Our Elders
Our elders devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of God’s Word as they govern over our church (Acts 6:4).
They shepherd our congregation with the love of Christ (1Peter 5:1-3). They encourage the body of Christ at Voyagers and live life in his Spirit.
Elders: (from left to right) Chris Popke (cpopke@voyagers.org), Ken Prochnow (kprochnow@voyagers.org), Michael Parra, Robert Godfrey, Mark Schulz (mschulz@voyagers.org), Chris Hedrick (chedrick@voyagers.org), Gavin Hudson (ghudson@voyagers.org), Stephen Jardon (sjardon@voyagers.org).
Learn more about our Elders here.
Contact Elders: vbcelders@voyagers.org
Chris Hedrick
Lead Pastor
M.A. Biblical Exposition, Talbot School of Theology
Favorite hobby? Surfing and mountain biking (and eating).
Favorite part of your job? Teaching (and eating).
What would be your perfect day? A lot of Bible and a lot of waves all with my family and then we find a buried treasure.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Every time someone says, “that sermon was for me”.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Dairy Cow – when I look in their eyes it feels like they know something I don’t.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Zephaniah 3:17 – The idea of God singing over me is incredible.
Favorite vacation location? Kauai
Best and most representative nickname? Just yell HEDRICK and I’ll come running.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Netflix and my robot vacuum.
Gavin Hudson
Elder
Tell us about your family. I have been married to my wife Sarah for 18 years in June. I have three children, Chloe- 14, Karis- 12 and Gage- 9 1/2.
What do you do professionally? I am a detective working in Special Victim Crimes.
What is your favorite bible verse and why? Numbers 6:24-26, My high school Choir director, Renee Bondi, introduced us to these verses, and it was our closing song. I repeat it daily. Ask me why on the patio.
Share about a favorite moment at Voyagers or a favorite event. My favorite moment at Voyagers was baptizing my daughter, Chloe, in the South Lake Lagoon on Voyagers’ Lagoon Night.
What ministries are you involved in at Voyagers? I am an elder and lead the security team for the church. The team assists with safety for services, youth nights and events. My wife and I have been in Home groups.
Share something people probably do not know about you? Well, I have acted in high school & college theater and semi-professional musicals. Also, I have played the saxophone in the band “Sarah Laughing”.
Where could we find you on a typical Saturday? I would either be playing baseball with my son or at the beach surfing with my family.
How long have you attended Voyagers? My wife and I started attending Voyagers in the summer of 2009.
Where is your dream vacation destination? To Tour Europe more. I was able to study there in college.
What do you wish more people understood about you? I wish people knew that being a detective/ police officer is hard and challenging but does not define who I am.
What actor would play you in a movie? Kevin Costner but the younger Gavin, Tom Holland.
Chris Popke
Elder
Tell us about your family. Married to my amazing wife, Emily (we met at Voyager’s High School Group!) and have 3 awesome kiddos: Jacob, Hannah, Joseph
What do you do professionally? President of ReImagineGRP; a full-service branding and marketing company.
What is your favorite bible verse and why? 1 Tim. 4:12 – From an early age, my parents encouraged this confidence in the Lord and His ability to work in amazing ways regardless of age.
Share about a favorite moment at Voyagers or a favorite event. Baptisms are always my favorite. The amount of cheers, tears, and renewed life in Christ is hard to top.
What ministries are you involved in at Voyagers Men’s, high school, young adults, children’s, and the occasional tickling of the ivories for worship.
Share something people probably do not know about you? I was on the Forensics Speech and Debate team in College and we were 3rd best team in the nation at the time.
Where could we find you on a typical Saturday? On a soccer field coaching my kids, in the pool, or at In n’ Out having a “cheat” meal.
How long have you attended Voyagers? 19 years.
Where is your dream vacation destination? Fijian Islands or Tahiti. Some day it will happen!
What do you wish more people understood about you? I would love to get lunch with YOU in case there are any misunderstandings about me or our Elder Board. Seriously, take me up on it so we can get to know each other better, pray together, and love in a deeper way. Find me on the patio!
What actor would play you in a movie? I was going to say Chris Hemsworth but he’s “small” in contrast to my body build… I would have to go with James Franco as numerous people come up to me each year thinking I’m “him”.
KEN PROCHNOW
Elder
Tell us about your family. I am married to Leanne we have 6 children, and others grafted into the family. Ranging from ages 27 to 3 years old twins.
What do you do professionally? I am a Field Operations Manager for Ecolab.
What is your favorite bible verse and why? 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Before I was saved, my neighbors would place their hands on our shared wall and pray for my family and my salvation. I have since truly found the power of prayer.
Share about a favorite moment at Voyagers or a favorite event. All things Mexico!! I really enjoy our Mexico mission trips.
I also love the men’s retreats every year…I love watching lives changed by God.
