Team

Stan returned to the Board of Simplicity Ministries® in April 2022, having previously.  He is serving in his first term since his return.

Professional Background

Stan graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1977. He earned his Master’s of Education from University of Tennessee, in 1980. Stan went on to complete his Master’s of Divinity at Southwestern Seminary, in 1986. Stan is currently a Disciple Life Trainer.  Stan served as Director of Missions at Coosa River Baptist Association in Talladega, AL from June of 2020 – July 2024. Stan served previously as Pastor of First Baptist Church Oxford, Alabama (2014-2020), the National Director of Associations with the North American Mission Board (2011-2014), the State Director of Missions for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico (2006-2011) and was the Associate Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention (2001-2006).

Out of the Office

Stan has been married to his wife, Joanie, since 1976. They have 2 adult children.

Robert joined the Board of Simplicity Ministries in 2016. He is serving in his second term.

Professional Background

Robert graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in social studies, in 1987. Following his graduation, Robert worked 26 years as a full-time 5th/6th grade teacher for Spokane Public Schools until 2013 when he retired. He also has work experience nailing drywall and as a butcher.

Out of the Office

Robert has been married to his wife, Bekki, since 1974. They have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He and Bekki are members at North Addison Baptist Church in Spokane, WA where Robert serves as a shepherd. Robert and Bekki also teach first and second graders in Sunday School and lead a Bible study for college students in their home.

Robert loves spending time with his family (especially his grandkids), enjoys doing yard work, and cheering for the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys!

Tim returned to the Board of Simplicity Ministries in 2023. He served previously from 2012-2021. He is serving in his first three-year term since his return. Tim has been a member of the Men of Simplicity (MOS) since its inception in the Fall of 2009 and has been a small group discussion leader for 8-10 men for the past twelve years.

Professional Background

After graduating high school, Tim went directly to work to support his mother and younger sister. One year after graduation, Tim went to work for The Oregonian Publishing Company and worked there for almost 40 years as a pressman. Tim retired from The Oregonian in 2012.

Out of the Office

Tim has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 48 years. They have two adult children, Mike Porter (also a member and leader in MOS) and Melissa Levens, and one granddaughter, Rianne. Tim spends much of his time serving family and friends. Tim is currently a member at Pathway Gresham where he helps lead an adult Bible class and serves weekly as a greeter. 

Jay joined the Board of Simplicity Ministries® in the Fall of 2015 and was appointed as Treasurer. He is currently serving in his second term.

Professional Background
Jay was born and raised in Oregon and has been a member of Open Door Baptist Church in Troutdale, OR since 1991. After graduating from college in 1996 he was called to the ministry and began serving on staff at ODBC in the fall of 1996. He served as Youth Pastor until 2005 when he and his wife, Esther, took over the Homebuilder’s ministry. Jay received a Masters in Theology from Luther Rice Seminary in 2007. He is currently an assistant pastor at ODBC.  He also works at Open Door Christian Academy as a Math instructor, and serves as the Dean of Men.

Outside the Office
Jay and Esther have been married since 1995, and the Lord has blessed them with three beautiful girls and one son.

Debbie is the Chief Editor of all publications, printed and online. With her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Hardin-Simmons University, she is a tremendous asset to the team.

Professional Background
Debbie also completed her Masters Degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary while teaching Spanish at Northwest High School in Justin, TX for two years.  Following seminary, Debbie served two years overseas as a missionary in Honduras, three years as a director of Baptist Student Ministries in Laredo, TX and has spent the last 22 years home schooling her three kids, as well as leading women’s and teen girl’s discipleship groups.  Debbie is currently teaching Spanish at Open Door Christian Academy part-time while serving alongside Mike in ministry.

Outside the Office

In her free time Debbie, enjoys reading, walking with neighbors, investing in her adult kids, and dates with her husband.

Katie is the Administrative Assistant for Men of Simplicity. She also has been the financial bookkeeper for Simplicity Ministries® since the July of 2021. Katie has a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in Accounting from Eastern Oregon University

Professional Background

Katie graduated from Open Door Christian Academy in 2019. In Fall of 2020, she started working at Open Door Christian Academy in various positions. These positions include educational assistant, lunchroom manager,  janitorial work, and substitute teaching.  Katie also is very active in the sports program at ODCA.

Outside the Office

In her free time, Katie volunteers at Open Door Baptist Church where she is a member. Katie also enjoys reading, exploring local bookstores and coffeeshops, and spending time with friends.