Welcome to Lake Tapps!
Lake Tapps is a community of people learning to live life in the way and heart of Jesus. We're cultivating a community, not just a gathering.
OUR MISSION is to equip and empower people to know God, grow in faith, and go with purpose.
OUR VISION is to cultivate a family oriented community of belonging & spiritual training that makes love the measure of maturity.
OUR MISSION is to equip and empower people to know God, grow in faith, and go with purpose.
OUR VISION is to cultivate a family oriented community of belonging & spiritual training that makes love the measure of maturity.
OUR VISON
SHORT-TERM VISION:
2026 – The Year of Mission
This year at Lake Tapps Christian Church, is the year of Mission. We are embracing mission not as a program, but as a posture—a way of living that reflects the heart of Jesus.
After several years of focusing on spiritual formation, we’re recognizing that formation must lead to participation. We are not being shaped into Christlikeness just for our own sake, but for the sake of others—for the life of the world.
In 2026, we are being invited to walk with others the way Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus—not with pressure or control, but with presence, curiosity, and humility. We believe the world is full of spiritually curious people, and God is calling us to walk alongside them, to set the table for honest conversations, and to make space for Jesus to be revealed.
This is a year for all of us to ask: Who can I walk with? Who can I serve? Where can I make space for someone to encounter Jesus?
Whether you've been part of our community for years or are just exploring faith, you're invited to join us in this mission—of love, hospitality, and spiritual curiosity. This is the year we stop waiting for people to come to church—and start being the church, everywhere we go.
Long-Term Vision
The Church of 2050
We are planting seeds today for a church that will thrive for generations. By 2050, we envision a church where deep relationships, strong leadership, and generational faith are flourishing in a world that continues to change rapidly. Our goal is to create a lasting legacy of faith, built on the foundation of Christ’s love, and to prepare the next generation to lead and serve.
This vision calls us to invest in spiritual formation, family ministries, leadership development, and community, even when we may not see the full results in our lifetime. Like the exiles in Jeremiah 29, we are committed to “building houses and planting gardens” for future generations.
At Lake Tapps Christian Church, we believe the best way to predict the future is to create it. Our mission is to equip and empower people to know God, grow in faith, and go with purpose—a mission that transcends any single moment and prepares us for a thriving church in 2050 and beyond.
2026 – The Year of Mission
This year at Lake Tapps Christian Church, is the year of Mission. We are embracing mission not as a program, but as a posture—a way of living that reflects the heart of Jesus.
After several years of focusing on spiritual formation, we’re recognizing that formation must lead to participation. We are not being shaped into Christlikeness just for our own sake, but for the sake of others—for the life of the world.
In 2026, we are being invited to walk with others the way Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus—not with pressure or control, but with presence, curiosity, and humility. We believe the world is full of spiritually curious people, and God is calling us to walk alongside them, to set the table for honest conversations, and to make space for Jesus to be revealed.
This is a year for all of us to ask: Who can I walk with? Who can I serve? Where can I make space for someone to encounter Jesus?
Whether you've been part of our community for years or are just exploring faith, you're invited to join us in this mission—of love, hospitality, and spiritual curiosity. This is the year we stop waiting for people to come to church—and start being the church, everywhere we go.
Long-Term Vision
The Church of 2050
We are planting seeds today for a church that will thrive for generations. By 2050, we envision a church where deep relationships, strong leadership, and generational faith are flourishing in a world that continues to change rapidly. Our goal is to create a lasting legacy of faith, built on the foundation of Christ’s love, and to prepare the next generation to lead and serve.
This vision calls us to invest in spiritual formation, family ministries, leadership development, and community, even when we may not see the full results in our lifetime. Like the exiles in Jeremiah 29, we are committed to “building houses and planting gardens” for future generations.
At Lake Tapps Christian Church, we believe the best way to predict the future is to create it. Our mission is to equip and empower people to know God, grow in faith, and go with purpose—a mission that transcends any single moment and prepares us for a thriving church in 2050 and beyond.
Our Team
Jared Ellsworth
Lead Pastor/Elder
Nick Moore
Youth Ministry Director
Jerry Miller
Elder
Dave Atkin
Executive Pastor/Elder
Justin Schielke
Tech Director
Peter Blomquist
Elder
Leah Olson
Preschool Director
Melanie Fletcher
Kids Ministry Director
Mary Beth Holmes
Worship Director
Wayne Bowdle
Elder
Truths We Believe
In essential beliefs, we have unity.
There is one Body and one Spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all… Ephesians 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty.
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
In all our beliefs, we show charity.
…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (Ph)This is where the description goes.
Essentials
God
The Creator and Ruler of the Universe. Eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit in one: Trinity.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 26, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Genesis 1:1, 26, 26, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
The son of God. Virgin-born. Sinless human life. Died on the cross for the sins of all people. Raised to life. Will come again.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
Holy Spirit
Lives in Christians from the moment of Salvation. Convicts, leads, guides. Equips believers for service. Gives spiritual gifts.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25
Bible
God’s Word written by human authors, supernaturally guided. Source for truth. Truth without any error.
2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
Humans
Made in the image of God to be like Him. All sin, by choice and by nature, which separates humans from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
Salvation
Salvation is God’s gift to humans, purchased by the blood of Jesus, given by grace. We must receive it by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12, 14:6; Titus 3:5
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12, 14:6; Titus 3:5
Assurance
Salvation is given by God through Jesus Christ. The true believer is secure in that salvation, lived out daily.
Acts 3:19; John 10:28-29; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 2 Peter 1:1
Acts 3:19; John 10:28-29; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 2 Peter 1:1
Eternity
People are made for eternity. Eternity with God through forgiveness and salvation is life, Heaven. Eternity apart from God is death, Hell. Heaven and Hell are real and eternal.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15, 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15, 1 Corinthians 2:7-9