United Method Church Welcomes New Pastor

Pastor Brent Dehlbom answers the call he has heard for years. By Robert Lavala

Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church welcomes pastor Brent Dehlbom to the pulpit. As of August 8th, 2014, pastor Dehlbom stepped into the vacant position at this established Bonners Ferry house of worship.

Pastor Dehlbom, a native of the area, served as a career Naval officer in submarine warfare. He served for twenty years and retired to come back to the Bonners Ferry area. While he worked at Boulder Creek Academy, the calling of God would continue to be a persistent urging toward full time ministry. For nearly seven years he has 'heard' the call. While at BCA he pursued this calling and began to focus on what it would take to become a certified minister in the church group he has been a part of since a childhood summer program. The United Methodist Church held a summer program that Dehlbom's mother sent him to when he was eight years old. Dehlbom said, “I was saved at that camp” and then later added that “... it was perfect timing that the Bonners Ferry church needed a pastor.”

Brent Dehlbom is 53 years young and married to Kim. They have seven children between them, and he is a man of calm charisma. These might seem contrary, but when speaking with the pastor you can immediately see the passion and life in him yet his manner is that of cool and calm. When asked about how long he has been a pastor Dehlbom said, laughing a bit, “About seven weeks!” I asked about the process for him, and he told me it involves a comprehensive study program called License Local. This is the process that allows a person to serve while taking courses to receive certification from the UM governing body. The entire process takes about five years to complete, but according to Dehlbom, “It is less costly, I can do the work online, and (laughing again) it is a lot better for people over 50!”

The pastor was genuinely excited when asked about the congregation and what goes on in their programming. “We have a 'blended' style of service,” he said and then added, “We do contemporary praise music and hymns – which is the 'blended' part of the service and the word of God is, well, the word of God. Some think we are too liberal and some think we are too conservative. I think we are a middle ground for Christianity.”

The church currently is experiencing growth, and pastor Dehlbom told me they were up around 85 people on Sunday morning. Other programs at the church include a thriving youth group, also lead by the pastor, and a Wednesday evening Bible study. So far the Dehlboms have invited the youth to their home for youth pool parties and have invited other churches from North Idaho to join in the fun. He believes that “unity is the key!” Dehlbom went on to say that “The motto of the church is: Open Doors; Open Hearts; Open Minds.” Then, after a moment of thought added, “... and Open Arms.” After speaking with the pastor for nearly 30 minutes I can see why this is a good fit for him and his family.

Services are Sunday at 10:30a and Wednesday Family Nights are at 6p.

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