Pastor Paul Barnes is a graduate of the University of Illinois (B.A. in History and Philosophy) and Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary in Denver (Master of Divinity). Originally ordained in 1980 by the Evangelical Free Church of America, his ordination was transferred to Transformation Ministries in 2004. He has served as a pastor for 25 years, an Area Manager for Promise Keepers in Southern California for 4 years, a hospital chaplain for 6 years a police chaplain (volunteer) for 10 years, and a hospice chaplain the past 11 years. Since 1998 he has served as a transitional pastor for Transformation Ministries churches in Torrance, Alhambra, Sunland, Tustin, Santa Clarita, Banning and Crestline. Paul has been married to his wife, Sharon since 1973, and is the father of Peter and Paul and Father-in-Law of Joy. He lives in Tustin.

In his ministry as a transitional pastor, he loves to “prepare the way for the coming one" [the next permanent pastor] as John the Baptist did for Jesus. His passions are love for the Lord and his word, and love for people. You can reach Paul at the office at (626)339-7378 Ext. 12.

Favorite Bible Verse: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10


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David has been employed since 2005 working with youth, college and adult ministry classes. Reverend Kenney obtained his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. As the assistant, David runs the full gambit of church life from worship slides, to teaching weekly classes, to preaching to computer repair. David has recently abandoned his love for video games to spend more time playing with his son. You can reach David at the office at (626) 339-7378 Ext. 15.

Favorite Bible Verse: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

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Rev. Joanna Kenney has been part of Christ First Baptist since 1975 when she attended her first Sunday service at 6 days old and on staff since 2002. By growing up here, Joanna has grown to love the people and the ministry of Christ First and that is why she now serves alongside the rest of the staff to see lives changed by the love of Christ. She holds a B.A. from Azusa Pacific University in Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies (1997) an, M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary (2002) and was ordained by Christ First in the Fall of 2004. She and David live in Glendora CA. You can reach Joanna at the office at (626) 339-7378 Ext. 17.

Favorite Bible Verse: “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Philippians 3:7

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Dan Hawkins grew up in La Verne, and attended Azusa Pacific University, and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Education and Theory/Composition. Since graduation he has been teaching music at California High School in Whittier, where he conducts two choirs, teaches piano and Music Theory AP, and is the advisor of the Christian Club. Dan recently finished his studies at CSULA towards a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting, and most recently served as the Music Director for a modern worship service called Center at Glenkirk Church in Glendora.

Dan and his wife Kristi have been married since April of 2002. Kristi graduated with a degree in Youth Ministry, and was the Youth Director at Grace Church of La Verne. Together they have led overseas mission trips, worship and drama teams, and youth ministries.

Favorite Bible verse:  “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Psalms 33:1-3


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Janet joined Christ First Baptist Church in 2001 and soon became involved as a Coach in our Wednesday night TeamKID Children’s Ministry. In September 2006 she became Children’s Director to be able to coordinate our Nursery, Preschool and Elementary children’s ministry at Christ First. Having a relationship with Christ, and knowing the greatness of God’s love and protection for His children, from an early age, Janet desires to bring His promises to our children and their families. Janet believes it is not only a joy, but an honor to bring God’s word and lessons to children. Janet and her husband Mark have resided in Covina since 1982, and they have two beautiful daughters, Alex and Megan.

Favorite Bible Verse: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

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Nancy Hughes has been a member of Christ First Baptist Church for almost 50 years. She began her association with First Baptist School as a parent and then became a teacher. Nancy taught four year olds for 14 years. Nancy then served as Director of Children's Ministries for Christ First Baptist Church until she was called to become the new preschool director in 2001. Nancy has a love for young children and a desire to share Christ's love for them and their families. Nancy views her ministry as a chance to prepare young children for their upcoming years of formal education while sharing God’s love and encouraging them to enter into a personal relationship with our Jesus Christ. Nancy and her husband, John, have been married for over 30 years and have three grown children, two wonderful grandsons and a beautiful grandaughter.

Favorite Bible Verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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Favorite Bible Verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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Wes Trevor has had the opportunity to serve as the youth intern to High School students while finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from California State University San Bernardino, which is scheduled to be completed in summer of 2009. Wes’ youth ministry experience comes from a variety of venues ranging from volunteer High School leader to four years as an employee in Jr. High Ministries for Forest Home Christian Camps. His favorite activities, apart from spending time with his girlfriend Marla, are drinking coffee and having meaningful conversation, watching a good documentary or going for a long walk. You can reach Wes by facebook, myspace or his extension x

Favorite Bible Verse: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."  Philippians 2:14-16

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Vicki is a third generation member of Christ First Baptist Church of Covina, attending since birth. She has served in many capacities of leadership at Christ First and now thoroughly enjoys serving with Pastor Bob in the church office since 2001. Formerly, Vicki taught elementary school for 24 years. She and her husband Jerry, who owns PlasTech Manufacturing, have two adult children: Becky and Brad. The Lewis's enjoy motor-homing and travel. Vicki looks forward to receiving your phone calls in the church office on Monday-Wednesday, (626) 339-7378, Ext. 10.

Favorite Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

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Jyl is a fourth generation member of Christ First Baptist Church of Covina, attending since birth. She has served in many capacities of Children's Ministry at Christ First and now enjoys serving in the finance office for the past 8 years. She and her husband Douglas, who is the General Manager at Kana Pipeline, have an infant son: Mason McKai who is a frequent visitor to the church office. Jyl can answer your giving or financial questions in the church office on Tuesday through Friday, (626) 339-7378, Ext. 13.

Favorite Bible Verse: “The grass withers and the flowers fade but the Word of God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

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