Blake & Julie West

Blake :: Pastor and Men’s Ministry
Julie :: Women’s Ministry

Hello!

I really am thankful that you are here and honored that you are taking the time to get to know us.

As for me, I am nothing.

I am just a simple man, madly in love with Jesus Christ, who has offered his life to His service.

Although, I have not always had that kind of an attitude. My family attended church here and there as I was growing up, but I don't remember learning anything about God, or Jesus, or the Bible.

I can remember fearing death. I can remember not being satisfied with the answers that evolution panders. At the same time, I didn't apply myself to seek any answers either. Rather, I applied myself to the party lifestyle. From the age of 17 until 23 my life was all about me, all about the moment, with little thought about the future. Oh, there are many bright spots from that time in my life, but there are also a lot of dark spots... things I wish I never said, places I wish I never went, and things I wish I never did.

I remember guilt. I remember conviction. I remember sitting down at the kitchen table telling my mom that I was living a life that I did not want to live; that my life was not right and that I needed to change.

A couple of months later I met my then to be wife, Julie. It was through her and her family that Jesus introduced himself to me. He offered to wash all my spots away because of His sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. Light and life came flooding into me in 1999! But, I was a hard nut to crack. I wanted to keep my party-time along with my Jesus-time. I came to a crossroads where I had to choose. I chose Jesus and I publicly proclaimed my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was water baptized in 2000.

The rest, they say, is history.

I read through the Bible, from cover to cover, in 2001. We started attending and serving at Calvary Chapel Salt Lake City in 2002. I went on staff at the same church in 2005. We left Salt Lake in 2011 believing we would eventually plant a Calvary in Norway. But, through a series of events we ended up moving to Alpharetta, GA in 2012. Yes, God has a sense of humor! We believe God used that season to continue to prepare us for our role here at Calvary Chapel Alpharetta. I became the Pastor here in 2014.

Again, I am nothing. My degree is in finance. My profession was accounting. I have not qualified myself to be a pastor. But, I do believe that is exactly what God has called me to be and is equipping me to be. My prayer is that He will use my life to bring Him glory and to serve you for His name's sake.

I love God. I love Jesus. I love the Holy Spirit. I love everything about Him. I love His Word. I love His people. I love people that don't love Him back. I love the life that He has given to me. I love my wife of 25 years. I love my 3 adult kids. I love my parents. I love my in-laws. I love my sister and her family. I love my church. I love my community. And, I love you.

How can I say that? Because I know that God loves you. And, if He loves you, then so do I. And, if He wants a relationship with you, then I will do everything I can to help you in your relationship with Him.

I am excited to meet you face to face!

In Jesus Name,

Pastor Blake

Contact: bwest@calvaryalpharetta.com