Nehemiah Team
Our overseer board, known as the “Nehemiah Team,” is elected by the congregation and prayerfully provides overall vision and direction for Crossroads Church. Team members commit to a 3 - year term when elected.
Current team members (L-R):
Simone Kelly, Craig Guilbault, Rachel Eskers, Pastor Jay Palmer, Pastor Wendy Palmer, Scott Eskers, Sherry Scott, and Don Miller.
Our Staff
Jay Palmer
Lead Pastor
Jay has been the lead pastor of Crossroads since our beginning. He is married to Wendy (33 years!) and they have three adult kids. Originally from North Dakota with Norwegian roots; he roots for the WSU Cougars (which builds character) and loves to travel, backpack, and play golf (which also builds character). He has a Bachelor of Economics from PLU and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. Reading American history and theology are favorite pastimes along with studying and teaching the Bible. Crossroads is the second church where he has served as a pastor.
Wendy Palmer
Pastor
Wendy was raised in Spanaway and graduated from Bethel High School. Cattle ranching was at the center of activities for her family growing up, allowing her to spend many hours on the back of a horse in her early years. She later went on to receive a Bachelor of Biblical Education degree from Multnomah University in Portland. Shortly after marrying Jay, they planted Crossroads Church. In addition to co-pastoring, she especially loves to serve the Lord and his church through prayer, discipleship and overseas mission work. She and Jay have two sons and a daughter that have taught her so much about who God is.
Ericka Wallace
Youth & Worship Pastor
Ericka Wallace grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended Pacific Lutheran University. Graduating in 2009 with a Music Education degree, she is our youth and worship pastor. In addition, Ericka leads a team weekly on Spanaway Lake High School’s campus called Campus Life to reach students in an after school club. Ericka’s hobbies and passions include music, hiking, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with students. You can often find her at the nearest coffee shop.
Janet Miller
Office Administrator
Janet Miller grew up in the Spanaway/Graham area. She attended college at Pacific Lutheran University where she received her business degree. She currently serves as the Crossroads Office Administrator. She is excited to be using her business skills to further the work of God’s Kingdom. In the 1990’s, Janet and her husband, were the first couple to be married at Crossroads Church. They are now blessed to be the parents of three adult sons. During her free time, Janet enjoys music, gardening, travel and photography.
Rachel Eskers
Digital Media Director
Rachel Eskers graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2019 with a Business Admin degree and grew up in the PNW. She currently works full-time in the healthcare industry, but enjoys creating and managing our digital media content on the side. When she’s not working, Rachel enjoys all things creative, exploring, traveling, connecting with friends and family, coffee, and anything related to plants.