What ministries are you involved in at Voyagers I am on the greeting team, prayer team, operation Timothy (discipleship team), and co-deacon of Global and Mexico missions team.
Share something people probably do not know about you? I have the unique ability to fall asleep anytime, anywhere…mid conversation, standing upright, sitting in the stadium of major sporting events, concerts- you name it, I can sleep doing it!
Where could we find you on a typical Saturday? Spending time with my family OUTSIDE.
How long have you attended Voyagers? We have attended Voyagers for 6 years.
Where is your dream vacation destination? I would say anywhere with my wife. If I had to pick a place, I would say Hawaii.
What do you wish more people understood about you? I wish that people understood that the introvert in me sometimes comes out as social awkwardness.
What actor would play you in a movie? I have been told I look like Robert Downey Jr / Tony Stark. If I’m going to choose it would be Chris Evans / Capital America.
Stephen Jardon
Elder
What do you do professionally? CFO for a BBQ company, consultant for an expense reduction firm
What is your favorite bible verse and why? Proverbs 3:5-6. One of the first verses I memorized in the Navigators program with continued daily application
Share about a favorite moment at Voyagers or a favorite event. The annual men’s retreat. Seeing other men connect with God and their brothers – it doesn’t get much better.
What ministries are you involved in at Voyagers? Ushering, Co-facilitate Wednesday morning men’s bible study, VBC’s finance, same Home Group for over 20 years, Influencers
Share something people probably do not know about you? Have an identical twin brother, rode my bicycle across the United States with him when we were 16 years old
Where could we find you on a typical Saturday? Running, Snow, and Water skiing.
How long have you attended Voyagers? 26 years – kids went to Sonrise Island and we have been here ever since
Where is your dream vacation destination? Israel in 2017, next?
What do you wish more people understood about you? Deep commitment to Voyagers – how can I make it deeper for you?
What actor would play you in a movie? Tom Hanks – Humble and can make anyone look good.
Mark Shultz
Elder
Tell us about your family. Wife of 50 years, Marilyn, three adult sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren
What do you do professionally? Retired CPA and part-time CFO
What is your favorite bible verse and why? Romans 12:1; I love the idea that sacrificing our whole self, in view of his mercy, is both an act of worship and pleasing to God
Share about a favorite moment at Voyagers or a favorite event. I was blessed to have my entire family present when I was commissioned as an Elder.
What ministries are you involved in at Voyagers? I lead a Home Group and serve on the Prayer Team.
Share something people probably do not know about you? No matter where I am, I’d rather be on a mountaintop in the Faroe Islands shooting pics.
Where could we find you on a typical Saturday? On a hike with Marilyn or at a grandkid sporting event
How long have you attended Voyagers? 44 years.
Where is your dream vacation destination? Wherever Marilyn wants to go
What do you wish more people understood about you? Marilyn said to tell you I’m a bit of an introvert
What actor would play you in a movie? I’d like to say Kevin Costner but more likely it would be Adam Sandler
Lois Venanzi
Office Manager and Pastoral Team Administrator
Favorite hobby? Traveling & cooking
Favorite part of your job? Meeting people and helping them in whatever way I can, as I use my God-given giftedness in this job—also, being a part of our MOPS ministry as a Mentor Mom
What would be your perfect day? Going on vacation to a warm location with my husband and family; playing cards or games with them
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Bringing my grandchildren to church and watching them talk about Jesus!
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Remembering a sermon about “Dog and Cat Theology” years ago, I’d be a dog that is excited and eager to be with his Master!
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Ephesians 3:14-19
Favorite vacation location? Cabo San Lucas is a favorite family location, but seeing Porto, Portugal in Europe was so awesome and one of my favorites.
Best and most representative nickname? My daughters gave me the nickname: “LLCoolMom.” Even though that can be interpreted many ways, it meant to me that they loved being with me.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? The iPhone, GPS and home computers!
Ben Sweet
Worship Pastor
Favorite hobby? Writing and recording music, surfingFavorite part of your job? Investing in the next generation of pastors and leadersWhat would be your perfect day? Wake up at 10am, eat a breakfast burrito from Orange Inn on the beach with my wife, go surf, play some music with friends, play some Overwatch, fall asleepFavorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Getting hired!If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? An owl; they are wise and can fly.Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Hosea 2:14Favorite vacation location? LondonBest and most representative nickname? BenFavorite invention over the last 20 years? Blockbuster Video
Ian Hass
STUDENT MINISTRIES Worship LEADER
Favorite hobby? I love writing songs and I am also a big fan of board games with family and friends!Favorite part of your job? I love seeing students getting involved with worship and desiring to serve the Lord in that way!What would be your perfect day? I would love to be going on a long road trip up the coast with all of my amazing friends who I have met at voyagers over the years!Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? I have loved my recent transition from the dearly loved high school ministry into a position where I am able to help lead and guide students who are so cool and love the Lord!If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would probably be a really cute golden retriever because I just love those dogs!Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Ephesians 2:4-10. “4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Favorite vacation location? Lake Tahoe!Best and most representative nickname? Ian!Favorite invention over the last 20 years? The “Maps” app on my phone so I know how to get everywhere!
