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Overlake Christian Church is a non-denominational megachurch in Redmond, Washington. It is among the largest churches in the state of Washington.

History

Overlake Christian Church began in Kirkland, Washington in 1969 with a handful of former attendees of Bellevue Christian Church. James Earl Ladd, then president of Puget Sound College of the Bible in Mountlake Terrace, WA, agreed to serve as a temporary, part-time pastor/preacher until a replacement could be found. A pastor from Enid, Oklahoma, Bob Moorehead, was invited and became Overlake's Senior Pastor in January 1970. During his tenure, weekly attendance at the Kirkland church campus grew to more than 6,000.

In fall 1997, the church moved a few miles east to a new 250,000 square foot (23,225 m²) building on 27 acres (110,000 m) along Willows Road NE in Redmond, Washington. Bob Moorehead led the congregation until June 1998. The senior pastor's role was filled shortly thereafter by Rick Kingham, a former Vice President of Promise Keepers, who led the congregation until February 2007. Mike Howerton, already on staff as a teaching pastor, became the church's lead pastor in the summer of 2007.

Sex Scandal

Bob Moorehead resigned from Overlake Church denying that he sexually molested male parishioners. He was never charged but the allegation brought by several men. He'd concluded the allegations represented a ``stumbling block" to Overlake's ministry. At the beginning of the allegations the Elders supported Bob but later they changed their opinion.

Leadership

The current Lead Pastor is Mike Howerton, who was the "Next Generation" pastor at Saddleback Church (Pastor Rick Warren) in Orange County, California until 2004. Howerton has authored one book, "Miles to Cross," co-authored another entitled, "The Relevant Church," and now writes a blog. A volunteer group of church elders oversee the ministry direction of the church.

Mission

The church's purpose statement is to: Love God, Love People & Serve the World. Weekend services for adults, students and children are considered the main venues where the Love God purpose is fulfilled. Life Groups (small community groups and support groups) are viewed as the fundamental way the church shows its love and concern for people. The church's Serve the World purpose is accomplished through various initiatives (throughout the Pacific Northwest and the world); the primary of which are centered on HIV/AIDS, Human Trafficking and Orphan Care. Overlake is in the midst of its 2012 Vision Campaign in hopes of funding these and other initiatives at a greater level.

References

1. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19971128&slug=2575031
2. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003569455_overlake13m.html
3. http://www.seattlepi.com/archives/1998/9805180079.asp
4. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-64099591.html
5. http://www.occ.org/our-purposes/
6. http://www.occ.org/get-involved/occ-2012-vision-campaign/

External links

• Overlake Christian Church
• Lead Pastor Mike Howerton's blog
• Senior Associate Pastor Dr Gonzales' blog at Overlake Christian Church website

47°41′21″N 122°08′24″W / 47.6891°N 122.14°W / 47.6891; -122.14

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