Born and raised in Seattle, Pastor Russell Johnson has always felt that God has something special for him to do in the Northwest. He never imagined it would look like planting a church. He spent the first part of his adult-life working in politics, but God had other plans. In the summer of 2014, he and his wife Marija stepped out in faith to start The Pursuit. The name really captures their heart. They’ve made a decision to live intentionally passionate lives, pursuing the presence of God. Their church started in a barn with no indoor plumbing, no heat, and broken windows. But God was up to something. In 2018, they purchased a former department store building and began a full-scale remodel, converting the space into a multi-use church, preschool/childcare facility, and outreach center where they see God do incredible things week after week. They have always valued the power of teamwork and wouldn’t be here today without the sacrifice of so many amazing people. The Pursuit is a place where anyone can belong, everyone can contribute, and anything can happen. Every day Pastors Russell and Marija feel fortunate just to be a part of this story.