October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Fresno Pacific University celebrates the alumni who dedicate their lives to ministry—bringing hope, truth and compassion to communities across the Central Valley, the state and the world through the gospel. This month, we’re honored to highlight four FPU alumni who serve together at Bethany Church, each bringing their unique gifts and training to shepherd others in their walk with Christ.
Brent Deffenbacher (SM ’99) – Lead Pastor
For the past two years, Brent Deffenbacher (SM ’99) has served as Lead Pastor of Bethany Church. “I love working with our staff and key ministry leaders to fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment of Jesus,” Brent says.
The Great Commission
- “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19–20 NIV
The Great Commandment
- “’The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’”
Mark 12:29–31 NIV
A graduate of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Brent earned his M.Div. in pastoral ministries with an emphasis in non-profit administration & fundraising. “As a graduate of the seminary, I was exposed to the Anabaptist tradition, specifically the importance of Christ-centered discipleship.” This exposure and education works well as Bethany Church is part of the Pacific District Conference of the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Churches.
Joe Gustafson (BA ’15) – Student Ministries Pastor
Joe Gustafson (BA ’15), who earned his degree in biblical studies, now serves as Student Ministries Pastor, pouring into the lives of young people during their formative years.
“One of my favorite parts of this role is watching students make the Christian faith their own personal faith,” Joe explains.
“FPU taught me the importance of working as a team, and that’s what I love about Bethany Church—we get to collaborate in ministry every day.”
Crystal Nachtigall (TC ’05, BA 04) – Children’s Pastor
A graduate of FPU with a bachelor’s in liberal studies (emphasis in peacemaking and conflict) and a teaching credential, Crystal Nachtigall (TC ’05, BA ’04) sees the Holy Spirit at work in the next generation in her role as Children’s Pastor.
“FPU trained me to teach well, to make learning fun and to be a peacemaker—skills I use daily in my ministry,” Crystal shares.
Bruce Porter (BA ’75) – Community Care Pastor
In his role as Community Care Pastor, Bruce Porter (BA ’75) helps people care for one another, works with the men’s ministry and periodically preaches.
“I love connecting with people and helping them find practical ways to live like Jesus,” Bruce says. “Probably the most important thing I learned at FPU was the value of community and caring for others. It was modeled by our professors and experienced through our friendships with fellow students.”
A Legacy of Faith and Service
From children’s ministry to community care and all the other components of ministry in between, these four alumni embody the mission of Fresno Pacific University: to develop students for leadership and service through excellence in Christian higher education.
This Pastor Appreciation Month, we give thanks for the many FPU alumni—like Brent, Joe, Crystal and Bruce—who faithfully lead, love and serve.
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