Mark Vanlandingham
CARE AND COUNSELING PASTOR
Favorite hobby? Sports memorabilia and golf
Favorite part of your job? Observing the healing power of Jesus in people’s lives
What would be your perfect day? Being with family—and, the return of Jesus would make for a perfect day!
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Each time a new person joins our church and calls it home
If you could be any animal, what would it be? A Black Mamba
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Proverbs 3:5-6—It is a constant reminder to pour all of my trust in Him!
Favorite vacation location? Lake Powell, Utah
Best and most representative nickname? My nicknames are “Pops” from my grandchildren, “Sweetie” from my wife and “Van” from my friends.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? The camera on my iPhone makes me look like a professional photographer!
Cami Marchand
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry
M.A. in Applied Social Research
Favorite hobby? Hiking and camping.Favorite part of your job? Listening to kids pray!What would be your perfect day? Waking up somewhere remote and beautiful, hiking with my dog, napping in a hammock, an intense wiffle ball game with family, and dinner cooked over a bonfire.Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Talking with the leaders about Childrens Ministry and seeing how much they love kids.If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be my dog, Clara, because I would get treated very well and I would be able to run super fast.Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? 1 Peter 5:6-11 Stay humble and know that God has it all under control.Favorite vacation location? Trinity Lake in Northern CaliforniaBest and most representative nickname? Cam-Bone. My oldest brother calls me Cam-Bone and our brother Terry, T-Bone. Oldest sibling privilege I guess.Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Life360 and Tile GPS trackers so I can find my phone and keys when I lose them.
Kristen Opre
Student Ministries Administrative Director
Favorite hobby? Anything DIY I can attempt to create
Favorite part of your job? Walking alongside our students & leaders, listening to their stories and loving on them
What would be your perfect day? Relaxing in the sun, listening to a book while being crafty, just a quiet day without distractions
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Serving and hanging out with the HS group at Hume Lake, and watching them grow in community by loving one another and God!
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? A deer, check out Heart Runs by Eagle and Child & Psalm 42.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Favorite vacation location? Anywhere where it’s warm and with a slight breeze, but not stifling hot or humid
Best and most representative nickname? OPRE!!
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Electric car
Davis Gastelum
High School Pastor
Favorite hobby? Spontaneous pick-up games (basketball, football, & handball)
Favorite part of your job? When a student is curious enough about God and their faith to ask me questions
What would be your perfect day? Going out for brunch with my wife, followed by a few productive errands, a true 60-minute nap, lounging at the pool sometime in between 2-4pm on a warm day, and capped off with a home-cooked dinner/games with family or friends
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Hume Lake Summer of 2018 when I decided to step into the High School Pastor role full-time
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? A horse, specifically the Trojan Horse, because I’m full of surprises
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? The Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). If high school students here at Voyagers take even one step in reaching their world with the good news of Jesus, it justifies all the time and effort we’ve spent together.
Favorite vacation location? Maui, Hawaii
Best and most representative nickname? Big Wave Dave
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? The Easy-Up; there are no downsides to having shade wherever you are, especially in California. And it’s so dang easy!
Aaron Cardinio
Junior High Pastor
Favorite hobby? Fishing
Favorite part of your job? Spending time with kids
What would be your perfect day? Surfing “firing” El Moro
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Baptizing students at lagoon night last year
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Dolphin–I want to breathe under water.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Mark 1:15; I love this call to “repent” or rethink everything I think I know and believe the good news of the gospel.
Favorite vacation location? Kihei, Maui
Best and most representative nickname? Dino
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Game of Connect 4
Amie Parra
Early Childhood Director
Favorite hobby? Reading, listening to podcasts, and hiking.
Favorite part of my job? The kids, their families, and the teachers! I love seeing the kid’s excitement as they learn about who God is, and I love that I’m able to watch and be a part of helping them grow spiritually. It’s such a joy to watch the little ones learn basic theology! I also love how I’ve been able to get to know their families. Here at Voyagers, we have so many engaged and intentional parents, and I love learning from them. I also love walking down the hallways during small group times, and listening to the amazing teachers sharing with the kids about who God is, and inviting the kids into a deeper relationship with him.
What’s your perfect day? Just being able to be out somewhere, making fun memories with my kids and husband.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last two years? Philippians 1:6
Favorite Vacation location? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Victoria Wood
Kid's Ministry coordinator
Favorite hobby? Singing, playing guitar.
Favorite part of your job? Getting to see the children excited about how powerful God is. Their wonder makes my whole week!!
