Leadership team

I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and graduated from Tacoma Baptist High School. My plan after high school was to attend Washington State University where I wanted to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. God, however, had other plans! A good friend suggested that I attend Boise Bible College for one year and well… you can see how the rest of the story goes. At Boise Bible College I met my beautiful wife of 28 years and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts-Ministerial and Minors in Greek and Youth Ministry.  My wife and I have spent 30 years pastoring in various churches in Southern Oregon and Western Washington, during which, 4 fantastic and enthusiastic daughters, and 1 ambitious son who enjoys testing the character of his sisters, came into our lives! God has truly blessed us every step of the way especially as He guided us to this amazing church family here in Centralia, Washington.  Aside from spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, riding my motorcycle, hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing my guitar. I have also spent time as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.  However, what I truly enjoy most is seeing people come into contact with Jesus Christ, where experiencing a real relationship with Him, results in a real-life transformation that was never thought possible. 

I was born and raised on a ranch in rural Montana. The closest town had a population of 1,000 people. From there I decided to attend college in the bustling metropolis of...Boise, ID. I graduated from Boise Bible College with a Bachelor's of Arts in Youth Ministry. While attending Boise Bible College, I met my amazing wife Annie, who is originally from Eugene, OR. We are beyond excited to be serving in Centralia, and are in awe of how God's blessings and guidance led us there. I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, hiking, hunting, reading, and baseball. I am also excited to share these passions with our son Cayson and daughter Tess. More than catching a fish or climbing a mountain, however, I love to see people draw closer to God and the joy that they find in pursuing the perfect Creator of the universe who still chooses to love each and every one of us.

I was born and raised here in Centralia, Wa.  I have been involved with Centralia Christian Church for about 37 years. I am married to my wonderful  wife Jodi for 27 years. We have blessed with 2 wonderful children who are raised and now married. 

I was born and raised here in Centralia, Wa.  I have been involved with Centralia Christian Church for about 37 years. I am married to my wonderful  wife Jodi for 27 years. We have blessed with 2 wonderful children who are raised and now married. 

Matt has lived in the Lewis County area since 2002. He married his wife, Paige a life-long Lewis County resident in 2007. He has been serving at Centralia Christian Christian in various roles for the past 13 years, teaching Sunday school and providing other leadership.  He is a graduate of Puget Sound Christian College, and Western Oregon University. His primary focus at church is bringing the bible to life in a real and practical way.  Helping others understand the bible more clearly, and learning to love it as much as he does.  

Raymond Michael (Mike) Vargo Jr. was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA. He has one sister. Mike attended college at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina and earned a degree in English. Upon graduation in 1979 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Mike and Ginny were married in 1979 and have two sons. Ginny passed away in 2004. Mike served in command and staff assignments as an Air Defense Artillery, Aviation and Field Artillery officer, retiring as a major in 1999.  As a civilian, he held various sales and operations assignments in the paper and firearms manufacturing industries before his retirement in 2025. Mike and Joy married in 2008. They currently have five children, sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mike and Joy began attending Centralia Christian Church in 2021. Mike became a church elder in 2026.