Pastor John Geiter
Pastor John is passionate about people meeting Jesus and growing in their faith.
John grew up in Milwaukie Oregon and found his way to The Dalles when he attended Judson Baptist College in the early ’80s. There he discovered two of the most important things in his life: his beautiful wife, Deanna, and his love for ministry.
In 1983 John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Judson. In 1993 he graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master’s of Divinity. He has served three churches prior to becoming the Lead Pastor at Gateway in the fall of 2019. John says, “This is my third opportunity of pastoring at Gateway Church and I am astonished and blessed at God’s goodness in bringing us back”. John and Deanna have four adult children; Steffan, Daniel, Kristianna, and Caleb. As Lead Pastor at Gateway Church John’s primary role is to preach, teach, equip and lead our church into becoming transformed disciples of Jesus Christ.
o With the expressed intent that those who attend Gateway will grow to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and love their neighbors as they love themself.
· John loves pizza, Mexican, Asian, and Ethiopian foods, and good steaks.
o He resists the consumption of liver, canned spinach, and undercooked oysters.
· John loves to play guitar, sing, play, and watch sports. He enjoys the outdoors and hanging out with his family.
· Some of his favorite authors are Dallas Willard, N.T. Wright, C.S. Lewis, Brandon Sanderson, and Terry Brooks.
John’s favorite scriptures are:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.” Proverb 3:5-7
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10