There is a common thread in the story of Steve and Sharon Ahlquist, that is: God wants to love us and has only our best interests in mind.

Steve is reminded by God’s love for us through John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Sharon takes comfort in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Their future together began at Carlsbad High School where the two met. Sharon is a Carlsbad native and Steve, a transplant from Denver. These High School sweethearts have been married for 36 years. Family is one cornerstone of their lives together, with 2 children and 5 grandchildren. All are local and they spend time at least once a month sharing their lives with each other.

A self-described “recovering banker of 32 years,” Steve brought his talents to North Coast Church back in 2004. “My experience in branch admin has prepared me for my job here at North Coast Church,” says Steve. Steve manages the church’s Ministry Resource Teams, including Finance and Accounting, Facilities and Information Technology. It’s Steve’s job to step in when the need arises to liaison with banks and real estate professionals; his skills have been invaluable in dealing with financial matters related to the new property.

When asked how the couple came to North Coast, Sharon explains that “in 1984 God literally stopped me (at a stoplight) where an old friend was crossing the street. I was in search of a new church home and asked him what church he attended.” He told her about NCC and the rest is history. Serving on the Elder Board for the past 12 years, Steve explains that, “Today’s Board serves as wise counsel for the Senior Pastors and focuses on specific needs of the church.”
Steve and Sharon were involved in the first NCC Growth Groups, back in the day when there was a total of 7 growth groups (today we have 320). Steve became one of the first Growth Group leaders in North Coast history. Today Steve says, “It’s neat to see the change in NCC, I have been a witness to 25 years of positive growth.” Sharon is very impressed with our church’s ability to meet the needs of all age groups. “The focus on youth is especially impressive here,” comments Sharon. The couple feels that many churches don’t make themselves appealing to younger people and the church eventually dies off with their members.

Connecting with others is a big part of the duo’s life. Church at Saturday Night Live is followed up weekly with dinner and fellowship with friends. Recently Steve and Sharon have become more active in the Life after 50 Ministry. Steve touts the social aspects of LaF. “Taking trips with the group allows acquaintances to become friends.”  The pair appreciates the “recurring connection” they experience here at NCC. In their current growth group, the leadership and hosting is shared between 2 homes and 2 leaders. This is an ideal arrangement for people in the Empty Nester’s station of life, where fleeing the nest is a year-round possibility.

Join the Ahlquists on a LaF day trip. Steve & Sharon feel that, “This is a way for people to really connect; this is what LaF is all about.”  Paula Blazak
                           

Back to LaF>>>