Gary Venden, Lead Pastor
Pastor Gary has been in ministry since 1979, and presently pastors the Glendale church in Phoenix, AZ, where he and his wife Marilynn have served since 1997. Gary carries a special passion for the message of “Righteousness by Faith” which he learned from his cousin and mentor, Pastor Morris Venden. Daily seeking a deeper personal friendship with Jesus has been the anchor point of his life and ministry. Gary counts it a privilege to join his cousin Lee Venden in continuing to proclaim this vital and life-changing message through the All About Jesus Revival Seminar.
Myles Reiner, Associate Pastor
Pastor Myles joined the pastoral team at the Glendale Church in January 2010. In March 2016 the Arizona Conference merged the Glendale Church with Phoenix Central Church to form a new district. As the associate pastor, Myles was given oversight for the Phoenix Central Church in addition to his duties at Glendale. Since May 2015, Myles has led out in a weekly study which focuses on the 28 fundamental beliefs of the SDA Church. Myles and his wife Patty have five adult children and five grandchildren. Spending time with family is an important part of their lives. They cherish their time with God, sharing His goodness, enjoying nature, doing road-trips, especially on their motorcycle.
Eddie Turner, Associate Pastor
Pastor Eddie has served in various ministry functions within the Glendale church for the last 9 years. He joined the ministerial team as an Associate Pastor officially in 2018, where his focus on Youth Ministry and Men's Ministry fit perfectly with his passion. Eddie continues to serve as the Chaplain for Glenview Adventist Academy and the Bible teacher for the middle school grades. Eddie also serves as pastor of the Maricopa Village SDA Church and school, on the Gila River Reservation, working closely with Native American Ministries. Eddie has a Masters Degree in Theology from Grand Canyon University with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. He has 3 children and considers being a father the greatest joy of his life.
Adriana Valencia, Pastoral Assistant
Pastor Adriana loves to spend time with Jesus through prayer and the Scriptures. She has attended at Glendale since 2012 and led out in various ministries and Sabbath School classes, and has been an Elder since 2017. Adriana received her B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University in 2002 and worked in management for over 10 years in various industries such as manufacturing and renewable energy. Ms. Valencia is a proud mommy of 5 beautiful children: Joseph, Tommy, Mikey, Isaiah, and Sophia. In 2021, the Lord called Adriana to ministry, and in March 2022, she accepted a position under the leadership of Pastor Gary Venden.
Patty Reiner, Church Secretary
Patty has been part of the Glendale Church Family since 2001. She has served as an Elder since 2006 and as church secretary and clerk since 2010. She counts it a joy and privilege to work for the Lord and His people. She is married to her best friend, and Glendale associate pastor, Myles Reiner. Together they have 5 grown children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with Jesus (abiding), reading His word, time with family and friends, playing with the grandkids, time in nature, going on walks, road trips, motorcycle rides with her husband, and sharing with others the great things that God has done.
Mike Wood, Church Treasurer and Physical Plant Manager
Mike, and his wife Kathy, have been an vital part of the Glendale Church Family for over three decades. Mike has served as treasurer and head of Physical Plant Management for more than 20 years. Mike and Kathy, have three adult children and five grandchildren. Nobody knows the inner workings of the church campus quite like Mike. Thank you, Mike and Kathy, for all you do!
Brian Allison, School Principal
Mr. Allison is the principal of Glenview Adventist Academy, a K-8 Christian school on the Glendale Church campus. With a student body of about 150 great kids and a staff of dedicated teachers, Glenview offers a great education where Christ is at the center of every subject. Mr. Allison has been leading our school since 2015.
More information: https://www.glenviewadventistacademy.org/