What would be your perfect day? Sunrise at the beach, journaling by the ocean, brunch with friends, making music in the afternoon, ending the day with a good book or some Netflix with family.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Meeting the kids for the first time.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Quokka. They’re cute, they have barely any predators, and they are said to be some of the happiest animals on Earth.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Matthew 5:16 has always meant a lot to me because I love the idea of being a light for others. I want to encourage people towards Jesus everyday because He has made my life so much brighter with His light.
Favorite vacation location? Does church summer camp count? Haha
Best and most representative nickname? Tori, just Tori.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Toasters. Might have been invented longer than 20 years ago but there is nothing like a warm cinnamon raisin bagel to start the day.
Denise Techau
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Favorite hobby? I enjoy crafts and reading when I get the time.
Favorite part of your job? I love numbers and spreadsheets and when things balance to zero!
What would be your perfect day? Perfect day is sitting on the beach in Huntington Beach.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Meeting all the staff
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Eagle, because I’ve always wanted to just fly in the air and view the beauty of God’s creation.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Proverbs 20:5 “A plan in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out.”
Favorite vacation location? Maui
Best and most representative nickname? Prayer warrior
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Waze app (I have no sense of direction!)
Kelly Carter
DIrector of ministry support
Favorite hobby? I love a good morning workout at Orange Theory. I also love playing cards and board games as a family, paddle boarding and making home made pizza.
Favorite part of your job? I love the opportunity to be creative and collaborate with the amazing team here at Voyagers.
What would be your perfect day? Other than Christmas, which is my favorite day ever… I love a relaxing afternoon at the pool with my kids and husband. Second to that would be sitting on my driveway with friends watching a street full of neighborhood kids playing in our cul-de-sac. I love a full house!
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Jingle and Mingle is tied with Sonrise Island. So much energy on our campus at both those events!
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be a giraffe – my favorite animal. I love God’s creativity!
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Matthew 5: 14-16. It is something I try to remember in my daily interactions. I hope to point people to Jesus and glorify Him.
Favorite vacation location? Maui or Crystal Pier in San Diego with my family.
Best and most representative nickname? Bells or Kells. My family and friends have called me that since I can remember.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Streaming music. I love being able to listen to just about anything.
Krysti Jacobs
Administrative Assistant
Favorite hobby? Paddle Boarding, fishing with family, watching my boys play soccer.
Favorite part of your job? The people here.
What would be your perfect day? Quiet time with my Bible and coffee in the morning and then paddle boarding and lunch on the beach. Ending the day with cards and board games.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Sonrise Island!
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? A dolphin because they live in the ocean and protect people from sharks.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? James 1:2-3
Favorite vacation location? Any beach.
Best and most representative nickname? Krystal Gayle, KJ… I don’t really have one.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? WiFi. Wasn’t it dial up before that?
Diane Sharpe
Administrative Assistant
Favorite hobby? Pickleball, Crafting
Favorite part of your job? Working with loving, caring, and compassionate christians.
What would be your perfect day? A day at the beach with my family and a dinner at the end of the day with a beautiful view of the coast.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Sonrise Island and the cooking club.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? A giraffe. They are elegant, graceful and have a great view of the world.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Luke 1:37
Favorite vacation location? Anywhere warm and tropical
Best and most representative nickname? D
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? The internet, iPhones, GPS
Warren Sharpe
Facilities Manager
Favorite Hobby? Golf and wine tasting
Favorite part of my job? Serving others, and sharing the love of Christ
What would be your perfect day? Being with family, hiking, resting on a sunny beach then finish at a Michelin rated restaurant
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Cooking for the Rooted group
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Lion—he is powerful and fearless
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? 2 Tim.1:7
Favorite vacation location? Kauai or Santorini
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? 3D printer
Ryan Lee
Worship coordinator
Favorite Hobby? I love acting, improv, and filmmaking. Anything that tells stories and brings people together!
Favorite part of my job? Using my video skills to bring glory to God.
What would be your perfect day? Hanging out with friends, going to see a show, and eating a TON of food.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Being an elf volunteer at Jingle and Mingle was an absolute blast.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? A hamster because the wheel looks fun.
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Matthew 11:28.
Favorite vacation location? Ireland!
Best and most representative nickname? The Rock but someone beat me to it.
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? The react button on IMessage.
Jonathan Briggs
Tech coordinator
Favorite Hobby? Photography
Favorite part of my job? Delivering a worship experience that moves the congregation to sing and join in.
What would be your perfect day? Waking up at the beach – and relaxing. Finishing the day with a great dinner with a view.
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? Knowing that I had people who would be real with me, and pray for me in my moment of great need.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Unicorn – because they don’t exist
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite vacation location? Paris
Best and most representative nickname? Know it all
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? Sonos Wireless Speakers