“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.“
Psalm 107:1
With grateful and thankful hearts to God, the UPC Session – together with the Transitional Pastor Search Team and Seattle Presbytery – is delighted to announce Rev. Dr. Gareth Icenogle as UPC’s Transitional Senior Pastor.
Pictured from left to right: Gareth, Gareth and his wife Vida, daughters Tamara (top) and Tonya (bottom), with husband Evan and children Levi and Amelia, and Gareth.
Rev. Icenogle, Gareth, will be joining us for worship on Sunday, December 14, 2025 and begin full-time on January 1, 2026. The search team has been encouraged by Gareth’s commitment to ministry and his extensive experience guiding congregations through seasons of transition and preparing them for their next senior pastor.
A native of southern California, Gareth has served in pastoral roles in Presbyterian churches around the United States – Bethlehem, PA; Washington, DC; Dallas, TX; Ridgewood, NJ and several churches in southern California – most recently, he served as Interim Pastor at Burbank Presbyterian. Additionally, Gareth has been an adjunct faculty member at Fuller Seminary for over 30 years in the D.Min and Korean D.Min programs.
Gareth loves Jesus and delights in teaching the Bible. He’s known for his stature (6’6”), musical gifts, sense of humor, and fondness for a big salad. Gareth is married to Vida Smith and they have two adult daughters, Tamara and Tonya. Tonya is married to Evan Porter and they have two children, Amelia and Levi.
Gareth holds a Doctorate of Ministry (DMin) and Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Fuller Seminary; Masters of Arts (MA) in music from Cal State LA, and a BA in music from UC Riverside. He has authored the book, Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry.
“My heart and primary ministry call over 54 years of ministry has been in Christian Formation, discipleship, leadership development and organizational development, with primary gifts and skills in teaching, mentoring, coaching individuals, small groups and teams, and moderating committees, boards and congregational gatherings.
I love Jesus and the uniqueness of each local congregation I’ve served.” – Rev. Dr. Gareth Icenogle.
Please join us December 14th to welcome Pastor Gareth and keep his family in your prayers through the transition.