Staff / Who We Are - Purpose Church Montana

Senior Pastor Ben Burdick

Ben accepted Christ at the age of 4 and grew up in a Christian home. In 1985 he met his lovely wife Carolea in a YWAM school in Texas and they were married a few years later. After 8 years of hoping and praying for children, God healed Carolea and they now have 5 amazing kids ages 25 to 15.

Ben graduated with an Aviation degree from LeTourneau University in 1991 then spent 8 1/2 years in the Air Force as a Communications Officer.

After separating from the Air Force in 2001, the Burdicks put down roots in Northwest Montana while Ben taught for an on-line Christian school and served as an Assistant Pastor. However, everything changed in 2005 when God called them to Redding, California to attend Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. After graduating in 2007, Ben joined the staff of Bethel Valparaiso in Northwest Indiana as an Associate Pastor. Five years later, the Lord called them back to Montana to plant a church in Bigfork. Ben currently serves as the Lead Pastor of MountainSong Church and Purpose Church where he enjoys spreading the good news of God’s love.

Benjamin Burdick
ben@mountainsongchurch.org
Life is an adventure. God is amazing. People are a blessing!

Worship & Associate Pastor and Board Secretary: Rheannon MacFarland

Rheannon MacFarland is a passionate minister of the Word of God and worship leader, with many years of experience leading worship in the Flathead Valley. Rheannon’s focus is helping others enter the presence of God through music ministry, teaching and preaching, as well as kids/youth ministry. She became a licensed minister through Purpose Church in December of 2021. Rheannon also heads up our Fine Arts Productions summer programs, together with a team of highly qualified creatives.

Contact her at
Pastormac@purposemontana.com

Financial Secretary: Ron Runnels

Treasurer: Travis Taylor

Moderator: Claude Basler

Women’s Ministry

Christi Runnels is our Women’s Ministry Leader at Purpose Church. Her passion is to see women grow in the grace, knowledge and love of Jesus Christ while having the fellowship and support of other women. Her ministry is based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Colossians 3:16.

Men’s Ministry Coordinator

Rick Todd coordinates our Men’s Ministry. He is a former naval aviator and retired American Airlines Captain. His desire is to help equip men to become the men God created them to be and see them use their gifts to His purpose.

Children’s Ministry and Move Youth Pastor

Chelsie Schnetter (right) heads the Sunday School program and is a leader of Move Youth at Purpose Church. She is a dental assistant at Lilly Family Dentistry in Whitefish Montana and an avid outdoors woman. She enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking with her husband, Anthony and dog Moki. Chelsie’s heart is to see students thriving in their relationship with God through knowledge of His word, and fellowship with other students who are following God.

Email: chelsie@purposemontana.com

Our Staff - Who We Are