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29825 Santiago Road,
Temecula, CA 92592
Ted Leavenworth is the Senior Pastor of Reliance Church in Temecula, California. He has been in Christian service for over 30 years and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Biblical Leadership from Western Theological Seminary.
Pastor Ted has a heart for church planting – leading two church plants in Southern California and facilitating the establishment of many others both nationally and internationally. Ted serves as a Director on several church boards and on the executive team of Calvary Global Network focusing on leadership coaching and pastoral mentoring. He also co-hosts The Leadership Collective Podcast, exploring the “nuts & bolts” of church leadership.
Pastor Ted and his wife Brenda were married in 1985 and together, they have three adult children and ten grandchildren.
Get to know Pastor Ted!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Senior Pastor
Describe your job in five words?
Equipping saints for ministry work (Ephesians 4:12)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A police officer…then later a Firefighter/Paramedic (Like Johnny & Roy on Squad 51) – That’s a TV series from the early 70’s for the younger crowd
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee – All. Day. Long.
Go-to worship song?
How Great Thou Art / Rattle / I Speak Jesus
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My Parents / Pastor Chuck Smith / Pastor David Guzik / Pastor Dave Shepardson
Food you can’t live without?
Sushi
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Peter
Favorite Quote of all time?
“The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the painful experience that you refuse to endure.” — Craig Groeschel
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” — 3 John 1:4
Tyler grew up in Oceanside, CA and was raised in the church by parents who loved God and served the church faithfully. Tyler soon recognized the calling to minister and lead young people to be disciples of Jesus and was leading Bible studies at his youth group as a teenager. In 2008, he married Alison who also has a passion for discipleship and leading others to follow after Jesus. They moved to Temecula a few years later and began serving in the high school ministry at Reliance Church in 2013 and joined the staff in 2019 as an Assistant Pastor.
Tyler and Alison have two daughters, Darcy and Delaney, and enjoy hanging with friends, studying and teaching the Bible, playing softball, and rooting for the Padres (well, Tyler does, Alison would rather not be disappointed every season)!
Get to know Pastor Tyler!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
As the Executive Pastor here, I oversee a lot of the church-wide ministries and generally assist the other pastors and leaders in leading people to know, love, and serve Jesus.
Describe your job in five words?
Herding cats, and loving it!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Pro Baseball Player
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Give me an iced latte any day of the year!
Go-to worship song?
Currently, Ancient Gates by Brooke Ligertwood. All time? Let My Words be Few by Matt Redman
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My wife, Christian Slye, pastor Jason Duff, C.S. Lewis
Food you can’t live without?
Street tacos! Al pastor, carne asada, all of it!
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Gideon 😂 (I can relate!)
Favorite Quote of all time?
“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
That this body of believers tangibly brings about the kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in the love of Christ. And that the Christian Faith would have an expanding impact on lives for generations to come here in the Temecula Valley and beyond because of it.
Darius Mariano, also known as “PD”, is an Assistant Pastor here at Reliance Church. He was born in the Philippines but raised in Southern California for most of his life. He and his wife, Emily, met in college have been married since 2000 and have two boys, Nathan and Noah and a devoted husky named Misty. Together they were instrumental in helping plant Reliance Church in May 2007.
Pastor Darius has served faithfully in many different roles throughout the years, including AWANA commander, Jr. High pastor, VBS director and has led and served on several International Missions trips. Currently, PD serves as both the Children’s Ministry Pastor and Men’s Ministry Director.
His anchor verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
“My desire is to love others in a way that will draw them to the heart of the Father, however, I know that my love has to be more than just words and require action, just as Christ showed us. So, I also often remind myself of the exhortation found in I John 3:18; ‘let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.’”
Get to know Pastor Darius!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Assistant Pastor. Department Head of Children’s Ministry and Men’s Ministry
Describe your job in five words?
In Christ and for Christ
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An engineer. Oh, and taller!
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Soda
Go-to worship song?
Right now? Ancient Gates. All-time: Draw Me Close to You
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My wife and my sons. Oh, and Pastor Jim Diaz!
