Elders
Bethany Bible church is led by godly elders who ensure the spiritual needs of our congregation are met, provide oversight and vision for our church body, and guard our doctrinal purity.
Greg English
Keith Cowan
Randy Schmid
Chris Johnson
Phil Liles
Bill Campbell
Jerry Abbitt
Staff
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!
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.
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!
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.
Liberty lanier - executive assistant
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.
Shane Lanier - Facilities Director
A jack of all trades and a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one. I have been blessed to be married to the love of my life and we have raised 6 wonderful children. I have been a Christian most of my life. I was 7 years old when I was baptized by my Grandfather in a lake. God has been gracious to me, with a life better than I deserve.
Paige Johnston - BBC Kid's Ministry Assistant
I am a Minnesota native who wound up in the desert with my husband, Alex and our 3 children. He is originally from Phoenix and I was tired of being cold. As a family, we enjoy playing video games, biking, camping, hiking, soccer and basically anything that gets us outdoors. If I am lucky enough to get a spare minute, you can find me reading, baking, crafting or relaxing on the couch with a cat on my lap and coffee in hand.
Aaron Roper - Tech Team
Raised in Phoenix, I’ve attended Bethany since birth. I worked on the facilities team from 2018 to 2020 and am now fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be BBC's tech director! Around campus, you’ll find me at the Young Adult group, the High School Ministry, or the Tech Booth on Sunday mornings. I love activities of all sorts, but I mainly focus on soccer, hiking, and frisbee. I love a good puzzle too!
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