Staff

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Mark Inouye

Senior Pastor  

Early Background

I grew up in an essentially unchurched home, and it wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school that I came to know Christ personally through my football coach, some committed Christian friends, and the ministry of Young Life (a non-denominational outreach ministry). This experience has created a special place in my heart for young people and the unchurched. If God can reach me, he can reach anyone!

My faith was nurtured in college at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington.  Pastors like Steve Hayner who became mentors and then friends helped grow in me a love for God’s Word and work, and provided ministry opportunities through which I got involved in that work.  For me this meant volunteering with Young Life, an extended summer mission experience in Latin America, and helping resettle Cambodian refugees and helping plant a Cambodian church.  

Education 

I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington where I majored in mathematics. I started my seminary studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts and then after an internship year at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, Washington, transferred to Princeton Theological Seminary, where I graduated with Master of Divinity degree. I also have a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, where the focus of my studies was church renewal. 

Ministry Experience

After graduating from Princeton I accepted a call to West Side Church in Richland, Washington as Associate Pastor to Youth – where it was a joy to serve for thirteen years. Following that came a call to serve as pastor/head of staff at Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church (which is in a suburb of San Jose, California) where I served for fourteen years, which was a privilege and a joy. I have also been involved in the renewal work of the Fellowship of Presbyterians (now known as the Fellowship Community).  

Family

I met my wife Beth, whom I consider to be my strongest supporter and my best friend during college. She is a people person, appreciates beauty, and finds great joy in God’s creation and loves the outdoors: hiking, cycling, and skiing.  

God has blessed us with three wonderful children. James the oldest is recently married and lives/works in Seattle. Alyson, my oldest daughter, will graduated from Seattle Pacific University, and Rebekah, the youngest, is a sophomore at UC Berkeley. 

I am a sports fan and root hardest for my Seattle teams. I enjoy being physically active, and enjoy golf and skiing. I love the outdoors, and enjoy hiking. However, I have a special passion for fishing – fly-fishing in particular. I also enjoy music, and play the guitar.

Tai

Administrator

Tai, who is a 2005 breast cancer survivor, moved to the Wood River Valley in 2006 from Louisiana where she was raised in a Baptist family in a small town in southern Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. You can find Tai entertaining and cooking up a storm for her friends, and other times you can find her rooting for her favorite college football team (LSU) or on the ski mountain wearing everything pink! The move, of course, means trading the dense humidity of Louisiana for Sun Valley’s crisp clear mornings. But it also means leaving her Laotion and Thai community behind. Still, she’s looking forward to the adventure ahead.

Chris Neely

Director of Family and Children Ministry

Chris was raised in a Christian home in North Louisiana where his family was active in the local church. Through the example of his parents and others who actively followed Christ, Chris chose, at an early age, to follow Jesus through a personal relationship. Chris graduated from Northeast Louisiana University with a BS degree in Construction Management and later completed his MBA at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. After a long career with AT&T, God called Chris and his family to move West into full-time ministry with Young Life, and later as the children’s pastor at a large, evangelical church in Salt Lake City, Utah. In June of 2021, God opened the door for Chris and his family to move to their favorite place on earth, the Wood River Valley. Chris and his wife, Star (an Idaho native), have five children. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. Having spent over 30 years leading and serving in both children’s and student ministry, Chris has a huge heart for sharing Christ’s love with, not only children, but entire families.

Mark Mueller

Director of Music and Worship  

Mark was raised outside of Houston, Texas and graduated from Concordia University St. Paul as a Director of Christian Education. His love for music and ministry ignited as he poured into a Mission organization, Latreia, and led worship for Woodbury Lutheran Church. Arriving in the valley, Mark worked as the Site Coordinator for the after school program at the Wood River YMCA. Mark also took on roles leading worship at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church and CBW. He recorded his first record in 2014.

Sean Martin

Associate Pastor and Music and Worship Leader 

Sean and Hollyn Martin have been married since 1998, and they have three decades of ministry experience between them. They both have Masters Degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Sean is an ordained pastor. Sean and Hollyn have three awesome kids: Joey, Michael, and Annie. The Martins lived in the Wood River Valley from 2008-2013, and they are thrilled to be back in the place they all consider to be home. When they have free time, you might find the family hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, or snowshoeing!

Tracy Mueller

Youth Ministry Director

A Wisconsin native, Tracy graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Theology. She gained experience working with kids, youth, and families as a Program Director focusing on Summer Camp and Outdoor Education at Camp Omega, Minnesota. This led her to a position in the Sawtooth Mountains as the Director of Programs at Camp Perkins Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and now here at Church of the Big Wood.

Tracy enjoys hiking with her airdale terrier, listening to music, and spending time with her husband Mark, daughter Everly and son Ryland. 

Josette Stellers

Receiving Treasurer

Josette Stellers has lived in the Wood River Valley in 1993.  Prior to living in Hailey, she lived in San Diego, California for eight years and is a Montana native.  Josette has worked as an accountant and property manager with the Kirk Group since 1999.  She began attending the Church of the Big Wood in 1994 and became a member in 1998.  Josette has two children, Joey and Matthew, who attend Boise State University both majoring in Mechanical Engineering.  Her favorite activities include trail running, road and mountain biking, paddleboarding, and simply living in the mountain environment. She enjoys being a part of the church family and continues to grow in her spiritual journey with Christ.

Kim Piggins

Director of Big Wood School

Kim and her two daughters, Kendall and Madison, recently relocated to the Wood River Valley and PCBW from Del Mar, California. Along with her deep Christian faith, Kim brings with her a strong background in Preschool leadership and teaching from the Baldwin Academy and Francis Parker School in San Diego, California. Over her 20+ years of experience, she has worked in every capacity with every age group in the Preschool setting. She moved over to the Administration side of Education about five years ago and has thoroughly enjoyed combining her love of children, calling to teach, and business/organizational skills in the School Office environment. Kim and her girls are loving the mountain lifestyle and feel very “at home” since joining the Big Wood School Staff.

Deb Dimant

Treasurer

CBW is grateful to have the experience and dedication that Deb brings to her volunteer leadership as our treasurer. 

The session reviews the financial reports each month at our stated meeting.  Should you have any questions regarding our finances, please feel free to contact Deb.  And when you see her, please thank her for her service to our church family!