Food you can’t live without?
That is correct and a statement of fact!
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Peter
Favorite Quote of all time?
“The Christian life can be explained only in the terms of Jesus, and if your life as a Christian can still be explained in terms of you – your personality, your will power, your gift, your talent, your money, your courage, your scholarship, your dedication, your sacrifice, or anything – then although you may have the Christian life, you are not yet living it!…True godliness leaves the world convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that the only explanation for you, is Jesus.” — Ian Thomas
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My desire is for us to love others in a way that will draw them to the heart of the Father, but that love has to be more than just words and require action, just as Christ as showed us. — 1 John 3:18 (“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”)
Kyle Fox has been involved in full time, bi-vocational ministry since 2009. In 2014 after selling their business, his family set out as full time missionaries. They spent a short stint on a sailing catamaran in Southern Florida and the Bahamas, home schooling thier two boys and preparing for their first assignment. In 2017 they planted Calvary Belém in Northern Brazil, in the state of Pará. Kyle and his wife have started a number of ministries under Calvary Belém ranging from human trafficking/prostitution ministry, refugee care, coffee shop ministry and a number of different forms of street outreach. During their eight years in Brazil, It was a joy and honor to regularly teach at the bible school in the south of the country. Kyle is passionate about teaching and equipping the next generation of missionaries, church planters and leaders. His heart is to be used by the Lord to preach the gospel, and strengthen the body of Christ.
Get to know Pastor Kyle!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
I’m the Director of Operations and Discipleship here at Reliance church.
Describe your job in five words?
Edifying the Body of Christ.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Navy Fighter Pilot or a Garbage Collector.
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee
Go-to worship song?
At the moment, my go-to worship song is “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My pastor of our home church in Colorado, Ed Taylor.
Food you can’t live without?
Taco Bell
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
I would want to be friends with Joshua (Moses’ successor) because I admire his courage, his faithfulness and his obedience to the Lord.
Favorite Quote of all time?
“When I thought that God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast to think that I could have rebelled against one who loved me so, and sought my good.” -Charles Spurgeon
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope for our church is that we honor the Lord, that we are pleasing to Him. I hope that we grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord and with one another. I also hope that the Lord will use Reliance Church to send countless workers out into the field because the harvest is great.
Jim Diaz has lived in Temecula since 1967 and gave his life to Jesus in 1978. He and his wife Kathy have been involved in a wide array of ministries over many years and are the definition of faithful servants. Jim served as Assistant and, later, Lead Pastor at Temecula Community Church. After retiring in 2021, Jim still serves the community of Reliance Church as an Assistant Pastor.
“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2
Get to know Pastor Jim!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Assistant Pastor. I’m now retired but my role before that was Pastoral care, which include Biblical Counseling/Discipleship, Premarital Counseling, Visitation, Weddings, Memorials, and teaching. Even though I’m retired from staff, I do still function in this role.
Describe your job in five words?
Challenging, exciting, unpredictable, Spirit led.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
There were two things that I loved growing up: music and sports. So, I always thought I would be a professional baseball or football player, or a rock star. I didn’t become a rock star but when I got saved in 1978, the Lord put me in a Christian Rock/Pop Band and in the ministry of worship.
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
I like both coffee and tea but my preference for a better taste would be tea.
Go-to worship song?
There’s one song that best describes my life’s journey and my faith, which is, “When God Ran,” by Benny Hester, but there are so many songs that come to mind when it comes to getting me to that place of worship, such as, “Above All” by Lenny LeBlanc, “I Surrender All,” “Is He Worthy” and, “Jesus, Oh Jesus, Come fill Your Lambs,” “God and God Alone” and “Your Love Ran Red,” both by Chris Tomlin, just to name of few.
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
When I first got saved, I became close friends with one of the band members who later became a Pastor, who also discipled me. His name was, Tom Umathum, who went home to be with the Lord at a very young age. But after my backslide and return to the Lord, I would have to say that my wife, Kathy, was the one who influenced me the most.
Food you can’t live without?
