About Our Team
OUR Staff
Wayne Farris
Co-Founder
Lead Pastor
About Wayne Farris
Co-Founder / Lead Pastor
Pastor Wayne and his wife planted JFC after more than 35 years of ministry experience in various Youth, Worship, and Associate Pastor roles; 25 of those years bi-vocationally while also leading in business for The Boeing Company and others. Wayne attended the Lutheran Bible Institute / Trinity Bible College, Burden Bearers Counseling Training, and The Boeing Executive Leadership Program.
Wayne has been married to Cindy for (mostly) 33 years, and they have 4 grown children, 2 daughters-in-law, 1 soon-to-be son-in-law, and 3 beautiful grandchildren.
Your Ministry ‘Why’:
“I have a passion for connecting with people wherever they are along their journey and helping them live out their greater story in Jesus.
Your JFC/Nine Mile Falls ‘Why’:
Though years in the making, the Lord’s calling to plant a church came together quickly and miraculously when it finally came to fruition. A prayer-filled drive, a chance phone call to meet a friend, and a GPS path to find the quickest route there led us to the corner of Swenson and Hwy 291, where the voice of the Lord said, “welcome home.” This place and her people immediately felt like they’d always been ‘home’.
Fav. Bible Verse:
Micah 6:8 – He has shown you men what is good and what the Lord requires of you: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Sports/Hobbies:
Music (writing, singing, listening); Coaching high school soccer, reading
Fav Movie:
Brian’s Song (the original)
Fav. Disney Character:
Baloo – “Look For The Bare Necessities. The Simple Bare Necessities. Forget About Your Worries And Your Strife.
Fav. Meal:
BBQ Steak, Watermelon
Pet Peeve:
People talking on speaker phone in public
Quirky/Unusual Fear:
Answering staff bio questions
Fav Season:
The current one (love them all)
‘Go-to’ minimart-stop road-food snack:
Reese’s, Pringles, and mixed nuts
Who plays you in the movie about your life:
Cole Hauser (I’d say Kevin Costner but that would be type-casting.
Which Superhero would you be:
Superman (I used to try to fly when I was a kid)
John 14:2 tells us “My Father’s house has many rooms …”, your heavenly room is:
A room of marvels (IYKYK), filled with the presence of Jesus and all the people I love, listening to live music 24/7
Toilet paper – Bangs or mullet:
I like my TP like I liked my hairstyle in high school
Beach on the ocean or lake in the forest:
Lake in the forest – give me woods & water and I’m at peace
Pets – Dogs or Cats:
Um… Horses
Presents – Birthday or Christmas:
Christmas, but ‘giving’ far more than ‘receiving’
Cindy Farris
Co-Founder
Staff Associate
About Cindy Farris
Staff Associate – First Impressions, Program, Vision
Cindy has a long history of serving the church in many ways, beginning in High school where she was mentored in Discipleship and Hospitality. Since then, she’s been fortunate to be involved as a Children’s Director, Women’s Ministry Director, Church Council member, and various other areas of ministry. This season, Cindy feels a particular calling to First Impressions, as she has the heart to ensure everyone who gathers at Journey feels welcomed and included. She loves finding creative ways to ensure that our volunteers and others know how much the Lord loves them.
Cindy has been married to Wayne, for (mostly) 33 years: They have 4 children, 2 daughters-in-law, and a son-in-law coming this June. They have 3 beautiful and creative Grandchildren that all call her Lolly (Little Old Lady Loves You), and they call Wayne “Pops”… LollyPops!
Your Ministry ‘Why’:
My heart is to show Jesus, helping people feel welcomed, and later, find their own place to serve the Lord at Journey.
Your JFC/Nine Mile Falls ‘Why’:
Wayne and I felt the Lord call us to Nine Mile Falls, particularly to plant Journey. The Lord has placed in us such a love for the community and we have a strong belief that He has us here to minister and share His love. We want to do life with this growing community.
Fav. Bible Verse:
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Sports/Hobbies:
Reading, swimming at the lake, crafting, and thrift shopping!!
Fav Movie:
Avenger Movies, Rom Coms
Fav. Disney Character:
Cinderella
Fav. Meal:
Mexican
Pet Peeve:
People chewing with their mouths open
Quirky/Unusual Fear:
Snakes
Fav Season:
Fall
‘Go-to’ minimart-stop road-food snack:
Trail mix
Who plays you in the movie about your life:
Jaclyn Smith
Which Superhero would you be:
Can I be the Bionic Woman?
