Pastor Michael Sutherland

Michael grew up in a Bible-believing church and came to faith in Christ at a young age. As he entered his teenage years, he began asking deeper questions about Scripture and his faith. This season of questioning led him to study the Bible more carefully and intentionally, seeking to understand it as it was originally given—through Scripture itself, along with the historical, cultural, and social context of its original audience. Through this study, Michael discovered that the message of Scripture was both clearer and more cohesive than he had previously experienced.

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This growing understanding naturally led to teaching opportunities at his home church, where he served as a youth minister and Sunday school teacher. Teaching and discipleship have remained a central part of his life and ministry ever since.

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While pursuing an engineering degree in college, Michael continued to study Scripture with the same discipline and curiosity he applied to his academic work. During his first year of college, he met his wife, Nicole. Together, they completed degrees in engineering and science. Michael has since spent more than 20 years working as an engineer in the energy industry, while also teaching and leading seminars in churches across the United States.

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In 2010, Michael sensed a clear calling from God into ministry, with a primary focus on teaching and discipleship—helping believers understand Scripture in its historical and cultural context and apply those truths faithfully in daily life. In 2025, God called Michael into formal pastoral ministry.

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Michael, Nicole, and their daughter Caitlin moved from Texas to Alaska in June of 2025 and together they now serve together at Chena Valley Baptist Church. Their shared desire is to present God’s Word in a clear, simple, and faithful way—encouraging spiritual growth while helping believers distinguish between biblical truth and traditions that can sometimes obscure it.

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Michael and Nicole have been married for over 20 years and Nicole remains a dedicated partner working side-by-side with Michael in serving the Lord continuously as He leads them both daily in marriage and ministry.