Bethany Bible Church

Our Pastor,

Dr. Mike Fleischmann

On the stage teaching, tucked away with my nose in a book, or on an outdoor adventure with my family are the places you will most often find me. And where I am, my sweetheart, Kim, is never too far behind — always the supporter, encourager and the glue that holds our family together. We have been blessed with a beautiful marriage of 33 years. And speaking of family, we have two young adult children, Tucker and Taylor who are building families of their own, including our very first grandbaby Blake! Blake is, hands down, one of my favorite humans!

I was raised here in Arizona, but have spent the past 25 years leading churches all the way from the mountains of Oregon to the plains of Oklahoma, before landing back in Phoenix at BBC. Along the way, I earned my Masters Degree in Biblical Exposition from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and a Doctor of Ministry from the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. But I consider myself a forever student, and always strive to learn new things. Sometimes I write fun things about my insights; you can check those out on my website mikefleischmann.net

Pastors & Directors

Tom Abbitt - Pastor of Congregational Life

Life gives us many unexpected turns. When I was 16 years old, I committed myself to full-time Christian Ministry. I never dreamt that would include being a pastor! I am a blessed man. I love the outdoors, sports, food, travel, family and my wife, Beth! She started me breathing again. My brother’s name is Jerry…Tom and Jerry…you will never forget me now!

LET'S CHAT!
Billy fourt - Director of
worship arts

Most people think Billy = guitar. I HAVE been playing music since I was 5 years old, but it started with classical violin lessons. I started playing guitar in Jr. High so I could meet girls, and eventually, it worked! Arianna and I met in a praise band and have been married for 13 years. We are both Phoenix natives and have 4 kids: Emmalyn, Eleanor, Anderson, and Ivy. My free time typically consists of woodworking, playing Legos with my kids (or alone), watching Star Wars, and swimming.

LET'S CHAT!
shane hawkins - Pastor of
bbc students

I've been happily married to Silvi since 2013 and we have the three cutest little boys on the planet: Cohen, Micah, and Emet (that's not a biased opinion; it's objective fact). God called me to student ministry when I was a young 7th grader myself and I've been following that calling ever since. I enjoy comic books movies more than a grown man should and I firmly believe that our world's problems could be solved simply with more Chick-fil-A.

LET'S CHAT!
john kohlmeyer - Pastor of
bbc kids

When I’m not thinking of an object lesson to share God’s love with our Bethany Kids, I can be found hiking the various desert trails, grilling, gardening, enjoying Greek food, or playing golf. I once played 18 holes in 4 states in ONE day! Spontaneous and adventuresome are words I like in discovering Arizona’s hidden outdoor gems and new restaurants, but the time with my two sons and wife, Robyn, are what bring me the most joy! …and if the Cubs won another World Series, that would be awesome too!

Let's Chat!
david merdick - technical production

I began his personal relationship with Jesus Christ here at Bethany, and am often dubbed the "historian" on staff. I have been supporting the production ministry at Bethany since I was in high school. One of my favorite passages is Psalm 25:1-5. I is happily married to my wife, Claudia, and we reside in Peoria.

LET'S CHAT!
jaime pantoja - Pastor of
bbc espanol

Soy una persona de carácter fuerte, pero al mismo tiempo optimista en todo lo que hago. A mi esposa Claudia y a mi nos gusta la gente y por lo tanto amamos el bienestar de los demás. Soy un líder contemporáneo en busca de constantes cambios, pero también conservador de los valores espirituales en mi vida. Soy una persona casual, accesible a todo tipo de personas sin importar el nivel social o circunstancial en el que vivan.

LET'S CHAT!
William prann - Director of operations

I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota attending an Evangelical Free Church. After Graduating from the University of South Dakota, I moved to Lenexa, KS and met a smart and pretty Lutheran girl, Tricia...and fell in love. In 2001, I transitioned into full time church work and served at many churches in a variety of capacities before coming to Phoenix in 2018. When I'm out of the office, Tricia and I are hiking, biking and exploring the great state of Arizona or laying by our pool resting!

LET'S CHAT!
bethany rossal - Director of communications

Most of the time when you see me, I'll have a camera up to my face. I knew I wanted a career in media as early as middle school, and I have been pursuing that call ever since. In addition to all things creative, I also love to travel, and have been to 26 countries so far. I've been blessed to travel to some of those with the love of my life, Willy. We have been in newlywed bliss for two years and counting!

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greg tweed - Director of facilities

I grew up in Denver, CO, and lived there until enlisting in the U. S Army. Most of my adult career was working as a manager in the financial service industry. My wife, Barbara, and I have been married for 29 years. We have four adult children and eight grandchildren. One of my employers relocated us to Phoenix in 2002. The same year, we became members at Bethany Bible Church.

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Support Staff

Christi grove - executive assistant

I’ve been working at Bethany for the past 5 years as the Executive Assistant in the office, although my job description often varies from day to day! My husband, Matt, and I have been married for 15 years. We’ve been attending Bethany since 2006 and have been involved in many different ministries over the years. We have 3 boys, Camden (12), Sawyer (9), and Easton (2) and they keep us very busy most days! We enjoy supporting our boys in baseball and soccer, and enjoy hiking, biking, swimming and being outdoors together.

LET'S CHAT!
Liberty Lanier - receptionist

I can usually be found sitting at the front desk and answering calls during the week. My family and I have been attending BBC for about 13 years. I married my high school sweetheart, we have 6 beautiful children. I like to make cupcakes and recycle/refurbish furniture in my free time; when I’m not running kids around. Coffee is my life line.

LET'S CHAT!
lexi Liles - bbc kids assistant

I’m 22 years old, I have lived in Arizona & attended Bethany for my whole life. I graduated from GCU in December 2020 with a Bachelors in Social Work! I have a huge heart for working with kids, and I will do just about any job that has kiddos involved! BBC Kids Ministry & Young Adults Ministry have a huge part of my heart, and I love watching God work in these ministries! I also love to travel, go on mission trips, watch movies, go to basketball games, drink iced coffee, and hang out with my family & friends!

LET'S CHAT!