John Goodale

John has served as a pastor at First Pres since 1995, first as Singles Pastor, and more recently as Caring Ministries Pastor. John provides pastoral response to congregants in moments of vulnerability, and coordinates our church’s multi-faceted care to ensure that no one hurts alone. John is the primary teacher for the Pathfinders Sunday community and officiates many of the church’s memorial services. Prior to his years here, John served as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, Florida, and as Singles Associate at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California.

John grew up in Washington state and attended Seattle Pacific University, where he earned a BA in Communication. John earned his MDiv and DMin at Fuller Theological Seminary.

John and his wife Deborah have been married since 1991. They have two children and two granddaughters. John’s claim to fame includes appearing on two TV game shows for six days, including the Wheel of Fortune.

John enjoys walking four miles each morning, loves to travel, and is an avid fan of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team.

John has written two books – Finishing Well: Biblical Lessons to Maximize Your Later Years and Restoring the Wonder of Christmas.