Chips & Salsa! What else is there?
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Boaz, at least that’s who I would want to befriend. I believe his character and godly examples are very similar to Christ, which have always been an inspiration to my life.
Favorite Quote of all time?
My favorite quote is taken from part of a speech that was written by Abraham Lincoln on, March 13, 1863, when he was calling the nation to set a day apart to fast and pray in all humility because he felt that the nation had forgotten God after He had blessed them so much:
“…And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” — Abraham Lincoln
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
That the church continues to grow, not so much in numbers, but to a deeper intimate love relationship with the King, which I believe would effect every ministry in the church.
Dane Tipps is a Deacon here at Reliance Church and serves as the Jr. High Ministry Director. Having grown up in the Murrieta and Temecula areas his entire life, Dane has attended Reliance Church since a very young age. Dane has believed in Jesus for as long as he can remember and has always been available to serve whenever needed, specifically with the next generation where he enjoys using his gifts to teach young people about Jesus!
Dane is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and enjoys spending his time hanging with friends, watching movies, playing soccer and studying God’s Word.
Get to know Dane!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Jr. High Director
Describe your job in five words?
Pointing Junior Highers to Jesus
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a professional soccer player
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee!
Go-to worship song?
“There Is One Gospel” by CityAlight
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
Probably either my father or Pastor Darius Mariano
Food you can’t live without?
Thai
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Timothy
Favorite Quote of all time?
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” — Theodore Roosevelt
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope is that Reliance Church would continue to make a spiritual impact in our community and around the world as we stay true to God’s Word and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Jordan gave his life to the Lord in 2010 and has been involved in youth ministry for over 10 years. He was a student leader at his youth group, and became an adult leader and a part of the worship team for an intensive discipleship program called On The Edge Murrieta under Pastor Rod Thompson and Pastor Aaron Sabio. It was there the Lord placed a calling on his heart to lead the next generation of students to know Jesus. Jordan is also a member of REVO Collective, a group of worship leaders with a goal to start a revolution in this generation for the sake of Christ. In 2021, Jordan began attending Reliance church serving in the High School Ministry and Worship Ministry and came on staff in November 2023 as the High School Ministry Director. He has a heart to guide and lead the students to know that there is no better love than the love that Jesus has for them.
In his free time, Jordan loves long walks on the beach, skateboarding with friends and youth students, bowling, and playing softball with his friends and family where they have won back to back division titles. He also loves the Anaheim Ducks even though it hurts his heart most of the time.
Get to know Jordan!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
I’m the High School Ministry Director
Describe your job in five words?
But did you die though?…
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?WWE Wrestler or Pro Skater
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
All of it! Coffee through the day, a nice London Fog on a cold morning and a classic Mexican coke with some al pastor tacos!
Go-to worship song?
“I thank God” by Maverick City Music ft Upperoom
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My Mother who always reminded me that Christ should be the foundation of my life. Pastor Aaron Sabio and Pastor for mentoring Tyler Donnelly me through the madness they call Youth Ministry. Royce Rull, Cameron Seely, Noah Sales, Thales Jay Wake and Josiakim for the wisdom they share with me constantly. Also my friends Revo Collective (Faith, Thales, Bethany, Josiakim, Royce, Kiel, Aaron, Justin, Sara, Ashly, Ben, and Lexi). Sorry I got a lot of peeps to thank!
Food you can’t live without?
Jollibee! A 2 Piece Chicken Joy w/ Filipino Spaghetti and a Pineapple Quencher!
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Elisha. He would thrive in the Youth Ministry. See 2 Kings 2:23-25.
Favorite Quote of all time?
“My sin in the past: forgiven. My current struggles: covered. My future failures: paid in full all by the marvelous, infinite, matchless grace found in the atoning work of the cross of Jesus Christ.” – Matt Chandler
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope for Reliance Church is that we be a church built on God’s never changing word. That when people walk through our doors they feel welcomed, they feel loved, and they feel accepted. I pray that our church is a direct image of Jesus that welcomes ALL to come as they are.
