Shalom Ministries, Spokane, WA

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I’m thrilled to serve as the Interim Executive Director and Transition Consultant for Shalom Ministries. This role is both a profound honor and an incredible opportunity to help guide a ministry that is close to my heart.

My Journey with Shalom Ministries
I’ve always felt called to step outside of my suburban bubble to live out my faith in a meaningful way. About 10-15 years ago, I first connected with Shalom Ministries by volunteering and inviting the congregation I pastored to get involved. In the past two years, my wife and I have returned as regular volunteers, drawn by the incredible work this ministry does to serve those experiencing food insecurity in Spokane’s downtown core. Shalom’s mission deeply resonates with my belief in extending dignity and grace to everyone we meet.

A Vision for the Future
Under the faithful leadership of Tim Swartout over the past 12 years, Shalom Ministries has stabilized and persevered through significant challenges. Now, we stand at a pivotal moment. My goal is to help transition Shalom from a ministry that has worked hard to survive into one that thrives. Together, we’ll build a professional, sustainable foundation to ensure Shalom’s mission endures for generations to come. My work focuses on helping the Board and community clarify our future directions and set a strategic course. By mid-2025, the Board and I will discern what the next chapter holds, including decisions about future leadership.

Bringing Experience and Dedication
Over my career, I’ve helped churches, non-profits, companies, and individuals navigate transitions and achieve their preferred futures. I’ll bring this experience to Shalom Ministries, fostering collaboration and clear vision while strengthening relationships with our community. My leadership is grounded in listening, strategic planning, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of this ministry.

The Impact of Dining with Dignity
Shalom Ministries changes lives. One story that inspires me is of a former diner who is now thriving in a professional role in Spokane. This individual credits the grace they experienced in our Dining With Dignity program as a turning point during a time when they had no place to call home. While we may not always see the immediate outcomes of our work, I believe every meal served has the potential for lasting impact.

Join Us in Making a Difference
Shalom Ministries thrives because of people like you. Here’s how you can help:

·  Volunteer: Whether serving meals, organizing donations, or lending a hand with events, your time makes a tangible difference.

·  Donate: Your generous contributions fuel our ability to provide meals, resources, and hope.

·  Pray and Advocate: Your energy, prayers, and advocacy help sustain our mission and amplify our impact.

Connect with Me
I’d love to meet you in person at one of our ministry events or hear from you directly. You can reach me by email at ShalomMeals@gmail.com or connect with us through the Shalom Facebook page and social media. Let’s partner together to serve our neighbors with dignity and love.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can continue to create a community where everyone is nourished—body, mind, and spirit.

In the 1970s and 1980's, Central United Methodist Church in downtown Spokane reached out to its homeless and hungry neighbors with a meal ministry. A nationwide effort, called Shalom, within the United Methodist Church to create effective ministries in urban settings inspired the church in 1994 to create a separate 501(c)3 in Spokane that brought together religious, business, political, and social service communities to find solutions to poverty and homelessness. 

While Central UMC has now closed, Shalom Ministries is hosted in its old building by New Communities Church and retains a strong connection with other United Methodist Churches in the area, as well as with other churches from many traditions.

Shalom seeks to build relationships and community amongst people who are disenfranchised. By providing a safe, loving, and accepting environment the door can be opened for healing and renewal, creating a sense of belonging to something greater than one’s self.