
