Meet the Staff

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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.

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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.

 

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.