Dennis Bloodworth

My story:  Raised in a Christian home, I grew up as a preacher’s kid.  However, I did a lot of “investigating” of my own when I was in Jr. High/High School.  I didn’t want to believe in Jesus just because my parents had told me the stories growing up. I wanted to KNOW for MYSELF.  I launched into studies of science, physics, archaeology, geography, etc. I researched the reliability of the Bible vs. other religious literature.  I studied the claims of other religions.  My friends were asking me questions I couldn’t answer.  I wanted to discover the TRUTH. I wanted to convince them and convince myself–one way or the other. Through my studies, I became more convinced that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.

I began to take my Christian leadership seriously in high school.  As a sophomore, I baptized two seniors on my track team. I was a 3-year letterman in track and cross-country at Moon Valley High School, and played soccer competitively every year from the age of 6.  I graduated in 1990 and decided to go to Manhattan Christian College.

When I arrived at MCC, I was determined NOT to go into ministry at first. (I didn’t just want to do it cuz my dad did it)  Initially, my plan was to play soccer and get a dual-degree at Kansas State University.  I was going to teach English and coach soccer to high school students.  But God had other plans!  I started all 4 years for our soccer team as a midfielder and we were fortunate to win the NBCAA National Championship my sophomore year.  I knew very quickly that God wanted me to do something different.

I felt God’s call into full-time ministry during my sophomore year of Bible College.  That was a big year for me.  I achieved athletic success, met THE girl (my future wife Christy), and I was leading/teaching/speaking every week at local churches.  It was awesome to be a part of something so powerful–the eternal, transforming Word of God!  I became excited to use my gifts in full-time vocational ministry.

I was married my senior year (to Christy Montgomery–junior).  We enjoyed being among the few married couples on campus!  Upon graduation, I began my first full-time ministry at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, AZ.  I have been blessed to be a part of awesome, cutting-edge ministry from Day 1.  I’ve been on staff at CCV in various roles off and on for over 14 years.  I’ve worked in many departments and worn multiple hats.  It is a privilege to work with such high capacity people who “win-train-send” with boldness. I am  anxious to invite unchurched people to CCV, because I know they’ll experience Jesus.

Today, I am still faithfully serving God at CCV as the Surprise Campus Pastor, where I have lived for the past 15 years.  I get to work with a talented, hard-working team of people every week who are dedicated to making a difference!   I’m not sure what God wants to do with me in the future, but I’m loving the adventure he has me on now.  In ministry, we commit to the journey, not the destination.