Brenda Leavenworth is an author and speaker based in Temecula, CA. Her passion is to help women grow in their knowledge and understanding of Scripture as they pursue Christian maturity. She has written several in-depth Bible studies, including her 2016 release of Proverbs 31 study, Far Above Rubies.
Brenda enjoys traveling the globe to share God’s Word and holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership from Calvary Chapel University, where she has recently become adjunct faculty.
As the host of the When She Leads podcast, Brenda actively and passionately discusses the complexities and realities of leading ministry as a woman. Married to Ted Leavenworth who serves as the Senior Pastor of Reliance Church, Brenda currently serves and loves her community as the Director of Women’s Ministry. Together they have three adult children and ten wonderful grandchildren.
Get to know Brenda!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Women’s Ministry Director
Describe your job in five words?
Keeping all the plates spinning
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Hairdresser
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Nothing like a good cup of British Black Tea with cream and sweetener.
Go-to worship song?
In this season – “Tend” by Emmy Rose
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
Wow, so many. Pastor Chuck Smith-His teachings that shaped my christian and leadership walk. His wife, Kay, who taught me how to be a pastor’s wife. June Hesterly, she tirelessly mentored me for years. Janie Alfred, who teaches me everyday how to be more like Jesus. And so many who I don’t know personally, but their books and resources have shaped my leadership life.
Food you can’t live without?
Chocolate
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
No doubt, Priscilla. We could have tea together and talk theology. Sounds like a perfect day!
Favorite Quote of all time?
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” — Brennan Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospel)
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My true desire for our church is that it would outlive us all. That the Lord would raise up generation after generation of Bible-believing Christ followers to bring the good news long after we all leave this earth. That our church building would be used for hundreds of years to bring the Word of God to the people of God in Temecula and the surrounding areas.
Tami Peña has served faithfully in the children’s ministry at Reliance Church since 2009 as the Reliance Kids’ Director. Tami has extensive experience in her position, as she has served over 20 years in children’s ministry leadership. She loves Jesus and His kids. Fittingly, Tami became a Christian at the age of 4 while attending a Vacation Bible School. She has carried with her a lifelong passion to help children know and to serve Jesus.
Get to know Tami!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Director of Reliance Kids
Describe your job in five words?
Grow children to love Jesus
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Child Psychologist
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
I don’t like coffee, but loooove Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher!
Go-to worship song?
“Goodness of God” and “Fear is Not My Future,” and the classic: “How Great Is Our God”
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
Jesus, my Aunt & Uncle, Pastor Ted & Brenda, and Pastor Chuck Smith
Food you can’t live without?
Mexican Food & cookies from Minor Bakery
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Dorcas
Favorite Quote of all time?
“A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the reward. Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of God.” — Max Lucado
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope is that we will abide in Colossians 2:6-7; “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” as we continue to spur others on with God’s love and good deeds!
Faith is a gifted graphic designer, artist, musician and serves as the Worship Director here at Reliance. Born into a ministry family, Faith grew up as a Third Culture Kid in California, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates, gleaning from the “ins and outs” of ministry in different cultural and denominational contexts. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Theology and is a perpetual student of God’s presence and leading in the life of His Church.
Faith and her husband Thales have a heart for the global Church, spiritual formation/discipleship, and Christic artists and their prophetic voice in the world. They spend their days making music and raising their son Thomas, all while loving Jesus, people, and single-origin coffee.
As Reliance Church has become home, she hopes that this community further embodies the Gospel of Jesus by the power of the Spirit and to the glory of God alone.
Get to know Faith!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Worship Director
Describe your job in five words?
Visual storytelling to embodied presence
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My parents let me dream big: a scientist, journalist/writer, lawyer, doctor, singer, actor, and teacher.
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee always—a Chemex or a cortado. Yorkshire Gold Tea when I’m out of coffee.
Go-to worship song?
My go-to song is a revolving door. At the moment, because I’m always singing them to my son, it’s “I Belong to Jesus (Dylan’s Song)” by Brooke Ligertwood, “Canvas and Clay” by Pat Barrett, and the hymn “He Will Hold Me Fast.”
