pastor will stoll
senior pastor
When we sat down with Pastor Will we quickly discover the guy likes apples. . . macs that is. Whether using his iPhone, iPad, or iAnything, Will is quick to show you the coolest new app and then pictures of his wife and 4 beautiful girls. He has a huge heart for sharing the gospel of Jesus but then you probably knew that already. Here are a few things you may not know about our Senior Pastor.
Responsibilities
As the senior pastor, Will is responsible for the vision of Northwest Church, preaching, shepherding, and developing staff. He reports to a board of Elders, which is made up of 10 men who provide guidance and accountability.
Career Highlights
- Joined Northwest Church in 2009
- Senior Pastor at Parkside Community Church in Arizona where the church attendance quadrupled under his leadership.
- Youth pastor and assistant pastor at 3 other churches
- Undergraduate degree in Bible and Pulpit Speech
- Master's in Divinity, The Master's Seminary
Random stuff
Q: If you weren't a pastor, what would you be doing?
A: I would probably be in business. That was my up bringing so that's where I was headed. I wanted to go to an Ivy League school until the Lord got a hold of me and called me to full-time ministry when I was 17 years old.
Q: How would you describe your personality?
A: I am an optimist and I usually look at problems as projects. I am a glass-half-full person. I am never satisfied with status quo for myself. I always want to be learning and growing. So I'm constantly looking for opportunities to grow like reading books, being around smart people, and going to seminars.
Q: What do you like to do for fun - outside of church?
A: I spend a lot of time with my little girls. We love to go to the water park, the beach and ride bikes. I'm usually running behind one of them on a bike. I really enjoy hanging out with the guys and watching football too.
Q: If you could collaborate with anyone, whom would you pick?
A: Great question, Frances Chan. He inspired me to preach by talking from the heart. If you ever want to know a preacher that is the real deal, it's Frances Chan. He's a fantastic teacher who connects well with the audience.
Q: Who in the Bible do you identify with the most?
A: Peter. He knew he wanted to do something; he usually did it the wrong way. Peter learned the lesson of humility. Something I'm constantly pursing. I want to be like Jesus but I'm a whole more like Peter.
FAVORITES
Q: TV show?
A: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Q: Food?
A: I love seafood.
Q: Music?
A: I mostly listen to Christian contemporary music like David Crowder and Tenth Avenue North. I also really enjoy listening to the blues and classic rock.
Q: Coast, city, or mountains?
A: The coast - we love Pismo.
Q: TV or books?
A: To relax I like TV. To learn, I like books.
Q: Morning bird or night owl?A: I love the morning but I hate getting up. The morning is a beautiful time - cold and quiet.
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Soda.
Q: Any shout outs?
A: My dad for showing me what it is like to walk and live in the spirit.
