Our staff
Jimmy Skeen, Lead Pastor Email Pastor Jimmy here
Jimmy grew up in the Northwest and loves fishing, the seasons, and the mountains. He graduated from Nazarene Theological Seminary with an M.Div and earned a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Corban University in 2024. Jimmy loves to laugh and share Jesus with everyone he meets.
Jim Lester, Pastor of Pastoral Care Email Pastor Jim here
More information about Pastor Jim, coming soon!
Stephen List, Pastor for Creatives and Gathered Worship Email Pastor Stephen here
Our family moved to the Treasure Valley in August 2013 when my wife Elizabeth took a teaching position at NNU. In February 2014, the Lord led me to accept the call to Valley Shepherd as Worship Pastor. Leading God’s people in dynamic times of musical worship is my passion. I grew up in California and Washington, attending Azusa Pacific University where I earned a degree in Music Education. In 2008, I earned a Master’s Degree in Worship Leadership from Western Seminary and am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Florida. Since 1996, we have served in three churches in Southern California and Portland, Oregon. We have two wonderful children, Natalie and Jacob. I enjoy cooking, entertaining, bike riding, hiking, and technology. We are blessed to be a part of this church family!
Kaleb Harper, Children Integration Pastor Email Pastor Kaleb here
I was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. I love to watch/play all kinds of sports (basketball being the favorite), play board games and do puzzles, spend time outdoors hiking and camping, and I absolutely love spending time with people. I went to Northwest Nazarene University where I graduated with a degree in Christian Ministry and minor in Children's Ministry. I then continued school through NNU and received a master's degree in Children, Youth and Family Ministry. I love getting to serve with children and youth and my passion in ministry is to engage, equip, and empower children and their families to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Ryan O'Connell, Student Integration Pastor and Venue Worship Associate Pastor Email Pastor Ryan here
Ryan grew up in both the Northwest and Southern California. He graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. Ryan has begun a journey of being multilingual, starting with a steadily developing fluency in Brazilian Portuguese because of his wife, Becca, who was born and raised in Brazil. Ryan has a passion for the presence and companionship of Jesus and loves to connect with people. He also loves fishing, playing sports, and making music! He’s a fifth-generation Nazarene pastor, and we’re excited to have him on board!
Judie Staub, Secretary Email Judie here
I grew up in Sacramento, then moved to Elk Grove in 1969 where we raised our family. I worked for the State of California for 34 years, retiring in December 2005. Widowed, I moved to Meridian in 2006 as I have family in the area. I’ve worked in the church office since August of 2015. I play in the Handbell Choir, enjoy bowling, and am learning to quilt.
Colby Watanabe, Facilities Supervisor Email Colby here
Hello church family! My name is Colby Watanabe. I was born and raised in Idaho in the Caldwell and Nampa area. I grew up in a small community at Centennial Baptist where I attended school and church. While attending Centennial Baptist I was involved in the school's sports, such as basketball and football. Additionally, I participated in the arts programs, including drama, choir, and music. I volunteered during church services and helped run church events. Family is an essential part of my life. I am the oldest of four siblings. I have loved watching my brother and sisters grow up over the years.
I started attending Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in 2022. I enjoy singing in the choir and helping out around the church. Since 2017 I have volunteered at Trinity Pines Camp and Conference Center. I have been put in several roles at camp such as a counselor in training, counselor, worship team, and staff member at Genesis Girls and Boys Camp. I have also been a counselor for Deer Flat's annual church camp at Camp Cascade. Being a part of camp, serving others, impacting young lives, and leading others to Christ are some of my biggest passions. I am happy to be a part of this wonderful church and I am excited to see how much it grows. Thank you for welcoming me into your family!