John 14:2 tells us “My Father’s house has many rooms …”, your heavenly room is:
I’d like my room in heaven to be filled with good music, good books, and Jesus!!
Toilet paper – Bangs or mullet:
Bangs
Beach on the ocean or lake in the forest:
Lake in the forest|
Pets – Dogs or Cats:
Dogs
Presents – Birthday or Christmas:
Christmas
Meryssa Conaway
J-Kids Ministry Director
About Meryssa Conaway
J-Kids Children’s Ministry Director
Meryssa graduated in 2022 from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Elementary Education. Currently, she is an elementary substitute for three different school districts surrounding Spokane. About her ministry experience, she says, “My ministry experience is minute compared to most, though I am eager to learn and grow within Journey!”
Meryssa and her husband Jake have been married for almost two years now.
Your Ministry ‘Why’:
After much prayer, I felt like this is where God has called me to be in this season of life! I have always wanted to work with kids and advocate for them and I couldn’t find a better way to do so!
Your JFC/Nine Mile Falls ‘Why’:
In 2019 my husband and I moved to Cheney, WA so I could complete my degree. Since then, we have had a calling to the Nine Mile community and the smaller communities surrounding Spokane.
Fav. Bible Verse:
Psalm 81:16 – “I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”
Sports/Hobbies:
Anything outdoors! My husband and I love to golf, ride motorcycles, kayak, camp, fish… you name it!
Fav Movie:
50 First Dates – It’s a classic that is sweet and funny!
Fav. Disney Character:
I am a Disney freak!!! Though my favorite all-time classic character would have to be…
Fav. Meal:
Italian
Pet Peeve:
People who chew loudly or smack
Quirky/Unusual Fear:
I have a huge fear of ants… like sugar ants. I would rather deal with a spider.
Fav Season:
Spring
‘Go-to’ minimart-stop road-food snack:
A cold stick of Colby jack cheese!
Who plays you in the movie about your life:
Jennifer Anniston or Blake Lively, both are icons
Which Superhero would you be:
Wonder Woman!
John 14:2 tells us “My Father’s house has many rooms …”, your heavenly room is:
Friends, family, food, coziness, and music!
Toilet paper – Bangs or mullet:
Bangs (tbh, this is a weird question for a bio, lol)
Beach on the ocean or lake in the forest:
Lake in the forest
Pets – Dogs or Cats:
Dogs
Presents – Birthday or Christmas:
Christmas
Darin Mott
Staff Associate
Pastor's Elder Team
About Darin Mott
Staff Associate Teaching Team, Program, Vision
Darin recently retired from teaching middle school for 32 years on the west side. He and his wife, Becky have been in Foursquare since 1991 (serving the past 16 yrs. at Abundant Life Foursquare in Orting, WA). His lay ministry roles have ranged from Facilities set-up and tear-down, Children’s Ministry Director, youth camp counselor, Men’s Ministry Director, and Church Council member. Darin holds a BA in English (PLU), and a MA in Curriculum and Administration (Gonzaga), and is in the process of becoming a licensed Foursquare pastor.
Darin has been married to Becky for 31 yrs. They have 3 sons, 1 daughter-in-law, another daughter-in-law to-be, and their first Grandbaby on the way!
Your Ministry ‘Why’:
I have served teenagers all my adult life as a middle school teacher; now I want to turn my attention to serving families and living out the Gospel with a community of believers that I can call “family”.
Your JFC/Nine Mile Falls ‘Why’:
We moved to share the “Journey” with Wayne and Cindy, to be closer to our sons (Joel & Derek), and because we needed a new adventure. What’s not to like about Journey and Nine Mile Falls?!
Fav. Bible Verse:
Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Sports/Hobbies:
Coaching soccer, playing pickleball, hiking and camping, Wordle
Fav Movie:
Too hard to choose, but I did like “Hitch”, “The Intern” and “Facing the Giants”
Fav. Disney Character:
Not a Disney fan!
Fav. Meal:
French Dip
Pet Peeve:
Arrogance and Entitlement
Quirky/Unusual Fear:
Small-Talk Situations & Crowds (Costco on a busy day)
Fav Season:
Summer!
‘Go-to’ minimart-stop road-food snack:
Sunflower seeds, Australian Licorice, or anything with peanut butter and chocolate
Who plays you in the movie about your life:
Tim Allen
Which Superhero would you be:
Superman (Old School!)
John 14:2 tells us “My Father’s house has many rooms …”, your heavenly room is:
Family and good friends, for sure!
Toilet paper – Bangs or mullet:
Just glad to have it!
