Guy Fox - Lead Pastor

Guy is a California native who loves baseball, ice cream, and hanging out with his family. A graduate of Pacific Christian College, he has traveled all over the world on mission trips, but has never been to the Grand Canyon. He is married to Kathy, the woman of his dreams, and with three boys, their house is rarely quiet. When not coaching his boys or cheering on the Chargers, he is probably scheming how to get rid of the family cat, Samantha. After 14 years in Youth Ministry, God called Guy and his family to Murrieta to plant a great church with many great people like you. He loves reaching out to people with the love of Jesus and would like to meet you some time soon.

Craig Wilson - Associate Pastor: Worship & Children Ministry

Craig is a certified hockey nut! Watching, playing and video gaming. He also enjoys writing and playing music. He was born and raised in Southern California, although you won’t find him at the beach much do to his serious lack of tan. He is married to his beautiful wife Julie Wilson and they have two sons who keep them both very busy. Craig has been involved in innovative children’s ministry for 15 years. He has a passion to see your kids understand who God is and how much He loves them. He also wants them to have more fun than possible while doing it! Craig has had the privilege of leading worship for Venture over the past couple of years and seeing God develop a team of talented musicians and singers with a heart for serving God. Craig enjoys camping and fishing in the Sierras and Sushi with friends.

Lorenzo Villafranco - Associate Pastor: Administration & Men's Ministry

Lorenzo is a Southern California local. Although, having partly lived in God’s country (Idaho), he enjoys camping, fishing, skiing, and virtually anything adventurous whenever possible. He is married to his beautiful wife Monica and they have a daughter and son who keep them entertained with Hanna Montana singing performances and Michael Jackson dance moves. Over the last ten years, Lorenzo has served at New Venture Christian Fellowship, Calvary Chapel, and Venture Christian Church, with a passion for Men’s Ministries. He helped start Venture as a new church plant in Murrieta and has been involved since its inception. Also, Lorenzo is a Veteran and former Marine who served in Desert Storm and is continuing to “fight the good fight” at Venture Christian Church.

Chris Ripko - Elementary Director

Growing up, Chris always wanted to work with wildlife. His parents took him to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World frequently. When most kids were watching cartoons, he would be watching animal documentaries. Sadly, he is horribly allergic to animals. With no real career direction, he went to college and got a history degree. Not knowing what career to pursue, he reached out to others for advice concerning his situation. Surprisingly, a number of people thought that he'd make a great elementary school teacher. More than one person told him, "If you like working with wild animals, you should be an elementary school teacher!" With the encouragement of his family, Chris decided to place the situation in God's hands and get a multiple subject teaching credential. Today, he is substitute teaching all over Riverside County. In addition, he has been blessed with the opportunity to serve the kids at Venture with his wife in Blast on Sunday mornings and fulfill numerous obligations as Venture's Elementary Director. 

Felice Hill - Early Childhood Director

Felice is a teacher at heart. She has been working with kids of all ages for over 15 years. She loves reading, singing, and spending time with her family. Combining those three at the beach is what she will do any chance she gets. She is married to Shawn, her junior high sweetheart, and has two beautiful children. With a toddler, and infant in the Venture nursery and preschool classes, she feels a strong connection to the KidVenture program. She is committed to having a safe place for kids to feel the love of God, and learn about his promises through fun, and memorable experiences.

Denise Ciauri - Women's Ministry Director

I am a native Californian and have lived in Murrieta for the past 23 years. I live here with my husband and best friend, Rick, and have a wonderful daughter, Kylie, and son-in-law, Kyle. (too cute!)

I can't remember a time in my life where I didn't have a knowledge of Jesus Christ and His love for me, thanks to my wonderful parents.

I am a 1st grade teacher in Murrieta and I love teaching children to read.

I enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, even better when it is accompanied by a chat with a good friend. I like cooking, entertaining, and decorating. I enjoy neighborhood walks with my hubby. I love to read. Jane Austen and Jan Karon are two of my favorite fiction authors. I have read almost every book by Elizabeth George.

My favorite movie is about C.S. Lewis called Shadowlands.

Even though I grew up in Southern California, my dad taught me to ice skate as a little girl and I am still pretty good at it!

Aaron Bonafede - High School Director

 Aaron Bonafede is married to his best friend and high school sweetheart Christa. They have two beautiful daughters Mikayla and Brooklynn. They moved to Menifee about four years ago and love it out here in the I.E. Yes even the summers.

As his family and friends will tell you he loves to do anything that involves exercise. You can find Aaron at the gym 5-6 days a week or riding his mountain bike with his brother-in-law Shawn. Aaron also loves mixed martial arts (UFC, ultimate fighting, whatever you know it by).

Aaron has a great time getting to know the youth at Venture, this group has continued to grow and he is looking forward to being able to reach out to even more kids. His goal is to help each and every one of them grow as a Christian and see their purpose in this ever-changing world we live in.

Interesting facts about Aaron:

• He can grow hair and if I do it is crazy curly
• He can juggle
• He is the only official Venture Band roadie
• He has a few tattoos
• He and his wife have been together longer than half their lives

Beau Davis - Jr. High Director

Beau is our resident Texan; evident by his cowboy boots and occasional twang. Beau is involved in multiple ministries with Venture Christian Church as the Junior High Youth Ministry Director and a member of the worship team. For years Beau has been passionate about youth recreation, so much so he went on to graduate from Texas A&M University in Recreation Administration (yes it's a real major). Before moving to California in 2007 he was a Director at a Summer Camp in West Texas Currently Beau works as the Recreation Coordinator of teen and adult programs for the City of Murrieta. Beau is excited to see not only the spiritual growth of these young men and women but the group unity as well.

Jill Foster - Adventure Island Preschool Director

Kelly Neve - Board Member

Photography by www.michaelsrondaphotography.com.