New Pastor Brings New Energy to Jefferson Valley Bible Church

John Frankman didn't envision himself being a pastor. After years living in Los Angeles, but working in the Middle East in engineering, construction and property management, Frankman had a calling to teach a bible study to felons in the LA area. Having also worked as reserve LAPD, Frankman said he was "open" to God's calling to teach; and he taught the words of the bible for nearly a decade to what many would consider the unteachable.

Frankman completed seminary in order to further his bible study teaching. He saw a huge need for the accurate teaching of the Bible, keeping the "me" version of teaching out of the Word of God.

In June the Frankmans found themselves in Whitehall, John having taken the pastor position at what was then Jefferson Valley Baptist Church; it has since been renamed Jefferson Valley Bible Church.

"It's significant that the name changed to include BIBLE, because the Bible is the inerrant text and I plan to teach what the original author wrote for the original audience," he said. The name change was already in the process upon Frankman's hiring and the church is now non-denominational.

Frankman was joined in Whitehall by his wife of twenty years, Kelli, and their only school age child left, Katie (18), who is a senior. Katie is homeschooled but participates in Whitehall Trojan Cross Country. The couple also share Abbie (18), who is a freshman in college in Pennsylvania; John also has three sons, ages 29-33, from a previous marriage.

The Frankmans said there was little culture shock moving to Whitehall from California, as they had vacationed near here for many years. They purchased a house sight-unseen (which they do not recommend, but it all worked out in the end) in Cardwell.

"Now we just wake up and wonder to ourselves, do we really live here?" Kelli said with a laugh.

Kelli, who has homeschooled her children from fourth grade forward, is really enjoying seeing Katie participate in Trojan sports and is looking forward to the future. She has begun a Women's Bible Study, which meets Wednesdays at 1PM.

"Our church community has been very welcoming. Everyone has," she said.

"We want people to feel a depth in the teachings and to grow in knowledge when they are here. I am new at this pastoring thing, but I am not new at life," Frankman said with a smile. "There won't be topical studies - we are just working through each book, so it will take several weeks at a time to really delve into the Word. And I'm not here to entertain and lighten up God's words, but the sermons are for everyone," he said. The Frankmans noted that several new families have joined the church in the last few months, bringing with them children of all ages.

"We really see ourselves in Whitehall and at this church, ideally, until I die," Frankman said. "There is solid leadership in this church and I will bring solid teaching, and I am really looking forward to that."

The Jefferson Valley Bible Church meets Sundays for prayer at 10AM, worship service at 11AM. It is located at 8 Hwy 2 West, next to Jefferson Fresh Foods.