
MEET OUR LEADERS
Pastors
I grew up in a Christian home and trusted Christ at an early age. I have been married to Davette, the love of my life, for nearly 40 years. We have two married daughters, one granddaughter, and two grandchildren due in January. I was a biblical studies major at Biola and have graduate degrees in New Testament and Christian Apologetics from Biola/Talbot. I have been a pastor at RHC since 1992 and became Lead Pastor in 2002. One of the great joys in my life is serving the Lord by serving this family! I root for the LA sports teams and I love anything to do with nature, astronomy & physics and especially family!
Robert Bishop
Lead Pastor
I'm married to my college sweetheart April and we have four lovely kids. I've always called Southern California home, but didn't always call the church home -- God arrested my attention in high school and by his grace, I haven't looked back. My time at Biola, Torrey Honors College and Talbot School of Theology (M. Div.) was also transformative for me. I have a passion for understanding and applying the Bible in our everyday lives and in our homes. We've been gratefully calling RHC our church home since 2019 and are so thrilled to be a part of this community! I love Anaheim sports, coffee, literature, movies, music, and a host of nerdy things that aren't as cool to mention in a bio.
Derek Brover
Family Ministries Pastor
Staff

I was born and raised in Southern California, so every major event in my life occurred here with the exception of meeting my wife Jackie and marrying her 43 years ago in Missouri. I have three adult children and four grandchildren. I have spent a good portion of my life as a high school coach and a servant of Jesus. When people ask me what I do, I respond, “I am a brofessor, a teacher, and mentor of men.” I have experienced wonderful blessings and extreme failure and can testify that God has always been faithful. I love the NBA, basketball and the Lakers. I especially enjoy and love studying the scripture with other men.
Chet Beatty
Men's Ministry Director

Hi, I'm Melissa! I'm a SoCal transplant, originally from the East Coast. When I was 18, Jesus flooded my darkness with his light and changed my life. I started off in campus ministry serving on staff with Cru. I went on to complete an MA in Theological Studies at Covenant Seminary with my eyes set on discipleship and service in the church. I'm currently pursuing certification in Biblical Counseling through CCEF because I truly believe God's word offers wisdom and help for so many of life's struggles. I'm passionate about helping women love God by loving his word and I count it a privilege to help others grow. My favorite role is that of being a wife to Uche and mom to my 3 amazing kids. You'll often find me enjoying a latte, trying a new recipe, or reading a good book!
Melissa Anizor
Women's Ministry Director

I grew up in the Czech Republic as a missionary kid, and God drew me to Himself at a young age. From early on, God used music in defining ways to really deepen my relationship with Him. After moving to Southern California for college, I met my amazing wife, Alice, and we’ve loved planting roots here at RHC. I have a passion for singing His praise and helping others worship Him more freely through music. When I’m not making music, you’ll most likely find me at the beach surfing—something I’ve quickly come to love since living in SoCal.
Nate Brown
Worship Director

Hi! My name is Michele. My husband, Andrew, and I have been married for 18 years and we have three kids. I started attending Redemption Hill Church when I came to Southern California as a college student from Portland, OR and I love this church body. I am significantly passionate about training and equipping parents for discipleship in their homes. I also really love helping kids learn how to worship Jesus Christ. In my free time, I love to escape to the mountains to go hiking and camping with my family. If the mountains are too far away, I'm happy to start a new sewing project or embark on a favorite puzzle!
Michele Lindquist
Redemption Kids Director

Hi, I’m Peter! I’m a playful, passionate SoCal native. Jesus changed my life in high school—turning facts I agreed with into fountains of joy and purpose, and transforming a set of morals into a treasured way of life shared with a Person. Redemption Hill has been my church family since my third week at Biola in 2014. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Biola and Talbot and graduated with a BA in Bible & Theology and an MA in Ministry & Leadership. I love walking alongside high school students and young adults to help them grow in prayerful intimacy with God, in joyful love for others, and in courageously leading the lost to Christ. Outside ministry, I enjoy sports and outdoor adventures, like hiking, camping, and backpacking.
Peter Brown
Student Ministries
& Young Adults Director

