Meet the Staff
Pastor Phil Hamner
Lead Pastor
Pastor Phil has been a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene since 1988. He has served churches in Texas, Missouri, Indiana, and Kansas before arriving in California in 2019. He and his wife, Rebecca, have been married since 1987. They have one son, Evan. Pastor Phil is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BA), Nazarene Theological Seminary (MDIV with honors), and has done graduate work at the University of Texas-Austin, and the University of Manchester, England. His favorite activities include hiking, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his wife on the beach.
Pastor Grady Gillespie
Family Pastor
Privileged to serve as the family life pastor. My first experience at Highland was as a student in the youth group in 2003. I have witnessed the love and compassion of this church as they watched me grow up. I have been on staff here since 2008 and love participating in the same ministry that introduced me to God as a high school student. I studied youth ministry and completed my MDiv from Azusa Pacific University. My wife and I have two boys who always make life a fun adventure. In our free time, we enjoy sports, camping, riding ATVs and Jet Ski’s, and exploring God’s creation.
Keaton Stout
Worship Arts Director
Keaton is honored to serve as the Worship Arts Director at HACC. Originally from Vacaville, California, Keaton discovered his love for both music and ministry early in life, with that passion deepening over the years. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music & Worship from Azusa Pacific University, where he was trained not only in musical excellence but also in the heart of leading in worship.
Keaton enjoys playing trumpet, piano, guitar, and singing, and he loves pointing people to Christ through authentic, Spirit-led worship. Outside of ministry, Keaton enjoys making music, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the outdoors.
Candice Ellison
Office Administrator and Financial Secretary
I am blessed to be apart of the Highland Avenue Community Church staff. I have taught, directed, and facilitate in staff development in Early Childhood Education for for 25 years. It is a pleasure to work along side the school and church staff.