Beach on the ocean or lake in the forest:
I have always loved the beach
Pets – Dogs or Cats:
Dogs all the way!
Presents – Birthday or Christmas:
“Presence” over either. I’m not a ‘gift’ guy, but I love to celebrate with people I love!
Kevin Richards
Staff Associate
Church Council
About Kevin Richards
Staff Associate – Facilities
Kevin has been in ministry, in one form or another, since 2010, serving his hometown Foursquare Church in Richland, WA. He and his wife have led home groups, premarital counseling, marriage courses, and youth ministry. He previously held a pastoral license and is currently enrolled in Atlas Bible College.
Kevin has been married to Tracy for 14 years. He has 2 grown sons and a daughter-in-law.
Your Ministry ‘Why’:
I feel like this is what I have been called to do.
Your JFC/Nine Mile Falls ‘Why’:
We felt like we were to move to the Spokane area even though at the time we weren’t sure exactly why. We met Pastor Wayne & Cindy and found out they were planting a church basically in our backyard. We knew it was a fit!
Fav. Bible Verse:
Romans 10:9 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Sports/Hobbies:
Hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and boating
Fav Movie:
The Despicable Me series
Fav. Disney Character:
Goofy
Fav. Meal:
Pizza
Pet Peeve:
Slow drivers
Quirky/Unusual Fear:
Ticks
Fav Season:
Summer
‘Go-to’ minimart-stop road-food snack:
Pringles
Who plays you in the movie about your life:
Sean Connery
Which Superhero would you be:
Wolverine
John 14:2 tells us “My Father’s house has many rooms …”, your heavenly room is:
Fishing ponds
Toilet paper – Bangs or mullet:
Don’t care
Beach on the ocean or lake in the forest:
Beach on the ocean
Pets – Dogs or Cats:
Dogs
Presents – Birthday or Christmas:
Birthday
Tracy Richards
Associate Pastor
Chaplain
About Tracy Richards
Journey Chaplain, Associate Pastor – Prayer, Visitation & Care, Teaching Team
Tracy has decades of experience and training in Inner Healing prayer ministry, and pre-marital counseling, as well as leading marriage classes, small groups, discipleship courses, and more. She is a licensed pastor and previously served 3 years in Youth Ministry alongside her husband. She also currently serves on staff as Chaplain for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and volunteers support as an on-call Chaplain for the Steven’s County Fire Department.
Tracy has been married to Kevin for 14 years, and together they have 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law.
Your Ministry ‘Why’:
“I want to be on the front lines”, meaning, I want to be a part of growing His kingdom, being used to help others (and the church) become more like Jesus and walk in a life of freedom and joy.
Your JFC/Nine Mile Falls ‘Why’:
We moved here 2 ½ years ago, with a willingness to serve wherever the Lord would lead us. When we met Pastor Wayne & Cindy and learned about their vision to plant a church here in Nine Mile Falls, we realized we could definitely get behind these amazing people. We knew we’d found our “home”.
Fav. Bible Verse:
Acts 26:16-18 – ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Sports/Hobbies:
Seahawks! Fishing; walks with my pup; listening to music; and meeting my friends in coffee shops.
Fav Movie:
Sleepless in Seattle
Fav. Disney Character:
Woody
Fav. Meal:
Pad Thai
Pet Peeve:
When you get off an elevator and people getting on don’t let you get off first
Quirky/Unusual Fear:
Fish/shark biting me when I swim in the ocean
Fav Season:
Fall
‘Go-to’ minimart-stop road-food snack:
Pringles
Who plays you in the movie about your life:
Lady Gaga (maybe she’d fall in love with Jesus by playing me)
Which Superhero would you be:
Wonder Woman
John 14:2 tells us “My Father’s house has many rooms …”, your heavenly room is:
Filled with my family from generations all the way back, colors & music never seen or heard before.
Toilet paper – Bangs or mullet:
Bangs
Beach on the ocean or lake in the forest:
Beach on the ocean
Pets – Dogs or Cats:
Dogs
Presents – Birthday or Christmas:
Birthday
Our EXTENDED TEAM
Cindy Bickley
FMI / FDR Missions
Pastor Keith Bickley
FMI / FDR Missions
Pastor’s Elder Team
Joshua Dean
Lighting & Video Lead
Bill Madison
Church Council
Del Morissette
Pastor’s Elder Team
Becky Mott
Church Council
Joel Mott
Audio Lead
Theresa Stewart
Visuals Lead
Church Council
Ron Strom
Pastor’s Elder Team
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