Pastor steps down after 39 years

Published 11:50 am Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Pastor Ken Blue, who founded the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood in 1969, is retiring after 39 years with the church. Blue, a Wentatchee native, is the son of Arkansas migrant workers. He will be replaced by assistant pastor Jason Murphy. At 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, congregants will gather at the church to honor the pastor’s 39 years of service to the church, 17014 44th Ave. W. The Enterprise spoke to Pastor Blue.

Why are you retiring now?

I have to retire because of health issues. I have a disease called ALS — Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I’m retiring a year early.

What brought you out to Washington from the Midwest?

I went to Western Baptist College in Pontiac, Mich. As seniors … some guy asked me ‘Where are you going?’

I’d worked for Boeing for seven years. I think just that question that fellow asked me got me to pray and think about coming back out here. My wife and I felt impressed to come to Washington.

How did you start the church?

When we first moved here, we lived in Mountlake Terrace. Our first service was in Mountlake Terrace. We rented the Forest Crest Community Center for one year. Then we spent a year at Forest Crest School, then Cedar Valley Grange (in Lynnwood). A pastor friend of mine was interested in the property. It was a 3-acre chicken farm. What they did was sold eggs.

Has the church been remodeled over the years?

Our first project was to remodel this unfinished house. Then we purchased some portable buildings from a school for classrooms. We built the downstairs—about 7,700 square feet — and met in that for a few years. Then we built a 2-story education building.

Do you have long-term members?

We have people that have been with us for over 30 years. We do have visitors.

A sign in front of the church is in Spanish. Do you have many Hispanic members?

We have a small group of Hispanics as well as Filipinos. I would say our church is multi-cultural.

Why have you remained so long with this church?

I think the first thing is being content that you are where God wants you. The second is blessing: I think that constant results to the ministry — as well as all the lives changed — are part of it. We put a great emphasis on teaching of the Bible. We have Bible classes for every age.