ELLENSBURG — Arick Johanson, Ellensburg’s newest minister, arrived in town last Thursday to take the pulpit at the First Christian Church on Ruby Street.

    Johanson is the church’s first full-time pastor in 18 months as he takes over for interim pastor Bryan Wilhite.

    Johanson, 24, moved to Ellensburg with his wife Kacy, 22, from Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he was an intern at another First Christian Church. The move to Central Washington was a drastic one for the couple, but in his week of residence in Ellensburg, he has liked what he’s seen, especially at his new church.

    “I like the town in general, it’s a growing community,” he said. “I sent a few resumés out west to a few churches that would be a good fit. The more we got to know this church and they got to know us, we felt like we would complement each other.”

    First Christian Church has a varied demographic among its members from senior couples to college students. One focus of Johanson’s ministry will involve bringing a younger group into the congregation.

    “The church was looking to bring in some more young people. They hired a young guy to bring enthusiasm and draw a young crowd,” he said.

    Families and community wellness are among his priorities as well.

    “The focus of my ministry here is teaching and equipping Christian families to reach out to the community, to help provide and fill needs wherever we can make an impact.”

    Outside of church doors, Johanson enjoys music and plays the guitar. He’s working on learning to play the drums.

    Kittitas Valley’s esteemed outdoor activities were a strong lure for Johanson and Kacy.

    Johanson happens to be a big NBA fan and said he is “stoked about Oden and Durant out here in the Northwest.”

    Johanson attended Nebraska Christian College, a 4-year Bible college in Papillion, Neb., and Kacy is considering enrolling in Central Washington University to continue her education in early childhood education.