Ben Straup
Senior Pastor
Ben is the co-founder and co-leader of Bethesda with his wife, Tisha. Together they have embraced the challenges and joys of raising their wonderful children: Hunter, Ava, Logan, and their spirited godson, Isaiah.
Ben loves spending time with his family and friends, laughing and making cherished memories together. Ben and Tisha have been profoundly impacted with their season as foster parents and the children who have been a part of their home. They are passionate about advocating for foster care.
Ben’s heart beats with the desire to see people genuinely encounter Jesus Christ without becoming entangled in the wearisome web of religious self-effort. He has a deep love for sharing the gospel and praying for those individuals who God places in his path. Life is an ongoing journey, and he will be the first to admit he doesn’t have it all together, but his anchor is found in the One who holds all things together - Jesus.
Interesting facts about Ben…
He is unapologetically a keeper and breeder of reptiles. He is a foodie who loves to cook. He is a world explorer at heart, and he has a passion for fly-fishing!
Tisha Straup
Senior Pastor
Tisha grew up in the church but experienced a life-changing encounter with God in 2008. Since then, she has been passionate about bringing heaven to earth through the love of Jesus Christ. She and her husband, Ben are the founders and senior leaders of Bethesda Church NW; a thriving church in the heart of Vancouver, WA, just across the bridge from Portland, OR. They are also the founders and directors of Immerse School NW; a nine-month transformation school that focuses on the three areas every believer needs to be an overcomer…the romance of Jesus, the grace of the Father, and the design of the Holy Spirit.
Tisha is passionate about stewarding revival, teaching the Word, training leaders and empowering women in Christ. She also loves to write and is working on her first book titled, The Bravery to Lead.
