Joel Irusta, pastor of GCI’s congregation in Greensboro, North Carolina, tells of a family history that many only dream about. “My paternal grandparents were Basque immigrants from the old country. As far as we know, my dad was the first person on his side of the family to be born outside of Spain. Early on in the US, the Basque people were treated harshly; but through hard work they gained the respect of others and today are accepted. Growing up with exposure to this different culture and language, along with a strong work ethic, continues to influence who I am. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that everyone didn’t have grandparents who spoke and lived differently. My maternal grandparents owned a cattle ranch that was literally out ‘in the middle of nowhere’ in the foothills of Idaho. On that ranch we (my siblings and cousins) rode horses, helped brand cattle, gardened, fished and played and played. We hiked the hills for hours at a time. Camping and fishing were regular parts of our summers.”
Joel grew up in Boise with an older brother and younger sister. “My dad was a self-employed auto mechanic and my mother didn’t work outside the home. It was a simple life with a lot of family gatherings and activities. My dad taught us that common sense and thinking about others first was the most important education. My mother loved her life as a wife and young mother and made our childhood fun.”
After graduating from college in the mid-70s with a B.S. in chemical engineering, Joel went to work for a large engineering/construction firm. During that time he saw a telecast by Herbert W. Armstrong about hell and was intrigued. “Hell was a subject that troubled me because I just couldn’t accept a God who would punish people forever. At the same time, my mother who also was listening to HWA wanted to send for some literature but was afraid that the church would pester her once they had her name and address. So I sent for the literature myself and told her I would ‘let them have it’ if they bothered me because they promised not to. Together, we studied and began attending church services and were baptized. My dad was vehemently opposed to the church and what we were doing but we kept going. Eventually my sister joined us. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Joel’s job transferred him to North Carolina (his current home) to work constructing a new R.J. Reynolds tobacco processing plant. “I worked there as data processing manager, lead programmer-analyst and computer trainer. I met my wife Karen in North Carolina, so we decided to stay and raise our family there. I went to work for a small consulting firm and ended up going out on my own in the IT field where I’ve been self-employed for over 20 years. I blame my dad for that longevity!”
Joel and Karen have been married now for 28 years and have two children. “Our daughter Hillary participated in GCI’s Pastoral Internship Program and is now my associate pastor in the Greensboro church. She is also a student at Wake Forest School of Divinity working towards an M.Div. degree. Our son Jared who is a graphic designer is married to his beautiful wife Remmie. They are an active part of our lives and a joy to see grow. Our 16-year-old niece Katie lives with us and keeps us hopping with all the normal teenage drama and excitement.”
Since first joining WCG/GCI, Joel has served in some way. “I worked with the widows and single adults, I taught YES and YOU lessons and served in other areas as was needed. I became a deacon and then an elder. When the doctrinal changes hit, and through a series of circumstances over which I had no control, I found myself the pastor of the Greensboro congregation! Many told me that they definitely saw God’s hand in making it happen. Feeling overwhelmed, I went to seminary and earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology with a concentration in Christian Ministry. That was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done! Serving as pastor has been a joy and pleasure—something I feel I was meant to do.”
Karen serves right alongside Joel. “My wife serves with me in her own pastoral service—we do most things together and make a great team. She serves as the church treasurer. She grew up in this congregation, so she knows well the people here. As an introvert, she does her best work in one-on-one relationships with the ladies in the church. She listens, encourages and nurtures many.”
Joel says being a pastor is sometimes like being a father. “It has moments of triumph and moments of defeat. I really enjoy being involved in the spiritual formation of disciples of Jesus. Being pastor puts me on the front-line of that formation. Each person is different, so it’s a joy to get to know them personally and join them in their journey of transformation. Teaching has always been a joyful experience for me—something I look forward to each week.”
When asked about a most memorable moment, Joel mentions his son’s marriage. “I had the wonderful opportunity last October to officiate at the wedding of my son and daughter-in-law. It was a beautiful outdoor fall wedding—one of the most perfect days ever. It was a joy to have my handsome son and his beautiful bride stand before me and commit their lives to each other.”
Joel shared what many may not realize. “I am a confirmed introvert and comfortable being so. Many in our extroverted culture think there is something wrong with us introverts. But we are just fine and doing quite well! God has gifted us as we are. Being an introvert allows me to observe and learn things about others that extroverts might miss. That knowledge helps me join others in their spiritual journey. I’m honored to do so. Being an introvert, I sense God’s presence in little ways and places. When I’m preparing a sermon and the Holy Spirit brings the pieces together, I’m in awe. When having a deep one-to-one conversation with someone, I sense God’s presence and again I’m in awe. When someone says just the right thing at the right time, I realize that it came from God.”
This ties in with Joel’s chief passion in life, which is to know Jesus and make him known. “He entered into my life as a child and has been with me every step of the way! In him life is a beautiful, messy experience that makes sense.”
Joel loves to call GCI his home. “That’s what I enjoy—that feeling of belonging and being home. The people I serve are beautiful and a delight to spend time with. Our journey together in GCI has been an exciting move of the Holy Spirit. I look forward to our continued journey—seeing our younger leaders leading us into the future.”