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My parents, Thales, Krista Rull, and Haley Montgomery Dall.
Food you can’t live without?
Rice—the foundation of every great dish.
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
I would roll deep with David because of all the honest psalms; Thomas because doubt is a friend of faith; and Priscilla because we love a theologically-versed sister.
Favorite Quote of all time?
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” — Augustine, Confessions
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
May we daily be transformed by the Gospel, letting the life of Christ be lived through us by the power of the Spirit and to the glory of God. May we sing more, prioritize Presence, and be known by our love for one another and our city.
Shirley Ruiz is the Church Administrator at Reliance Church. Her position entails managing the church office and its staff, as well as assisting ministry leaders with organizational facilitation. Shirley previously served as the Youth Ministry Administrator at Revival Christian Fellowship for 5 years. Before that, Shirley was the CFO for Family Business in Washington for 5 years.
Amazingly, Shirley has successfully balanced her time to be a homeschooling mom for the past 12 years. Shirley has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1989. They have four children: Niko, Dominic, Susie, and Alex.
Get to know Shirley!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Church Administrator
Describe your job in five words?
Manager of the spinning plates
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?Office Manager or a Softball Player
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Duh – Coffee
Go-to worship song?
“O Come To The Altar” by Elevation Worship
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
PT and Brenda
Food you can’t live without?
Popcorn
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Deborah
Favorite Quote of all time?
“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” — D.L. Moody
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
That the people of Reliance would grow to know, love and serve Jesus in a well grounded biblical fashion. Forming strong friendships while loving and serving our community.
Josh Lazo is the Facilities Lead, responsible for maintaining the church property and helping ministries facilitate Bible studies and events, as well as the Director of the Young Adults Ministry. Joshua is a graduate of Calvary Chapel Bible College and has served in Junior High, High School, Young Adults, and Educational Ministries.
He and his wife Michaelah have one little girl, Keziah, and are expecting another daughter, as well as four children in Heaven that they are eagerly waiting to meet. Their chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Get to know Josh!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Facilities, Operations, Young Adults, and Discipleship! A little bit of everything!
Describe your job in five words?
I clean all the mess
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Reformer
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee, specifically any iced latte.
Go-to worship song?
Changes by season, but right now it’s “Delight in the Lord” by Liturgical Folk and Josh Garrels
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
God, then myself, but as far as a different living person, then Matt Chandler.
Food you can’t live without?
Specialty fries. Carne Asada, Chicken Tikka Masala, Bulgolgi, etc.
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Either Paul or Apollos
Favorite Quote of all time?
“The most important thing about you is what you believe about God” -A.W. Tozer
“Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him for ever.” — Larger Westminster Catechism
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
To see a community that fully desires and pursues God above all else, and bringing His Kingdom by making disciples, and loving the people around them.
Royce Rull is the Design Lead here at Reliance Church. He grew up in Southern California and is the oldest of two kids. Royce received Christ in High School and started serving in worship ministry at a young age. Royce went on to graduate from Calvary Chapel School of Worship in 2006.
In 2015, Royce married his Krista who also works at Reliance Church in the admin office. He currently serves in the worship team, and occasionally in Reliance Student Ministries. Royce is passionate about Kingdom Building and has a desire to see people know, love and serve Jesus. He also loves to nurture and help others grow their gifts, whether creative or administrative, all for God’s glory.
In his free time, Royce enjoys designing, singing, collecting vinyl records and toys, taking care of his house plants, and going on foodie trips. He is an avid Disney nerd, funko fanatic, and a devout Los Angeles Dodgers fan! Usually, you’ll find Royce talking about creative things and planning the next adventure with his wife and friends!
Get to know Royce!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Design Lead — I make things pretty and cool I guess (lol)
Describe your job in five words?
Make Him known through creativity.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be either an Astronaut or an Airplane Pilot. I was always fascinated by anything that had to do with flying or space.
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee occasionally, but a true tea dude (iced always!)
Go-to worship song?
