Cherise Gardner: Lead Pastor

Pastor Cherise is a talkative, bookish, pickleball enthusiast who loves God and God’s people. Her life experiences, education, and mind for God’s Kingdom here on earth, all inform her ministry and enable her to reach others with humor, warmth, transparency, and strength. 

Pastor Cherise is passionate about the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Her life is dedicated to living by example and encouraging men and women how to live up to their full potential in Christ.

Cherise married her college sweetheart Hugh Gardner who is the balancing factor in her ministry. Together they are raising their amazing daughter Katelyn. Outside of work, Cherise enjoys spending time with her family and their monster dog Miss Mia, going to amusement parks with her daughter Katelyn, singing aloud to Christian music in her car (the only time her singing is appreciated), and creating innovative prayer stations.

Douglas Barahona: Associate Pastor

Douglas was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and migrated to the United States at the age of 7. He spent most of his life in Tacoma, Washington, where his teenage years were marked by gangs and drugs. God called him out of that lifestyle and into ministry to work with youth and serve those in the margins of society. In 2016, he earned his B.S. in Religion with an emphasis in pastoral care from Union College in Lincoln, NE, and in 2023, Pastor Doug graduated with his Masters in Divinity from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, MI.

Pastor Doug married Natalie Bruzon, a digital communications professional from Orlando, Florida, in 2016 and they are expecting their first baby in the fall of 2023.

Together they enjoy traveling, going to lowrider shows, and trying different foods. Pastor Doug is a sneakerhead.

Richard Kannenberg: Lead Elder

Richard Kannenberg, the Lead Elder of the Chico Adventist Church, is a man whose life has been shaped by the values instilled in him during his upbringing on a farm in North Dakota. From humble beginnings, Richard's journey has taken many unexpected turns, leading him to where he is today.

After completing his education, Richard graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He then pursued further specialization and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, dedicating an impressive 42 years of his life to the field.

However, Richard's life has not been without its challenges. His first wife of 50 years succumbed to a terminal illness. Following his retirement, Richard made the decision to move to Chico, it was here that he met and married Betty, 11 years ago.

Away from his church and professional commitments, Richard finds joy in good music, traveling, and ATV riding. But perhaps one of Richard's most appreciated pastimes is sharing stories within the framework of Jesus. Through his narrative abilities, he weaves together tales that uplift, inspire, and demonstrate the love of Christ.

As the Lead Elder of Chico Adventist Church, he continues to dedicate himself to serving God and his fellow church members with humility, compassion, and a relentless spirit.

Phyllis Hanks: Lead Elder

When she was close to retirement, Phyllis was asked what she planned to do. She said she planned to volunteer, write a “family devotional,” and do woodcarving. She volunteers at church and for Butte Hospice, writes some devotionals for the church newsletter as well as working on writing a devotional book for her family. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Lowell, in the workshop. She and her husband have three children and four grandsons.

Her life goal is to live out her God-given identity in Christ.

Chris Kam: Creative Ministries Director

For the past 20 years, Chris has been writing his employee bios in the third person.

Throughout these two decades, Chris has taken the lead in coordinating a variety of creative and music ministries. From summer camps to churches and universities, Chris has brought his passion for igniting the creative drives in people.

Chris strongly believes that everyone has a spark within them, a unique gift waiting to be unleashed. With this conviction, he tirelessly works to help individuals recognize and nurture their talents, empowering them to share their sparks with the world around them.

Rather than spending time writing about his accomplishments, Chris would much prefer to fill each moment with the invitation to come and witness the exciting experiences awaiting. He longs to welcome people to explore the transformative encounters that are in store for them.

Church Elders

Jim Logan

Richard Kannenberg

Jerry Waters

Hugh Gardner

Ron Hivale

Beth Johnston

Kurt Johnson

Della Nicola

OC Osifo

Laura Maas

Suzie Willhite

Phyllis Hanks