Leadership

Before coming to Connecting Point, Brad Stockton served in  several churches in the Mid West region.  He says, "The greatest part of these pastoral experiences has been seeing loves transformed by the power of God!"

Brad's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary.

Brad has been married to Bethany for thirty years.

Brad's life mission is "To abide fully and continually in Christ the Vine in order to bear much fruit that lasts!" His life verse is John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (NKJV) 

Before becoming our Children's Pastor, Dana Olmstead was an elementary school teacher for 5 years. She says her greatest joy in life is seeing children grow in themselves and gain confidence in all that they do.

Dana's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development from California State University, Stanislaus and a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Stanislaus. She is currently attending Nazarene Bible College online as she completes her Ministry Preparation Program.

Dana's life mission is to serve and disciple the children within her life so they build a firm foundation in Christ as they grow up. The verse she backs her ministry with is, "Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won't depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, CEB)

I’ve been part of the CPNaz family for the past 32 years, alongside my husband, Chris. I serve as one of the church secretaries and am involved with both the local NMI team and the Outreach and Compassion/Congregational Care team. I also have the joy of teaching our Pre-K and Kindergarten class.

When I’m not at church, you’ll usually find me cooking, quilting, or working in my garden. Chris and I have been married for 41 years and share our home with our sweet cat, Abby. I love Jesus and am so thankful for His saving grace in my life. It’s a privilege to serve Him and be part of this church community. 

Heather and her husband, Jason, have joyfully called Connecting Point Church their home for nearly 18 years. Over the past two years, I’ve served in the Church Office as one of the Secretaries, and I’m also grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Children’s Leadership Team and the Discipleship and Evangelism Team.

Steve has been a part of the Connecting Point family for the past 15 years. He has served on the Board for the last 10 years, as Men's Director also for the last 10 years, and as the Building and Grounds Director for the last 7 years. Steve's favorite part of Connecting Point is the sense of family that the people bring.

Jeff has been attending Connecting Point with his wife LaVaun for the past 5 years. Jeff is our newest member on the Board joining this past year and has also recently become our Outreach and Compassions Ministry Team Lead. 

Dale has been a part of the Connecting Point family for 55 years. He has served on the Board for 48 inconsecutive years. Dale's favorite part of Connecting Point is the people. 

Caroline has been attending Connecting Point for the past 5 years. She currently serves on our Discipleship and Evangelism Team and is a member of our Communications Team. Caroline has served on our church board for the past 2 years. 

Barbara has been attending Connecting Point for the past 7 years with her husband, Elias. Barbara has served on our Church Board for the past 5 years, also serving on our Discipleship and Evangelism Team, Worship Team, and Children's Leadership Team. 

Suzy has attended Connecting Point for the past 38 years. She has served on the Board as the Secretary for the past 5 years. Her favorite part of Connecting Point is how the people that attend are like family. 

Becky has had the privilege of assisting her husband, Joel, in his role as worship leader at Connecting Point, and joined the worship team in the fall of 2021. Her love for music began to develop as a teenager and grew into a passion as she learned to play the piano, accordion, and the pipe organ. Becky grew up attending churches with excellent music programs which helped to develop her love for music that honors and glorifies God. Becky's parents instilled in her a love for the hymns and classical music which gave her not only a hobby that she loves, but also an avenue through which she can worship and honor her Heavenly Father. In their ministry here, Becky enjoys assisting Joel to create a balance of contemporary and traditional worship music with the goal of firstly honoring God, and secondly, helping our congregation to step into God’s presence and into a passionate relationship with Him. Becky has also served on our Church Board for the past 2 years, and is leading our Congregational Care Team through our Outreach and Compassion Team.

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Carole was born and raised in Denair.  She has been attending Connecting Point for 25 years. Carole is involved with the church's Women's Ministry, facilitates a Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, is a member of our Outreach and Compassion Team and has been serving on the Church Board for the past 4 years.

Skip began attending Connecting Point Church in 1994, and became a member in 1998.  He currently serves in the following ministries: Church Board, Church Treasurer, Usher/Greeter team leader and a member of the Buildings & Grounds Team.

Skip resides in Turlock and has been married to Carole since 1976, and they have two sons and eight grandchildren.

His relationship with the Lord is his most treasured possession, and he seeks to
faithfully serve within the Church community and beyond.

Chris and his wife, Pam, and have been attending CPNaz for 32 years. He has served as the NDI President and Discipleship & Evangelism Team leader for the last 3 years. Chris has taught growth classes on Sundays and Wednesdays for 30 years at CPNaz. He is currently our GriefShare leader at CPNaz, helping and serving church family and friends who are on their grief journey, as well as leading a Connecting Group in which we take a deep dive into our Pastor's sermons. Chris loves serving and ministering at CPNaz with my church family to bring all the glory to our awesome God.  

Trina is a dessert lover, bookworm, and aspiring artist, always on the lookout for simple joys and meaningful connections. She enjoys painting, selective crafting, and spontaneous road trips with her husband. All these interests are coming into play as she navigates her newly acquired retirement. The Carnes family was called to  Connecting Point in 2002 where they instantly felt welcomed, included, and loved.  Trina has served on the Women's Council since 2013 and began leading in 2018. 

Christie has attended Connecting Point for the past 26 years.  She and her husband, Craig, have 4 children: Madi, Cali, Noah, and Tommy. Christie has been serving as the NYI President and the Youth Director for the past 3 years. Her favorite part of Connecting Point is how the members of the congregation really love, serve, and take care of each other. 

Jonnie has attended Connecting Point her entire life. She has served as NMI President for the past 19 years. Her favorite part about Connecting Point is how we always support missions and our local community in need.  

Joel has had the honor of being the interim worship leader here at Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene since January of 2022 and has been on the worship team since 2009. Serving the Lord at CP Naz is very special to him as it is the church he has always called home; his parents met and married here over 50 years ago. Joel has a BA in Vocal Performance with a Church Music minor and an MA in Vocal Pedagogy. Joel has participated in a number of ensembles and musical stage productions including as a performer and vocal/music director. He is so thankful he gets to combine his love for Jesus and lifelong passion for music in service to God.