When friends, family and colleagues affirmed the ministry and calling of Paul Vivier in late October, they talked about his dedication to God, to his family and to the church.
Vivier is one of four Native American pastors in the Pacific Northwest, notes Monte Church, North Pacific Union Conference native ministries director. “I remember meeting Paul for the first time,” Church says. “I could see that his heart really was in ministry. He is a grace-oriented pastor.”
Vivier grew up in British Columbia, Canada, where he was inquisitive about spirituality but never found answers to his questions. Vivier and his soon-to-be-wife, Tanya, attended Mark Finley’s NET ’96 prophecy seminar, where he found answers. The couple was baptized in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
While reading the Bible, Vivier came across the instruction to pray for laborers in the fields (Luke 10:2). He felt a strong conviction from the Lord for him to be one of those laborers.
He began training for ministry at Canadian University College in Lacombe, Alberta, where he earned a religious arts degree in 2005 in addition to training from Pacific Health Evangelism Center and Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism in California.
Vivier began his ministry at one of the few Native American churches in British Columbia. He accepted an invitation in 2006 to pastor Washington Conference’s Port Angeles and Forks district before attending Andrews University seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich., from 2010 to 2012.
Vivier came back from seminary to join the pastoral staff at Auburn City Church. He recently accepted a call to the Volunteer Park and Ballard district.
“Pastoral ministry is not a career or vocation; it’s a calling,” says Vivier. “Wherever God leads, I want to be obedient and faithful to that calling. God hasn’t called us to be successful but to be faithful.”
Gary Fogelquist, Auburn City Church pastor, leads the ordination prayer for Paul Vivier.
Monte Church, NPUC native ministries director, remembers meeting Paul Vivier many years ago and admiring his passion for ministry.
Vince Saunders, Bonney Lake district pastor, appreciates how the Vivier family were a centering point for young families in seminary.
John Freedman and Doug Bing, Washington Conference administrators, welcome Paul and Tanya Vivier into gospel ministry.
John Freedman and Doug Bing, Washington Conference administrators charge Paul and Tanya Vivier to love God, love God's word and love God's people.