Hi, I'm Cortnie! I'm married to my best friend Xander, who I met at Biola while earning my BA in Bible, Theology, & Ministry. Although I trusted in Jesus at an early age, in my teenage years God captured my heart in profound new ways -- especially through women who spent time with me, modeling Christlikeness, listening, and sharing Biblical wisdom. The Lord used these women to change my life and my relationship with Jesus. Ever since, it's been my dream to serve the Church through discipleship with young women, like Scripture speaks of in Titus 2. At RHC, I'm blessed to get to do exactly that in HSM! I love cooking, creative projects, and caring for my many houseplants.
Cortnie Gonzaga
Communications Director
& Assistant High School Director

Hi! I’m Stephen, originally from Grass Valley California, and I have the joy of serving as the Junior High Director at RHC. I’m passionate about helping students to personally be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and bring others to Jesus. God captured my heart in high school with His radical grace, and ever since, I’ve wanted to help others experience the same life-changing love. When I’m not with students, you’ll likely find me outdoors, playing guitar, cooking up new recipes, or exploring new places. One verse that keeps me grounded is Colossians 1:28–29—it reminds me this work is all about creating a space in his strength where Jesus is known, honored, and loved. I’d love to connect, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Stephen De Sena
Junior High Director

I was blessed to be born and raised in a Christian home, where God was honored and worshipped. I accepted Christ Jesus as my Savior at age 14, and I'm the oldest of seven - my siblings are all believers by His grace. I met my wife in college, and we have been married 57 years this year. We have two children who are also on their own journey with the Lord. Music ministry has been my vocation for over 30 years, and we have been members of Whittier Hills (now Redemption Hill Church) since 1995. Recently God has allowed me to serve Him in the Care Ministry to the family of believers here at RHC. I enjoy music of all kinds, especially big bands of the 40's.
Dave Olney
Visitation Director

Dwight & I met at Whittier Hills Baptist Church, now called Redemption Hill, in the college group back in 1981, calling RHC our home for well over 40 years now. Growing up in a pastor's home in Henderson, Nevada; Dwight as a missionary kid from Pakistan, we were brought up in loving homes that pointed us to Christ, accepting Him at an early age to be our Lord & Savior. We have 4 grown children, 3 are married, and 3 grandkids. A lover of music, I have loved being part of the Worship Ministry in various ways over the years. My love for music & my passion for people often intertwine as I offer care with words from a song to minister to their soul or help them give Praise. My favorite color is purple & I enjoy chocolate, coffee and going to Tea.
Lynette Burton
Care Coordinator
& Pastoral Administrative Assistant

Hi, I'm Helen! I'm a proud grandma to three wonderful grandkids, with one on the way. My husband Brian and I have been married for 42 years. I came to know Jesus as a child at VBS and later made a deeper commitment to Him as a young adult. He has been my rock, and I've experienced His faithfulness throughout my life. RHC has been our church for many years. I enjoy studying God's Word and learning how He works in our everyday life. I enjoy my morning coffee, journaling, and my afternoon tea. I also love musicals, costumes, going to Disneyland. My passion is using the skills God has gifted me to serve our RHC family. My greatest joy is spending time with my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren.
Helen Walker
Administrative Assistant &
Facilities Manager

I’m a 23 year-old Biola Grad! In 2012 my parents felt the calling to start their own church in San Diego California and my passion for ministry began there. From a young age my love for worship has always been evident and in 2022 I decided to pursue the major of worship arts at Biola university. As of June 2025, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to continue my worship ministry journey here at Redemption Hill. I love Basketball (go lakers), music, and movies!
Gabe Corpuz
Worship Intern
Elders

Robert Bishop

Derek Brover

Ken Berding

John Marriott

Alan Hultberg

John Kimble

Seth Nydegger

