Joel Harris spent the last several years pastoring in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, leading the worship ministry at South Canyon Baptist Church while playing an integral role in youth ministry as well as preaching and teaching. A seasoned worship leader with over 25 years of experience, Joel got his B.A. from Multnomah University, his M.Div from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was ordained by South Canyon Baptist Church.
Joel grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where he met his wife Kimberly (Kimi) during High School. They have four daughters: Faith (in Heaven), Elena, Aria, and Larkin. He and his family enjoy good food, easy hikes, community theater, their dog and cat, reading great books, and watching K-Dramas together.
One of Joel’s favorite quotes about worship is from Vaughan Roberts: “The Bible never teaches that a feeling can take us into the presence of God. If that had been possible, God would have sent us a musician rather than a Savior. Only Christ can take us into the Most Holy Place in heaven, where we have direct access to the Father through faith in Him.” Music is an incredible gift, but it is Christ alone who can bring us to God, and it is God’s glory as revealed in His Word that inspires not only songs of praise, but a life of worship. Joel’s aim as a pastor is to faithfully point others to the gospel, whether through musical leadership, words, or actions!