Always: “Refiner’s Fire” by Vineyard Music + “I Give You My Heart” by Hillsong Worship / Currently: “Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship + “Jireh” by Maverick City Music
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My parents, pastors/leaders + friends that have invested in my life in various seasons, and my wife, Krista!
Food you can’t live without?
Asian food (pretty much most of them), fried grub + Italian always! When it comes to the sweet stuff, ice cream fo’sho!
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
My squad would most likely consist of the Magnificent Seven: Timothy (the faithful), James (the just), Oholiab & Bezalel (the creatives), Lydia (the hospitable), Priscilla & Aquila (the dynamic duo)
Favorite Quote of all time?
“If life is to have meaning, and if God’s will is to be done, all of us have to accept who we are and what we are, give it back to God, and thank Him for the way He made us. What I am is God’s gift to me; what I do with it is my gift to Him.” — Warren Wiersbe
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope for this community is to remember God’s promises in 1 Peter 2:9-10 saying, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” — You are unique, you are set apart, and you matter in the kingdom of God. He has a greater purpose for your life my friend!
Thales Wake was brought on staff at Reliance Church in 2018 as the Audio & Technical Lead, prior to being on staff here, he worked at the Calvary Chapel Conference Center as an AV Tech and was trained in ministry at Equipping For Ministry an internship with Pastor Rod Thompson. Thales loves to serve the Church through tech, worship, and various missions work overseas. He and his wife, Faith, have a heart for community, serving weekly in the worship ministry as well as serving with the Reliance Student Ministry.
Get to know Thales!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Audio & Technical Lead
Describe your job in five words?
Amplifying our church’s praise/worship
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?NFL Football Player. I grew up watching the San Diego Chargers
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee!
Go-to worship song?
Currently, “Canvas & Clay” by Pat Barrett, “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake, and “A Thousand Hallelujahs” by Brooke Ligertwood.
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
C. S. Lewis, Rod Thompson, Rebecca McLaughlin, Skye Jethani, and my best friend, Faith!
Food you can’t live without?
Fried chicken, spam, and rice.
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Mary and Joseph!
Favorite Quote of all time?
“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” – Oswald Chambers
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope is that those who call Reliance their home would be compassionate, generous, and a non-anxious presence as we learn to know, love, and serve Jesus.
Wayland Collins is the Video & Technical Lead here at Reliance Church. He, and his wife Shannon, have been attending and serving since the early days of Reliance back in 2008. Wayland has a heart to see the gospel spread through the use of technology and a passion to teach others how to do so and raise up leaders who know, love, and serve Jesus.
Wayland and his wife have one son, and together they love camping with friends, smoking/grilling meat, and serving Jesus as a family.
Get to know Wayland!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Video & Technical Lead (I am the man behind the curtain)
Describe your job in five words?
Spread the gospel through technology
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
To work in video production so that worked out for me. If that didn’t pan out either a Chef, truck driver, or pro wrestler.
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Summertime: Unsweetened Iced Tea. For a kick in the pants: Sugar-free Rockstar or Monster. And the rest of the time it’s whatever!
Go-to worship song?
“Jesus, Savior”, “Pilot Me” & “The Children’s Song”
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
First off, my wife who led me to the Lord and some very special pastors, they know who they are, but they have asked to remain nameless as to not receive there praise from man but their reward’s in Heaven. Also, my Menifee brothers and sisters from back
in the day when we called them “growth groups” and the Men’s Wednesday morning Bible study at Reliance.
Food you can’t live without?
Cow, Pig, Chicken. In that order
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
I say Amos. He was a hard-working farmer a true-blue collar man, “The salt of the earth type person.” He said it himself,” “I’m neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet.” He had no training as a prophet, and he wasn’t seeking to be one. God called him and he immediately stopped what he was doing and left to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Thus showing that God can use anyone – even me.
Favorite Quote of all time?
“There are two ways of doing things, the right way and every other way.” – My Dad
“It’s not how you fall; it’s how you get back up.” – Patrick Ness
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
To always live up to the name “Reliance” and always remember it’s “simply Jesus.”
