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History
Our History
In late 1999 Mike Sampson, then the senior pastor at Oakpark Church in Oakhurst, California, moved with his wife and three daughters to Truckee to plant a new church. Seeking Gods vision, Pastor Mike took his Bible, a note pad, and camp chair atop the snow sheds (abandoned train tunnels) above Donner Lake to seek direction from God.The goal was to plant a new contemporary church that was a little on the edge. TFC would be a place where the music was alive, the message would be relevant, the kids would love it, and the guests wouldnt feel intimidated. Vision and purpose came, and with the help of a long time friend and resident of Truckee, the vision began to unfold. Vision meetings were conducted to invite others to join this new adventure. Preview services were held at the Community Center and the middle school. Concerts, Kids in the Park, and a ski camp during Ski and Skate Week were sponsored in an effort to test the community need for a new church. Finally, in August of 2000 at the North Star ski area, Tahoe Forest Church was launched. Several months later, TFC moved into the gym at Glenshire Elementary School.Today, Tahoe Forest Church is home to variety of individuals and families from all over the Tahoe Forest community. The people that call this church their home arent really interested in religion, but want to grow in their relationship with God. If you havent already come for worship, we invite you to join us so you can see first hand what TFC is all about, and see our new facility, located at The Rock in the heart of Truckee, CA.
Leadership
Our Leadership
Mike Sampson- Senior Pastor mike_tahoeforestchurch.orgMark Kucera truckeekids_gmail.comTara Vaughan vaughandee_hotmail.comJustin Fiddyment tamifidd_sbcglobal.netDoug Wright dougwright_usamedia.tvNate Farnell natefarnell_gmail.com
our staff
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our lead team
Core Values
Our Core Values
OPEN - Compassionate relationships with people demonstrating the lifestyle of Jesus; loving one another, connecting with each other, and embracing all people without condemnation or judgment. NEW - Contemporary worship, alive and exciting: a relevant expression to God designed to be a life-changing experience. BEGINNING - An authentic relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ: becoming competent in the Bible, consistent in prayer, and faithful in worship. ENJOYING - Lifes journey, the joys of life, good humor, and laughter. LEARNING - Bible truths and calling one another into accountability, growing to maturity, discovering our gifts for ministry. ADVOCACY - For all people, especially children and youth; focusing strong ministry that encourages, builds up, and prepares children and youth for their future. YIELDED - To the Holy Spirit; living a surrendered life, giving God the best of our time, talent, and financial blessings. Going beyond ourselves reproducing the body of Christ here and in other communities.
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Mike
Born and raised in Southern California, Mike began his journey with God at the age of fifteen. On a hot July evening, in his grandfathers church in Little Rock, Arkansas he invited Jesus into his heart. At the age of eighteen, he began to sense a definite irresistible call by God to pursue pastoral ministry. Having NO desire to pursue this vocation, he tried to convince God that He (God) had picked on the wrong person. Wrestling with God for nearly a year, Mike finally gave in to God's purpose for his life.Mike received his education at Point Loma Nazarene University and was ordained in 1983. He has over 30 years of pastoral experience, having been a youth pastor for the first 8 years and a senior pastor for the duration.In 1978, while attending college, Mike and Karen began their first assignment as part-time youth pastors at a little church in San Diego, CA. Several years later they moved to Oakdale, CA, the Cowboy Capital of the World, and the home of Slim Pickens, where they took on the youth ministry at a local church. In 1986, Mike, Karen, and their three children moved to Oakhurst, CA to plant a new church. The town of Oakhurst is the southern gateway to Yosemite National Park. Fourteen years later, it was time to begin a new adventure. In late August of 1999, Pastor Mike, Karen and their family arrived in Truckee ready to begin the greatest adventure of their life.Pastor Mike has a passion for people who want to know God but have not been able to connect with traditional church. His messages are culturally relevant and targeted toward the life issues we face in todays world. His hobbies include wood working, riding his snowmobile, riding his quads, fishing, camping, skiing, playing his guitar, and spending time with his family. Above all else, his favorite thing is seeing the spiritual lights come on in a person's life.mike_tahoeforestchurch.org
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Charlie
Charlie moved to Truckee from Seattle where he attended Seattle Pacific University majoring in Educational Ministry and Youth Ministry. Charlie has been involved with youth and college ministry, both through the church, Young Life, and several camps. Charlie grew up in Colorado and Alaska where he developed a love for the outdoors. You can expect to find Charlie rock climbing during the summer months and snowboarding during the winter season.Charlie announced his engagement to Wendy Whitley on March 20th and they will be getting married sometime in 2010 (the date is yet to be set). Wendy also graduated from Seattle Pacific University and majored in nursing. Wendy is fully committed to Charlie's passion for Youth and is an amazing partner in the support of the ministry Charlie's passion is seeing people connect in a real and relevant way with Jesus Christ. tahoeforestyouth_gmail.com
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Tony
Tony, originally from Minnesota, moved out to Truckee in September of 2006 to pursue a new direction in life; one that led to a deeper walk with God and to his wife, Lindy. Soon after making Truckee their home Tony and Lindy found Tahoe Forest Church to adopt as their new family of believers.While Lindy became active in the church's youth ministry, Tony used his passion for music to enter the worship band and eventually became hired onto the staff to help with the progress and development of the ministry.Aside from church ministry, Tony is finishing his bachelor's degree in General Studies with an emphasis on Music and Business from the University of Nevada in Reno. His greatest desire is to see the will of our Creator carried out by the Body of Christ.
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