Our Leadership

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 Hedrick (chedrick@voyagers.org), Michael Parra (mparra@voyagers.org), Ken Prochnow (kprochnow@voyagers.org), Mark Schulz (mschulz@voyagers.org), Chris Popke (cpopke@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

chedrick@voyagers.org

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

M.A. Theology, Talbot School of Theology
Fellow, International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights

ghudson@voyagers.org

Tell us about your family. I have been married to my wife Sarah for 18 years in June. I have three children.

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.

Michael Parra

Elder

Tell us about your family. I’ve been married to my best friend and partner-in-grace Amie since 2000.  We are blessed with three gifts:  Elijah, Larissa and Sophia.

What do you do professionally? I have the calling of serving students, families and staff  in public education as a High School Principal at a continuation high school in the community where I grew up in, Santa Ana.

What is your favorite bible verse and why? “…where sin increased, grace abounded all the more…” (Rom. 5:17) I am captivated by the gospel of grace, “Christ for me.”

Share about a favorite moment at Voyagers or a favorite event. I love any event at Voyagers where I can be serving our church alongside others for their good and God’s glory.

What ministries are you involved in at Voyagers? Men’s small groups, Home Groups, Children’s ministry, and worship music ministry.

Share something people probably do not know about you? I love to cook for my family.

Where could we find you on a typical Saturday? At home spending time with my wife and catching up on chores around the house.

How long have you attended Voyagers? Almost 19 years.

Where is your dream vacation destination? Out in nature with my family either camping or in a cabin.

What do you wish more people understood about you? I have a deep desire for people to know God’s grace, the gospel for all of life, and the beauty of God’s Word.

What actor would play you in a movie? Probably a hope-filled yet unsuccessful, B-movie supporting role actor.

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!

Joe Arant

Worship Pastor

Favorite hobby? I collect and love to play retro video games. I’m into all things Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 and many more. 
 
Favorite part of your job? There’s nothing quite like seeing God’s people caught up in His presence in a moment of worship. I love getting to be a part of that.
 
What would be your perfect day? Early morning coffee and Bible time, a nice walk with my family and my dogs, a few hours of retro gaming, some Mexican or Korean cuisine, watching the sunset down at Newport Beach, board games with friends in the evening 🙂
 
Favorite moment at Voyagers in the last 2 years? My first Sunday was a huge moment for me here at Voyagers. Being together with the church as we gathered for worship and learning the amazing history and legacy of this church was such a blessing.
 
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be wanna be a koala. Hanging in the trees and sleeping most of the day sounds pretty nice.
 
Verse or passage that has meant the most to you over the last 2 years? For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7
This verse has really sustained me during the season of uncertainty that our world has been in over the last few years. God’s Spirit brings us power to endure, love to combat the anger and hatred, and sound judgment in a world filled with difficult decisions.
 
Favorite vacation location? I love the Central Coast of California. Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Spooner’s Cove, San Luis Obispo, Cambria. It’s like a little foretaste of heaven.
 
Best and most representative nickname? Just Joe. I’m not fancy 😉
 
Favorite invention over the last 20 years? As a middle aged dude with a bad back, I give my sincerest gratitude to the inventor of the car seat heater. I put that thing on full blast even in the dead of summer.

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!

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

Children's 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

Director of children's ministry

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

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

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