Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Phoenix. I grew up in Central Phoenix and graduated from Sunnyslope High School. I grew up attending church, but God started to change my heart as a teenager through mission trips. As I began to serve in different places each summer, the love of Jesus moved in me like I had never experienced before. It stirred me to want to experience more and to see others experience it. I felt called to be a pastor as a college student at Bethany Bible Church. I was an intern in the Youth Ministry at BBC for three years, especially focused on discipling teens at schools like Madison Meadows, Sunnyslope, and Phoenix Christian. Phoenicians are friends and family to me, so I have a big heart to see the gospel proclaimed in my city.
Tell us about your family
My wife, Lauren, was born in California, but she also grew up in the Valley. We met at the college group at Bethany Bible and started dating a few months later. We’ve been serving together in ministry since then, even traveling to Jamaica for a mission trip. We got married in August 2014 and welcomed our son, Benji, in January. We’re so excited to be joining PBC during this time. We love the community God is building and are so excited to raise Benji here.
What do you like to do for fun?
We live in South Phoenix and love to hike the trails on South Mountain as often as possible. We also try to hit other trails in Phoenix and head up north to hike in the summer. We love anything with water, so we go to the lake to jet ski or kayak. Of course, growing up in the Valley we love heading to the beach in San Diego whenever we have time for a break. Lauren has a lot of family ties to San Diego and that is where I proposed to her.
What is your favorite part of work at the church?
I’m excited to be joining the team. Kyle McLain and I have been friends for years and even day-dreamed about ministering together one day. It’s been awesome to have the opportunity to serve with him open up. Tim and the others have been great to get to know, God has brought so many talented and loving staff and volunteers to PBC. I am also really excited to focus on discipling our body by helping foster keeping community with another and richer study of God’s word. I believe God’s love moves in us and through as we grow closer to him in discipleship. I want to see our church passionate and equipped to take the love of Jesus across the street and around the world.
Want to get to know A.C.? Send him an email and set up a time to get coffee.