Pastor Ron Gravell
Senior Pastor

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Hometown: Long Beach, California

On Staff Since: Elected as Lead Pastors October 21, 2007

Interesting fact: Actually operated a real life Steam Locomotive for the American Freedom Train in 1976.

What's on my iPod: Whatever my son tells me to! (Actually, it is his iPod!)

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:6-7

Educational Background: Berean College, Ministerial Studies

Kids: James and Rachel! What would I do without them?

Free time: Date Days with my great wife Vicki and finding bargains!

Ministry goals: To help guide a church into being something different than how a typical outsider views church!

Favorite Saying: "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a process; working together is success!"

Favorite Foods: A great Tangerine Beef is hard to beat! Although Claim Jumper will not ever be turned down!

The most important quality a church should have is: "A willingness to not give in to people's expectations but to follow God's voice especially in regards to not being program driven but being driven by the need to create healthy Christ Followers!"

Pastor Amanda Ahrenberg
Worship Pastor
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Hometown: Clovis, California

On Staff Since: November 2009

Interesting fact: The word “rural” is really hard for me to say.

What's on my iPod: Francesca Battestelli, Brooke Fraser, Hillsong, Planetshakers, Israel Houghton, Natasha Bedingfield, Michael Jackson, Rascall Flatts, Paramore, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Elliott Yamin, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Whitney Houston… just to name a few!

Favorite Bible verse: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” -Isaiah 26:3

Educational Background: B.A. in Communication Studies with an Emphasis in Public Relations, and a Music Minor from Vanguard University of Southern California.

Kids: None yet

Free time: I love doing anything creative, whether it has to do with music, scrapbooking, or art projects. I am a big fan of game nights, especially if Boggle is involved! I love playing Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Rockband. And I love being outside on a beautiful day- which is almost every day in Southern California!

Ministry goals: To see lives radically changed by a Savior full of compassion and grace.

Favorite Saying: “Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." –Howard Thurman Whitman

Favorite Foods: Any kind of fruit, and Italian food!

The most important quality a church should have is: Passion for God and compassion for people.

Pastor Josh Houston
Youth Ministries Pastor
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Hometown: San Jacinto, California

On Staff Since: November 2009

Interesting fact:I can solve a Rubik's cube in less than 3 minutes.

What's on my iPod: Paramore, U2, Christ For the Nations, John Mayer, Hillsong United, Shane and Shane, One Republic, Coldplay, Phil Wickham, Gateway Worship, Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Buble, Chris Tomlin, Colbie Caillat, The Fray.

Favorite Bible verse: As of now, it is a tie between two verses:

Romans 12:2- “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (NASB)

2 Corinthians 3:18- “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (NASB)

Educational Background:Bachelor's degree in religion with emphases in youth ministry and theology.

Kids: Just the pup pups. Kyoto is a Pekingese and is 2 years old. Goonie is a Miniature Schnauzer and is 1. Best dogs ever…

Free time: Date nights with my beautiful wife, watching movies, watching more movies, golfing with friends, bowling, snowboarding, drumming, BBQ-ing (boy do I love my New York Steaks), hanging with friends, going in jacuzzis, playing with my dogs, taking naps, and reading.

Ministry goals: Be an obedient child of the King in whatever He asks of me in the moment I'm in. The most important moment of my life is right now.

Favorite Saying: "Go big or go home."(Anyone know from what movie? Yes, that was Johnny Tsunami).

Favorite Foods: Candy candy candy, BBQ-ed New York Steaks, Pink's Hotdogs, and anything originating from Italy.

The most important quality a church should have is:A deep passion for God and His people, and a desire to see them grow in Christ-likeness with each new day.

Pastor Kim Jepsen
Children's Ministries Coordinator

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Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

On Staff Since: 2008

Interesting fact: My husband Scott proposed to me in Chinese on Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.

What's on my iPod: I’d love an Ipod, but probably won’t break down and buy one.  I carry lots of CDs in my mobile office (minivan): Jars of Clay (saw their concert recently), Amy Grant, VBS music, Jonathan Park (not music, but very stimulating).  I love the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, but Les Miserables is my favorite.

Favorite Bible verse: Ezekiel 36:25-27 God’s grace is amazing!

Educational Background: BS Mechanical Engineering @ Purdue University; Informal -- developing spiritual character in our kids by Scott and me on a daily basis.

Kids: Noah, Noelle, and Michelle – three delightful kids arrived in a blur of 2 ½ years!

Free time: reading; playing games with our family; and thinking up new and fun ways to teach our kids, and organize our home.

Ministry goals: To build a ministry team that effectively teaches children the Word of God and models a personal and collective dependence on Christ.

Favorite Saying: "Live with margins” - Keep some free time to enjoy important things like God, family, and friends.

Favorite Foods: Grandma Dettmer’s chocolate cake with caramel frosting.

The most important quality a church should have is: An individual and collective commitment to live by trusting and obeying our gracious Heavenly Father and teaching our children the same in creative, relational ways.