EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LEAD PASTOR OF PIPELINE.CHURCH

Growing up in a pastor’s home in Southern California, Jeff experienced a call to ministry in a powerful way while on a mission trip in Siberia, Russia. Jeff attended Azusa Pacific University (’94-’98) on scholarship for both Track and Football where he was a 8-time all-American and a four-time national champion with the track team. With a degree in both christian ministries and philosophy. Jeff married his college sweetheart (Cindy Dykstra) shortly after graduation from APU and began the journey of leading within the church full-time. For the last 24 years, Jeff and Cindy Atherton have served as a response to the call of God in their lives. Today, Jeff and Cindy live in Visalia and have three beautiful daughters: Rylie, Rhayana, Rowyn.

LEAD PASTOR
CHRIST’S COMMUNITY CHURCH

Tyler Thompson, Lead Pastor of Christ's Community Church in Glendale, Arizona, is excited to be a part of the GROW Network Leadership Team. Tyler is married with three kids and loves to participate with God in growing healthy leaders in healthy churches. In addition to ministry in the local church, Tyler is completing his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Denver Seminary, teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University, and is engaged in the arts community in Phoenix and elsewhere.

LEAD PASTOR
TULARE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Ryan serves as the Lead Pastor at Tulare Community Church in Tulare, CA. A native of California, Ryan is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Western Theological Seminary, and hopes to pursue a Doctor of Ministry degree in the coming year. Ryan is interested in the way that the Gospel shapes and informs every facet of human life and utilizes this reality as a basis for his leadership and preaching. Ryan is married to the love of his life, Claire, a native of Detroit, and is a proud and (constantly) humbled father. He particularly enjoys beating Jeff at golf and engaging in any other physical pursuits that find their way into his life. He is eager to see what God is up to in this new expression of His Church and is grateful to be along for the ride.

EXECUTIVE PASTOR
CALVARY CHURCH OF RIPON

Phil came to Ripon California in 2018 and serves as the Executive Pastor at Calvary Reformed Church. He grew up in Northwest Indiana, only about 30 miles from Wrigley Field, home of his beloved Chicago Cubs! Phil and Shari have been married for 24 years and have three children, plus a mini Australian shepherd:) Phil spent ten years as a public school teacher after graduating from Purdue University. He also received his Masters in Education and Principal License at Indiana Wesleyan University. Phil is currently enrolled at Fuller Theological Seminary. Phil enjoys visiting the mountains, the lakes and the ocean whenever possible. He also enjoys watching and playing sports. His favorite part of ministry is building relationships and seeing God work in and through His people for His purposes. Phil is pretty confident that he could beat Ryan in tennis, too, but he never brings his racket to Ripon!

EXECUTIVE PASTOR

TULARE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Ty Davis was born and raised in Tulare, CA. He loves his community and serves wherever he can. He works as the Executive Pastor at Tulare Community Church and the Executive Director of Reaching Higher, a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to introducing true hope to all kids. He's happily married to his wife, Shaun, and has a five-year-old daughter named Willow. He enjoys golfing in his free time and loves sharing the good news of Jesus with anyone who will listen.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
PIPELINE.CHURCH

Rylie Atherton is a recent graduate from Concordia University Irvine. Raised in the church as a pastor's kid, Rylie has developed a strong sense of service and a commitment to helping others. With a passion for organization and efficiency, Rylie is happy to assist with any administrative needs.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

PIPELINE.CHURCH

Emily works at Pipeline Church as an Executive Administrative Assistant and serves as the Financial Secretary. A graduate of Vanguard University, Emily brings a strong background in organization and financial management to her role. She is passionate about serving others and is always eager to assist with any administrative needs.