Our Mission

For over 100+ years, The Fairview Church has existed to introduce people to the transforming power of Jesus Christ, anointed by the Holy Spirit, to proclaim, heal, free, and restore (Luke 4:16-21).

It is a real joy for us to meet newcomers! We say come as you are. You don’t need a manual to figure out how to join in worship with us, pray with us, and engage in our Sunday message. Just come and be a part. Jesus simply says: “Come to me” and we say the same!

What We Believe

Historical Building

  • The Fairview School
  • The Fairview School Side Angle

The Fairview building, spanning over 45,000 square feet, was originally a Seattle public school founded in 1907 called “Fairview”, appropriately named for its spectacular views of Green Lake, Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains. Fairview’s original eight rooms held grades 1-7.

The Fairview School closed in June 1978 when a new location was opened for the growing school. After a bid from the Pacific Northwest Ballet fell through, the building was sold to the Woodland Park Avenue Church in 1985, which respectfully changed its name to The Fairview Church.

Much has evolved since then and Fairview is blessed to be the home of The Fairview Church, The Fairview Child Center, and a host site for various events and activities.

Our Ministry Leaders

TJ SAMUELU
TJ SAMUELULead Pastor
As the Lead pastor it is TJ’s privilege to welcome you to the Fairview Church. It is his purpose to help the church minister to the people of the Seattle area and beyond.

Along with his wife, Courtney, they have been working together in ministry since 2007. They have 3 beautiful children: son Tre, daughter Elekana, & son Isaia. TJ graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in Portland, OR. His journey started in Vancouver, WA working for a non-profit that focused on teen suicide prevention and local outreach. TJ then served at King’s Way Christian Schools/Vancouver Church of God as the high school Bible teacher and the Golf & Track head coach and then transitioned to serving as the Missions Pastor for Vancouver Church and joined the Church of God – Global Strategy team. Before landing in Seattle TJ served as the Associate/Missions Pastor at Cloverdale Church of God in Boise, ID. Now as the Lead Pastor here at The Fairview Church in Seattle, he feels a genuine spirit of family and community.

Whether church attendance is a customary habit for you or you have no idea what people do when they gather on Sunday mornings, you are welcome to come and find out what Fairview is all about. Join us Sundays at 10:30am in-person or online!

JIM LYON
JIM LYONExecutive Pastor
Born and raised in Seattle, Jim met and married his wife, Maureen, in Fremont at the Woodland Park Church of God (now The Fairview Church in Maple Leaf). They have four sons and seven grandchildren and treasure each one. Jim graduated from Ingraham High School and Seattle Pacific University before attending University of Washington Law School. His life resume includes titles like Customer Service Agent at Northwest (now Delta) Airlines, Member of the Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia (representing northwest Seattle and Shoreline), Pastor, Shepherd, Teacher, Author, Radio and Podcast Host, Group Tour Guide (think Ireland, the Holy Lands, Footsteps of Paul in Greece and Turkey, Seattle, and more), Hospital Board Chair, Ecumenical Moderator, and Ebenezeer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol live and on stage. But most importantly, his life has been defined by a transformational commitment to follow Jesus. Jesus can still change everything for the good and give life. Jim’s Christian faith was born and nourished growing up in the Fairview congregation. He is humbled and honored to once more join the pastoral team as Executive Pastor and be back home at Fairview, where he served on staff for 20 years, before landing in 73 countries and serving in church ministry near Indianapolis since 1991.
CARMEN TOLENTINO
CARMEN TOLENTINOFairview Child Center Director
COURTNEY SAMUELU
COURTNEY SAMUELUCommunications
VINCE TRACY
VINCE TRACYFacilities

Faith

Hope

Love

Global Connection

The Fairview Church is part of The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) which is a global movement of people seeking to fulfill God’s mission in the world. We’re committed to studying the Word of God and faithfully living it out. We’re committed to the mission that Jesus Christ gave every believer: to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18–20).

To me, going to church should be about being involved with your faith and community, not just dressing up, sitting back, then getting on with the rest of the week. I feel involved in both my faith and community with Fairview, between feeling challenged to live my faith on a daily basis and by volunteering in various ministries with them.

Krystin S.

I was first introduced to an amazing faith-filled couple from The Fairview Church through an evangelical ministry with which we volunteered together. The husband invited me to visit his church family, though I was unclear about the name and location. I walked into The Fairview Church, after being out of touch with him for nearly 3 years, saw his familiar face and my family has since been welcomed in and attending this historic and rich Fairview Church Family.

Eric B.

There is no better place to be on a Sunday morning than Fairview. For over 33 years, we have been blessed to have Fairview friends we regard as family. In the many challenges of life, this spiritual family is always ready to offer prayer support, encouragement, faith, and humor.

Carl and Debbie C.