Pastor David Klass
Senior Pastor
David’s roots are deep in the hills of eastern Oklahoma… but his heart in the mountains of west-central Montana. Cathy was raised in Saginaw Michigan and like her husband, she has embraced the unique lifestyle of “The Last Best Place”! They met at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri where they both graduated with missions degrees (“76″ & “77″). They served in 2 churches in Canon City, Colorado and Bainbridge, Georgia… all the while seeking the Lord’s direction concerning where to serve the Lord globally. Having no clear leading of the Lord to minister in a cross-cultural setting, the Lord led them to Helena in September of 1983 for the sole purpose of planting a New Testament Church in Montana. They served at Liberty Baptist Church for 2 ½ years gaining more ministry experience and valuable insights to the Montana culture. After several months of seeking the Lord’s guidance… on January 12, 1986, under the authority of LBC, Friendship was birthed! The church has since been under David’s pastoral leadership and care… with his faithful friend and ministry partner Cathy at his side.
Background
The testimony of the church for “Bible preaching and friendly people” has resulted in a strong impact for Christ on the communities of Montana City, Clancy and Jefferson City… located in the Prickly Pear Valley. The Lord has also granted their desire to build a mission-hearted church… both in care and giving. Friendship currently supports 30+ missionaries and missions projects with a $110,000 annual budget… all through funds generated by faith-promise missions giving. Friendship’s vision for the future is to continue to reproduce herself both locally and globally through a continued emphasis on “making disciples” for Christ.
David and Cathy were married in 1978, and the Lord has blessed their union with 4 children…
Kjersten (Brook), Kaleb (Jill), Karson and Kolter… all of whom are active in their local churches.
Their quiver continues to be filled with 6 grandchildren.
David’s passion is chasing wily roosters behind his trusty wire-haired Griffons… but he thoroughly enjoys all the outdoor opportunities that “Big Sky Country” offers. In his limited free time he also enjoys college sports, especially football… “Go Cats”, “Go Pokes” and “Boomer Sooner”! Cathy finds her joy and contentment in being a wife, a mother and a nana. Some pursuits she enjoys are antiquing, a good cup of coffee with friends or family and playing the piano (a love instilled from her parents and enjoyed much by her church family). Through the example of their godly parents both learned the importance of loving God and serving people. Together they enjoy hanging out with their family and friends… entertaining out of state guests (especially fellow Christian co-laborers)… exploring overlooked spots in Montana… traveling internationally to visit missionaries… and about any other venture the culture of their western home offers.
They encourage folks to come and visit Friendship and are confident they will find a warm and inviting community of believers,
David and Cathy Klass
* Philippians 1:6
Pastor Nicholas Korthals
Associate Pastor
Nick grew up in Michigan were he developed a love for Michigan football, but when he was saved as a freshman at Genesee Christian High School, he knew that God had called him to be a pastor-
Janea was raised in Townsend Montana and like her husband, she desires to be about the Lord’s work. They met at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and were married in December of 2000. They have served in 2 churches prior to joining the minisrty at Friendship Baptist, one in Townsend Montana and the other in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. The Lord led them to Friendship Baptist in October of 2022 for the sole purpose of ministering to the people in the Helena and Prickly Pear Valleys.
Background
Nick and Janea were married in 2000, and the Lord has blessed them with 3 children…
Madison, Tayden, and Kamden. Madison currently serves in the youth ministry as a teacher, while Tayden and Kamden enjoy their time and activities Friendship has to offer.
Nick spent 13 1/2 years proudly serving the community of Broadwater County as a law enforcement officer as well as a county commissioner. Through those years of service it gave him many good tools that have helped him greatly in the ministries God has given him.
Nick’s passions are spending time with his family and watching his kids in their sporting activities. He also enjoys all the outdoor opportunities that Montana has to offer. In his limited free time he enjoys college and pro sports, especially teams from Detroit, but has come to love the Montana State Bobcats. Janea finds joy in being a wife and a mother. She enjoys spending time with her family, coffee time with friends, and singing (which was instilled in her from a very young age while singing with her family). She also enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and the beauty of the Big Sky outdoors.
They also encourage folks to come and visit Friendship and are confident they will find a warm and inviting community of believers,
Nick and Janea Korthals
* Proverbs 3:5-6
Evaleen Starkel – Financial Secretary & Church Clerk
In 2016 I started to pray and asked the Lord if I could please retire. He brought the year 2017 to mind, then the month of September. As I drove home from work in Helena to the Elkhorn Mountains where we live near Clancy, Montana, I prayed and ask the Lord where He would want me to work next. I was excited to serve Him wherever He would plant me. In June my husband Rick attended a meeting at the church where the Pastor expressed a need – the church secretary was retiring in September and they needed a replacement.
I retired in September of 2017 after working almost 34 years for the State of Montana and in Great God fashion; He put me in a wonderful spot. I now enjoy serving my Pastor, my church family, and my wonderful Lord and Savior in a capacity I had only dreamed about. I am blessed!