Austin Belote serves as the AWANA Director as well as a Children’s Ministry Overseer here at Reliance Church. He began serving the Lord after a radical transformation in his mid-twenties. Austin was born in San Diego, CA, but grew up in Los Angeles. In 2009, he and his family moved to Temecula and made Reliance their home church. Over the years he has served in the men’s, home groups and marriage ministries, however, his passion is to share the wisdom and love of Jesus with the next generation through Reliance Kids Ministry. You’ll see him on Sundays serving in the classrooms alongside his wife Debbie, and three children, Aiden, Zoey, and Julianne.
Additionally, you will find him serving as the AWANA Director on Wednesday nights, and on the leadership team for our annual Vacation Bible School (Reliance Kids Games) during the summer break. When you see him at church, be sure to say hi – Austin would love to meet you!
Get to know Austin!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Children’s Ministry Overseer and AWANA Director
Describe your job in five words?
“They’ll never take…..our freedom!!!”
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Baseball player and a vocalist. God took both of those gifts away for a greater purpose.
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Black bean water! …I’m THAT guy.
Go-to worship song?
Currently: “Lord, Don’t Forsake Me” – Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My son, Aiden Belote, and Pastor Darius
Food you can’t live without?
Yes!!! (foodie)
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Ehud, a fellow left-hander… I just hope he never has a “secret message” for me.
Favorite Quote of all time?
“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” — Michael Scott
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
Ephesians 2:19-22 “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Krista Rull is an Administrative Assistant at Reliance Church for the Women’s Ministry. Her love for God’s people and ministry were cultivated through her time at Calvary Chapel Bible College and her service with the On The Edge Youth Program. Krista and her husband, Royce serve in the worship team, and occasionally in Reliance’s Student Ministries. They are excited to be a part of the great work that the Lord is doing at Reliance Church.
Get to know Krista!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Women’s Ministry Administrative Assistant
Describe your job in five words?
Organize all the women always.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
There WERE a few things: Doctor, Lawyer, Prima Ballerina and Teacher
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee. Give me a Chemex pour over any day.
Go-to worship song?
“Let My Words Be Few” by Shane & Shane
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?|
Besides God the Father giving us His Son, Jesus and giving us His Holy Spirit, I would say my heart for prayer is from my parents, my desire to wrestle with His word is from my friends, Faith Wake, Sara Holliday and Robin Lewis.
Food you can’t live without?
Fried Chicken. Chicken wings, please NEVER forsake me!
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Rufus’ mom who was like a mom to Paul – coolest shout out to a woman of faith and girl trip with Phoebe, the deliverer of the letter to the Romans from Romans 16!
Then with Priscilla, she was in the trenches of ministry with her husband! They displayed gentleness, faithfulness and grace to the churches. I would bet she had some phenomenal stories, and I love stories!
Favorite Quote of all time?
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” — C.S Lewis
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My hope for Reliance is that they would draw so near to Christ and bask in His wondrous light, that as they go about their day those who are around them would experience the warmth of Jesus!
Shannon Collins was born and raised in Fallbrook, CA, and has been attending Reliance Church since 2008. She serves as the Administrative Assistant, supporting the staff in day-to-day operations. Together with her husband Wayland, Shannon helps oversee the Marriage Ministry and is a part of the Tech Team with their son Dakota. Shannon has a heart for the families at Reliance Church as she also faithfully serves with Reliance Women.
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Administrative Assistant
Describe your job in five words?
Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Artist or Medical field
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
High Octane Java
Go-to worship song?
“”Great Are Your Lord” by Casting Crowns
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?|
Cousin Erica, Husband, Menifee Growth Group from long ago. You peeps know who you are!!!
Food you can’t live without?
Tacos I could eat tacos every day. Salad which I do eat every day. LOL
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Martha — She was brave, open, and honest with Jesus.
Favorite Quote of all time?
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” — Corrie Ten Boom “With great power, comes great responsibility.” – Voltaire (Uncle Ben in Spiderman stole it and quoted it!)
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
For people to fall deeply in love with Jesus.