Staff

Pastor Colby and his wife Sharon came to Westwood Christian Community in March of 1992.  This year they celebrated 43 years of marriage, and 42 years of pastoral ministry.  Their family includes three adult children -  Their Son Brent and his wife Bria who are serving at the Continental Theological Seminary and missionaries in Brussels, Belgium (Their children include daughter - Adele' Claire and sons - Oliver Thomas, Owen Robert and their youngest, Madeline Lois).  Their daughter Bethany and her husband Tyler live in Prosper, Texas. (Their family includes sons - Gavin Tyler and Kian Andrew, and daugher, Audrey Nicole.) and their youngest daughter, Breanne and her husband Jesse are currently serving as missionaries in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  (Their children include daughter Eden Hazel and sons, Rhys Leander and Coen Colby!)  That's 10 wonderful grandchildren!  

Pastor Colby and Sharon were educated and raised in the south Seattle area.  Pastor Colby graduated from Highline Community College in 1977 with an emphasis in musical Theater and Speech/Communications.  In 1980 received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest University of the Assemblies of God in Kirkland, Washington with a major in Biblical Literature and a minor in Communications.  Since graduation and prior to their pastorate at Westwood Christian Community, the Colby’s served in three growing churches in the state of Washington.  (Tri-County Christian Center – Deer Park, Neighborhood Church – Neighborhood Church in Tacoma, and Toledo New Life Assembly – Toledo, Washington.) The Colbys enjoy all kinds of theater, especially musical theater, scuba diving, their grandchildren, spending as much time as they can with their loud and crazy family, and always counting down the days until Christmas!!!

After forty-two years of ministerial experience, the Colby’s provide encouraging leadership to the local church.  Pastor Colby communicates a clear sense of vision and brings a great deal of encouragement to the family of God at Westwood Christian Community.  Pastor Tom and Sharon’s ministry passions include loving and encouraging the Body of Christ. They have a vision to impact and reach our Southwest Seattle communities with the Good News of the Gospel.  A family focused ministry has always been important to the Colby’s, including a quality and active Children’s and Student Ministries program, marriage and family focus, and Discipleship training.  

In all that we do, Westwood Christian Community exists to lead people into a deeper ENCOUNTER with God, and to be ENCOURAGED by the Word of God and each other, and last, to become ENGAGED as an active participant in ministry.  We are actively "Building a Community to Change Our Community".  Pastor Colby is an incurable optimist who has a heart that cheers for the underdog!   One of his favorite verses is in Hebrews 12:1 where we are reminded of the seasoned crowd of Old and New Testament heroes of the faith, who by their example, are cheering us on in our faith journey!  As believers, we are to do the same for one another today!  One of the great characters of the New Testament – that often gets little attention is Barnabas – whose name means “Son of Encouragement” – That’s the heart of this leadership.  That’s why Pastors Tom and Sharon Colby continue “Cheering from our Balcony!”

Larry and Patty Hassler have attended Westwood Christian Community since the late 1980's, and became members in 1998. Patty assumed the role of bookkeeper for WCC in 2004 and has faithfully served in that role over the past 17 years.    Patty is also a graduate from the University of Washington where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1982.  Patty is such a joy to work with, she is a woman of faith and prayer and graciously manages the bookkeeping of the church with great integrity and excellence.