On June 26, Pastor Dayton Kitterman, PhD, and I met for lunch at Brewbakers Brewing Company and Restaurant in downtown Visalia. Our two hour conversation meandered through topics of ministry and personal history as is apt to follow when like-minded individuals gather over good food in a relaxed environment. I had arrived early and selected a booth upstairs overlooking the bottom half of the restaurant, desiring a bit of seclusion from the lunch hustle and bustle in hopes of conducting a ten question interview for this particular blog that you’re reading right now. It was a pleasant occasion. Pastor Dayton has been ministering to Faith Community Church in Visalia for 35 years and is a licensed Biblical Counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
Bellow is the ten question interview meant to help us get to know one another in Central California. Pastor Dayton has a wonderful depth of faith and warmth of love that comes from his pivotal relationship with Jesus. Note: some of the answers below are a summation of lengthier answers and are only meant to serve as a brief introduction. Be on the lookout for more interviews with more pastors throughout the year!
1. Who are you?
Pastor Dayton: A person loved by Jesus and a person who honor Jesus. My relationship with Jesus defines me.
2. Where are you originally from?
Pastor Dayton: Originally from Custer, South Dakota, and then Rapid City of the same state. By the time I was five or six, our family moved to Tucson, Arizona.
3. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Pastor Dayton: Woodwork. I’m a cabinet maker and often repurpose various wooden objects as well as make gifts for family and friends. Just recently I built a shop in the backyard.
4. When did you first get involved in ministry?
Pastor Dayton: Back in 1968, I worked for a Christian Camp in Arizona after being a believer for only six months.
5. What has God been showing or saying to you lately?
Pastor Dayton: He is big enough; I can trust Him; He is able to communicate with me.
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Pastor Dayton: Ireland – I have Irish roots.
7. What’s your favorite book in the Bible?
Pastor Dayton: John for the simplicity and complexity and Ephesians it’s substantive for daily living.
8. Got a favorite verse?
Pastor Dayton: Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up (NLT).
9. Describe the perfect day off:
Pastor Dayton: relaxed time reading God’s word; do something with wood; play the piano; spend time with family.
10. What do you want to see Jesus do in the Central Valley?
Pastor Dayton: Revival. Return to Jesus as the One who is directing people’s lives.
