David Klass Retires After Nearly 40 Years at Friendship Baptist Church

Montana City, MT – David Klass, who has faithfully served Friendship Baptist Church in Montana City since its founding in 1986, officially retired this summer after nearly four decades of pastoral leadership.

Klass, 70, and his wife Cathy began the church with just ten people meeting in Clancy’s St. John’s Church. From those early days, the ministry grew steadily, eventually relocating twice before establishing its current home in Montana City. Over the years, Friendship Baptist became known as a generous and mission-minded church, contributing nearly $2 million to missions around the world, including works in South Sudan and Nepal.

A Lifetime of BBFI Leadership

In addition to his local ministry, Klass has been deeply engaged with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International throughout his ministry. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including State Representative and Mission Field Representative, and has been an active voice for pastors and churches across the northwest United States.

His influence extended well beyond Montana, where he became known as a steady leader, a strong missions advocate, and a faithful servant in his community.

Community Impact

Though Klass grew up in the hills of eastern Oklahoma, Montana became his true home. Over the years, he embraced the community and culture, often saying, “My roots are in Oklahoma, but my heart is in Montana.”

Klass and his wife raised their four children in Montana and became deeply woven into the fabric of the Prickly Pear Valley community. Known affectionately as “Donut Dave” during his 38 years as a local school bus driver, Klass also coached nearly every sport at Clancy Elementary, making his presence felt far beyond the pulpit.

Reflecting on his ministry, Klass pointed upward rather than inward. “God did all this. David and Cathy Klass didn’t do it. We were little vessels, little tools He used,” he said.

A Smooth Transition

Friendship Baptist welcomed Nicholas Korthals as its new senior pastor following Klass’s retirement. Korthals, a Michigan native, joined the church staff in 2022 and has worked closely with Klass to ensure a healthy transition.

“Pastoral transitions can be challenging, especially when you’re following someone who’s been somewhere a long time,” Klass shared. “It’s been a really good transition.”

What’s Next

Although stepping down from full-time ministry, Klass plans to remain active in the church and missions. He will take a six-month sabbatical before returning as Pastor Emeritus, where he hopes to coordinate new mission efforts, teach a class for older members, and support his successor. He also looks forward to traveling and visiting many churches throughout Montana. 

A Legacy of Faithfulness

For nearly four decades, Pastor Klass has embodied the values of Friendship Baptist Church: faithful, mission-focused, and community-centered. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Montana congregation but also the continuation of a legacy of generosity and service that has touched lives across the globe.