Who We Are: Compassion Service Leader Deacon
Lucas Bates
Where were you born? What was your childhood like?
I was born in Muskegon - the third child and all three of us were boys. As you can imagine, growing up was rough. Not in a bad way, we played hard and had plenty of bumps and bruises. I can’t imagine how much food my mom had to buy each week with the three of us around. Sports were always going on with football being the most important. We all went to Reeths-Puffer High School and then I chose to attend Muskegon Community College after high school to get my Associates in Business. From there I went on to Ferris State University where I received my Bachelors degree in Accounting.
How did you meet your significant other?
I met my wife, Trisha, playing volleyball. We both enjoyed playing and had a mutual friend that asked us to play in a 4-on-4 coed tournament. At the time, we both were dating someone so nothing really happened. Then almost a year later we ran into each other at another volleyball tournament. We would talk during breaks throughout the day and by the end, we exchanged phone numbers with the intention of possibly playing in another tournament. Although that was part of my intention, my main reason for getting her number was to ask her out on a date. When I finally got the nerve to call her, I asked her out on a date and we did go out…but if you want an embarrassing story, you will have to ask Trisha how it went.
How did you come to faith in the Lord?
How I came to faith in the Lord is a long story. I grew up going to church and my parents were a positive influence on me. When I was in high school I made profession of faith in the church I grew up in. Looking back, I’m not sure how much was “just going through the motions.” After college I moved away and somewhat lost touch and started to question my faith. I remember talking to someone about what happens after you die, and at the time, I truly believed nothing happens. You are done. There are no more thoughts. The end. I also remember struggling with predestination. Even with these thoughts and questions, I still went to church occasionally. I guess I knew there was something bigger. Not until meeting my wife did it start to come together. We talked a lot and she gradually walked me through my challenges. I’ll be honest, I still think about those times and the questions but what I have now is amazing and is all part of God’s plan. We now have two amazing but challenging kids, Winnie and Theo. They help me see this wonderful plan even more each and every day.
Where have you worked and where do you work now?
After graduating college, I took a job at Plante and Moran in Battle Creek. This was the most challenging time of my life personally and professionally. On top of ending a long term relationship, I was also in a new town where I didn’t know anyone, had a new job where I didn’t know anyone, and I was going to businesses each week for audits and meeting more new people along with learning a new job. Did I also mention I was studying for the CPA exam? I think I learned more in that year than almost any other time in my life. I stayed with Plante for almost five years and during that time is when I transferred up to Grand Rapids. In Grand Rapids I worked at a trucking company and GVSU. I then found the current job I have with Paragon D&E. I’ve now been there 13 years and continue to be challenged.
What are your hobbies and passions?
Outside of church I enjoy being active. I still play a lot of volleyball with my wife and I enjoy working out - that includes running and biking. I’ve had to give up mountain biking but I hope to do more once the kids are old enough to go along. I’m excited to see what passions my kids have and how I can support them along the way. For example, both of them like soccer and they are both on the same team this year. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and am helping coach the team. It’s been a great experience.
When/how/why did you come to Hillside?
Back when Trisha and I were dating and then first married, we visited a lot of churches. We lived on the west side so we spent a lot of time over there. Trisha had visited Hillside while at college and had some friends that were members. We visited several times and it seemed to fit what we were looking for. There was community, the services were insightful and uplifting, and most important for me - the seats had cushions :) We continued to go and felt connected to the Hillside family. We have now been members for about 14 years.