James Ells

James was born in Vancouver, WA in 1991 and grew up just down the road in Camas, where he spent his childhood Raised in a long line of pastors, ministry is a deep rooted love (along with coffee, food, Star Wars and dad jokes no one asked for but everyone endures lovingly).

He met his wife Carissa, at 17 and they married two years later, starting a lifelong adventure that has included ministry, military service, and raising four amazing kids (ages 1 to 12, and yes, the house is as loud as you’d imagine).

Through all the moves, diaper changes, military life, and early morning theology chats, one thing has only deepened: James’s passion for Jesus and the Church. 

He’s served in ministry his entire life, leading worship, youth, and doing it all with an energetic heart, a dramatic intensity, and the occasional tear during heartfelt moments (especially if there’s a Narnia quote involved).

James felt a growing call to plant a church, and that became The Gathering. Today, he leads our church with vision, vulnerability, and a deep love for people right where they’re at.