In the vibrant city of Seattle, nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and progressive culture, there lies a unique challenge for those seeking to spread the word of God. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, the Pacific Northwest, including states like Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, stands out as one of the least religious regions in the entire country, if not the world.
In the midst of this secular landscape, Phil Fischer with Jesus Lives in Bellevue, Washington emerges as a beacon of hope, an ex tech trailblazer and rock musician turned pastor, dedicated to spreading the message of Christ in a region often deemed inhospitable to such endeavors.
Phil Fischer has been on a journey and this amazing story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.
According to recent surveys conducted by Gallup, the state of Washington alone boasts a staggering seventy-seven percent of adults who claim they are not religious and seldom attend services. This contrasts starkly with the more conservative and religiously inclined demographics found in southern states like Alabama or Mississippi, where only between ten and twenty percent fall into this category.
RAISED IN THE WILDERNESS
Raised in the far reaches of the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness Fischer initially found success in the music sector as a ghost writer during the grunge fever of the 90’s and then the tech sector, founding a software firm in 1989, one of the earliest websites on the internet. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach propelled him to the forefront of the burgeoning tech scene, but did not fill “the void” as Fischer calls it.
According to Fischer, his soul yearned for something more profound. Despite his professional achievements, he felt an emptiness in his life, a spiritual hole as Fischer calls it that no amount of success could fill. Little did he know, his path would lead him to a profound encounter that would change the course of his life forever.
In 2001, Fischer’s life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Jamael, a devout Christian whose unwavering faith would challenge his beliefs and ignite a spiritual awakening within him. Initially skeptical of Christianity, Fischer found himself drawn to Jamael’s faith and the sense of purpose it imbued in her life.
As he delved deeper into Jamael’s world, attending church services and engaging with her family, Fischer experienced a profound spiritual transformation. A chance encounter at the Potter’s House, a church service in Dallas, Texas, and a meeting with TD Jakes the lead Pastor, Fischer was touched by the power of the Holy Spirit, marked the beginning of his journey towards embracing Christianity wholeheartedly.
Fischer’s newfound faith became the driving force behind his decision to establish Jesus Lives, a grassroots ministry dedicated to spreading the gospel and nurturing spiritual growth within the community. Located in Bellevue, Washington, Jesus Lives stands as a beacon of hope in a region where religious skepticism prevails.
THE LIBERAL SPIRIT FIGHTS BACK
There’s a fine line between exercising freedom of speech and promoting messages that are deemed hateful or discriminatory. Some individuals have perceived certain aspects of Fischer’s teachings as offensive or intolerant, leading to clashes over what constitutes protected speech versus hate speech. “I’ve been under attack in Seattle the day I started my church. Everything from King County not sending my tax bills to the correct address for four years to the IRS disallowing 750K in providing assistance to tent city communities because it wasn’t “under a 501C”. Fischer continues “The government in King County and the IRS are being weaponized against us with no oversight or relief”.
Speaking by phone with Julian Valentine, the Deacon at Jesus Lives “Fischer has been under continual trials since starting this ministry and we have seen everything from denying park passes to getting audited annually, and not just Phil it’s all of us. There is not one day that goes by that the city does not hit us with something, anything to try and get us to leave or stop preaching”.
Fischer’s vision for Jesus Lives is a commitment to serving others selflessly, mirroring the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus Christ himself. Unlike many megachurches criticized for their leaders’ lavish lifestyles and monster salaries, Jesus Lives operates on a principle of volunteerism, with no one, including Fischer himself, receiving a salary.
In an interview, Fischer emphasized the importance of maintaining purity and authenticity in the ministry’s mission, stating, “None of our teachers, none of our elders, and none of our childcare staff are paid a dime, and I have never earned an income from Jesus Lives. It all goes to rent, food, and helping those in need.”
From worship services to community outreach initiatives, volunteers play a central role in bringing Fischer’s vision to fruition, embodying the spirit of love and compassion that defines the ministry. A majority of the funds according to Jesus Lives leadership are from Fischer’s software firm which kicks in over 250K annually to keep the ministry going.
Reflecting on his own journey, Fischer acknowledges the challenges inherent in starting a ministry in a region known for its secular leanings. However, he remains undeterred, guided by a steadfast belief in the transformative power of faith and the boundless love of God.
For Fischer, Jesus Lives represents more than just a church; it is a testament to the redemptive power of Christ and the enduring strength of community. As the ministry continues to grow and expand its reach, Fischer remains committed to serving others with humility and grace, embodying the values of love, compassion, and selflessness that lie at the heart of Jesus’ teachings.
Looking towards the future, Fischer envisions Jesus Lives becoming a beacon of hope for those seeking spiritual renewal and guidance in an increasingly secular world. With unwavering faith and a steadfast commitment to serving others, he believes that Jesus Lives will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities alike, inspiring hope and transformation wherever it goes.
