Family Life Pastor
Peter and Donna Patterson

Pastor Peter was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Raised in a caring Catholic family, Peter attended parochial school.  Towards the end of his high school days, he started to experiment with alcohol which finally led to drug abuse and dependency on them.

At the age of 22, Peter heard about a program called Teen Challenge.  It was there that God turned his life around and began his preparation for ministry.  He completed the program and then became Director at the Erie, Pennsylvania, Teen Challenge Center.

After three years with Teen Challenge, Peter felt the Lord's leading to pursue his education.  He enrolled and attended Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God in Lakeland, Florida.  While at college, he met and married his wife, Donna. They now have two sons, Judd and Nate.

With a desire to focus his ministry on  spiritual and emotional health, Peter pursued a Master's Degree in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary.  Upon completing the program, Pastor Peter was hired as Executive Director of Choice Place, a Christian group home for delinquent and unruly boys.  He served this ministry as its only director from 1983 until 1995.

Current Areas of Responsibility
Pastor Peter's responsibility is the development of the Family Life ministry of Bethany.  His main responsibility is to oversee the counseling department of the church.  Through short-term counseling, this ministry endeavors to provide biblical counseling and an opportunity for spiritual growth within a local church setting.

Peter's ministry to Bethany encompasses various groups throughout our congregation and community.  Through Family Life Ministries, Bethany coordinates programs such as :

Meridians--This seniors group meets on a regular basis each month.   Activities that provide opportunity for fellowship and ministry are planned each month and announced in the bulletin.

Married Couples--Special events and activities as listed in the weekly bulletin.

Single Adults (30+)--This ministry is designed for the single individual that is 30 years of age or older.

Divorce Care--This national divorce recovery program is designed to meet the special needs of those who are presently separated or divorced. Its intent is to provide a pathway to recovery.  This program is open to anyone in the community who would benefit from these group sessions.

Close-up on Pastor Peter
Education: B.A. Ministerial Degree; M.A. Pastoral Psychology and Counseling

Family: Donna (my wife), Judd, and Nate

How I met Donna: At Bible College (Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God)

How I became a Christian: I accepted Christ at a Kathryn Kuhlman meeting in Pittsburgh while I was in a Teen Challenge program.

First job: A paper boy in Pittsburgh

How I spend my days off: Completing "Honey Do" lists, golfing, relaxing, family outings

Favorite food: Pizza, New York style

Prized possessions: A 750 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle that doesn't run

Nobody knows I... was at Woodstock.

Favorite book of the Bible: Psalms

If I could do life over I'd... begin serving the Lord at an earlier age.