Our History

Mercer Creek Church was started in 1939 out of the vision of a small group of lay leaders who desired to see the teachings and missionary passion of The Christian and Missionary Alliance find a home in Ellensburg, Washington. The church’s first meeting place for public worship was a YMCA Chapel, moving afterward to the local courthouse. In 1944, the congregation moved to a dancehall/tavern which was dismantled and reconstructed on a vacant lot. In 1979, construction began at its current location. The present facility is a short distance away from Central Washington University and is debt-free.

After a strong beginning, the congregation fell into serious decline. In 1970, Pastor Tim Owen was called to join a few remaining families and with God’s help were able to revive the church. Under Pastor Tim’s 30 years of ministry at Mercer Creek, people came to faith in Christ, a strong ministry to students at the university was established, and the congregation grew substantially. It was marked by a spirit of authenticity, active ministries to children and youth, and a passion for evangelism and global missions.

Pastor Tommy Martin, a former youth pastor at Mercer Creek, served as senior pastor for 12 years, from 2001 to 2013. The church continued to grow under the strong biblical preaching of Pastor Martin. The pastoral staff was expanded and three Sunday morning services were offered. 

In 2014, Scott Sinner joined Mercer Creek Church as lead pastor. He had a heart for those seeking spiritual truth and dedicated his life to helping people on their spiritual journey. Scott's passion and gifting was facilitating the vision for local outreach. 

Pastor Todd King became the lead pastor in January of 2019. He brought with him a passion for church planting and seeing God's Kingdom move forward. Under his leadership, we launched and planted a church in Roslyn.

In the fall of 2023, Pastor Dan Arnold became the lead pastor. He had previously been on staff for 17 years in a variety of different roles. Dan has deep roots in Ellensburg and cares for it's community. He continues to share Jesus' love inside and outside of the church walls and teaches others to do the same.

Mercer Creek is affiliated with The Christian and Missionary Alliance, a Christ-centered global movement. The Alliance was founded by A.B. Simpson in the late 1800’s as he preached Jesus: Savior, Sanctifier, Healer and Coming King. Because of who He is and what He’s done, we are compelled to “go!” Matthew 28:16-20. The Alliance has a rich tradition of equipping, sending and supporting international workers  around the world. To learn more about The Alliance, click on the graphic below: