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):
David, Craig, Kellan, Pastor Jay, Pastor Wendy, and Sherry.
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.
Craig Olson
Children's Pastor
Craig grew up in the Roy area where he lived until he graduated high school. After a move to Bellingham, he attended Western Washington University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, a post-baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education, and a wife! He has been working in various roles with children for over 30 years. Since 2002, Craig and his wife, Susie, have owned and operated a local painting company. The couple has two adult daughters. In his spare time, Craig enjoys gardening, walks with his dog, Cooper, and smoking delicious meats.
Emmalyssa Dupea
Worship Director
Emmalyssa grew up in the Tacoma area on a small farm. She has an intercessory calling and a hunger to see God move in dynamic miracles. Having been homeschooled by creatively gifted parents, she was given the opportunity to focus on many artistic passions including music, writing, acting, drawing and painting. Emmalyssa plays guitar and piano, and has been involved in community acting classes as well as drama productions for several years. She dreams of becoming a professional author one day and is currently working on a fantasy novel.
Janet Miller
Office Administrator
Janet 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.