Madelyn has been in ministry from day one. Born to missionaries, and pastors, she has been a part of the church scene from a young age. She has worked in worship ministry since 15 years old, and has always had a heart for serving Jesus and shining His love upon others.

In the fall of 2021, Madelyn moved to Sweden to attend YWAM. After outreach in Malaysia, she felt the Lord call her back to her home town to serve in the church full time. Since then, she has been working under Pastor Rob, learning about Worship ministry, and taking care of lose ends around the church. She also serves as a IYG leader alongside her husband, Aidan. 

Madelyn and Aidan married in June of 2024, and they have been enjoying the newness of marriage with their fur baby, Milo. 

Pastor Rob became the Senior Pastor in April of 2012 following a 2 1/2 year transition of leadership. Prior to that Rob served as Associate Pastor at Oak Valley Church in Oakdale, CA.

After dedicating his life to Christ in High School, Rob became very active in his faith, leading worship and doing inner-city evangelism (in places such as Hollywood CA, New York, and Dallas TX). Having a heart for the nations, Rob traveled on short-term trips to Mexico, Norway, Ukraine, and Guatemala where in 2002 he, his wife and (at the time) 2 children moved full-time to serve in the mission field. Upon returning to the states in 2005, he served as associate pastor in Central California for 4 years before returning to his home town of Big Bear, where he served as Associate Pastor until becoming the Senior Pastor of Big Bear Christian Center in 2012.

Rob has been married to Shannon since 1996 and together have raised and home schooled their 4 children aging from 16-27. Simple things in life like walks with his family and camping trips bring joy and refreshing to him.

We are grateful to have Jesse Rogers as part of our leadership team.  She has been working with youth ministry since 2008.  Jesse grew up in Big Bear and attended church here at The Journey Church (formerly known as Big Bear Christian Center).  During her high school years, Jesse served as a student leader in the youth group, and after graduation, Jesse traveled with a ministry group called the New Life Drama Company ministering at churches and events across the United States doing skits and dancing for the Lord.

After moving to Maui in 2008  where she worked full time for a timeshare company, Jesse once again became very active in ministry as she worked with the Middle School, High School and Young adult’s ministry at Hope Chapel. Jesse has continued her education along the way completing various classes at Hope Chapel and TJC in the areas of Discipleship and Old Testament studies.

In 2012 Jesse returned to Big Bear and began serving on the leadership team here at The Journey working with the youth. She assumed full  leadership of Illuminate Youth Group in 2015 and was certified as a Christian Worker through the church in 2016. In addition to being the youth director with IYG she works full time as the Prevention Program Director for Rim Family Services, focusing on the prevention of underage drinking and drug abuse.

Jesse absolutely adores the students she works with and is grateful to the Lord for the opportunity she has to speak truth and life into their lives.

Elise and Michael Valenzuela both grew up in Big Bear Lake and have been long-time members of The Journey Church. Elise first learned about the love of Jesus in the very classroom she now teaches in. Michael has been studying at Liberty University for a BAS Degree in Religion and Christian Ministries, further equipping him to lead the next generation. Together they have two small children both dedicated to the church, who can often be found hanging out by the snack table. Shortly after becoming members of The Journey Church, Elise and Michael felt led to become the directors of Kidzone. Planting seeds, exploring discipleship, and digging into the Bible are the main focus of Kidzone. Each lesson is filled with games, crafts, prizes, and laughter ensuring every child feels welcomed and loved."