TBF LEADERSHIP

A couple standing close together, smiling, with a scenic lake and forest in the background.

“I will always appreciate the love, patience, and encouragement of my wife, Cathy. When no one believed in me, she did, and I am forever grateful. And, finally, I can never repay the gift of eternal life given to me by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that this work is pleasing in His sight.” — Dr. Phil Fernandes

Senior Pastor Dr. Phil Fernandes

Dr. Phil Fernandes has served as the Senior Pastor of Trinity Bible Fellowship (TBF) in Bremerton, Washington, since 1988. A dedicated pastor, teacher, and scholar, he is committed to equipping believers with a strong biblical foundation and a deeper understanding of their faith. In addition to his pastoral duties, he teaches philosophy, world religions, theology, and apologetics at CrossPoint Academy and the Imago Dei Institute (formerly Cascade Bible College).

Dr. Fernandes is also the founder and president of the Institute of Biblical Defense (IBD), which he established in 1990 to train Christians in defending the faith. He holds doctorate degrees in Philosophy of Religion, Theological Studies, and Christian Apologetics. Having studied under esteemed apologists Gary Habermas and Norman Geisler, he has debated some of America’s leading atheists.

Dr. Fernandes has earned the following degrees:

  • Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from Greenwich University

  • Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University

  • Bachelor of Theology from Columbia Evangelical Seminary

  • Doctor of Ministry in Christian Apologetics from Veritas International University

He is an active member of several professional societies, including:

  • The Evangelical Theological Society

  • The Evangelical Philosophical Society

  • The International Society of Christian Apologetics

  • The Society of Christian Philosophers

As a prolific author, Dr. Fernandes has written several books, including The God Who Sits Enthroned: Evidence for God’s Existence, No Other Gods: A Defense of Biblical Christianity, God, Government, and the Road to Tyranny, Contend Earnestly for the Faith, and Theism vs. Atheism: The Internet Debate (co-authored with Dr. Michael Martin). He also contributed a chapter to The Big Argument: Does God Exist?, edited by John Ashton and Michael Westacott.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Dr. Fernandes honorably served his country from 1980 to 1983.

He resides in Bremerton, Washington, with his wife, Cathy. They are blessed with two grown daughters and three grandsons.

  • John McCarthy

    Assistant Pastor

    John is our Ministries Coordinator, and is married to Kim and the father of Chris and Katy.

  • A smiling man wearing glasses, a silver chain with a cross pendant, and a dark shirt.

    Patt Fisk

    Associate Pastor

    Patt is the audio-video specialist, online ministry coordinator, evening service coordinator. He is married to Aquila and the father of Chloe, Jessica and grandfather of five granddaughters and one grandson.

  • Man wearing a blue cap and denim shirt, pointing towards the camera, with a car in the background.

    Willis Henry

    Associate Pastor

    Willis coordinates the TBF Care Ministry. He is married to Dee and the father of Yordon, Elizabeth and Yeshua.

  • A smiling person wearing glasses and a plaid shirt.

    Mitchell Pappas

    Teen Youth Pastor

    Mitchell teaches the 9-15 year old Sunday class, and is on the worship team with his wife Terra. Together they have three children: Kora, Olivia, and Adam.

  • Man with curly hair and beard wearing a gray dress shirt and black tie, standing in front of a textured wall.

    Chris McCarthy

    Worship Pastor

    Chris has served on the worship team at TBF for many years and has wrote some of the worship songs we sing in church.