AWC and Cave Creek Churches Partner for Pentecost 2025 Outreach
BY GREG HOENES
The hope is that what has been shared will grow in people’s hearts and minds...
When Pastor Bobby McGhee, district pastor of the Adventist Worship Center (AWC) and Cave Creek Churches, learned about the North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 Proclamation Initiative, he recognized it as the perfect opportunity for outreach and revival. Both churches enthusiastically agreed to participate.
Since AWC rents its worship space, Sabbath services at AWC were used as bookends to begin and end an eight-meeting series hosted throughout the week at the Cave Creek church. Dr. Greg Hoenes, district pastor from Southern California (serving the Hollywood Adventist and Burbank Greg Hoenes was invited to be the guest speaker for the AWC and Cave Creek Meetings. churches), was invited to be the guest speaker. Hoenes’ Hollywood Adventist church had also signed up for the Pentecost 2025 initiative. Both the Arizona and California church districts shared similarities in size, worship style, and vision. When McGhee extended the invitation, Hoenes saw it as an opportunity to develop a series that could bless not only the two Arizona churches but also his congregations in California. The two pastors, longtime friends, were also eager to share in ministry and fellowship together.
Nightly, in-person attendance ranged from 12 to 20 participants, while the Facebook livestream, available for later viewing, consistently drew over 400 views per night. Plans are underway to upload the series to YouTube, allowing it to reach an even wider audience in the future.
The series focused on humanity through the lens of the incarnate Christ, exploring the complexities of human experience and the ways people often emphasize trivial matters when discussing sin while overlooking the true destructiveness of evil. Topics included the importance of spiritual growth, faith development, understanding Scripture, keeping the commandments, and embracing the Sabbath. Each presentation incorporated Adventist doctrine, presented in a way that addressed modern questions and encouraged deeper reflection rather than relying on traditional proof-texting methods.
Each night, attendees and online viewers were invited to “Consider Jesus”—to see Him as the center of faith, the model of full humanity, and the pathway to knowing God.
Although the long-term impact is yet to be seen, Hoenes expressed optimism: “The hope is that what has been shared will grow in people’s hearts and minds in meaningful and life-changing ways.”
Early feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling a renewed sense of mission and spiritual revival.
Hispanic Ministries Pastoral Restructuring Plan
BY JEFF ROGERS
The Arizona Conference Hispanic Ministries Department has implemented a pastoral restructuring plan designed to strengthen ministry, improve regional coverage, and enhance support for local congregations across the state. This plan reflects a prayerful effort to align pastoral leadership with the growing needs of Hispanic churches and communities throughout Arizona. The catalyst for this redistricting began when Pastor Angel Rodriguez took a call to Northern California, leaving the West Valley Spanish District pulpit open. This restructuring supports the conference’s ongoing commitment to empower local churches, expand evangelism, and foster spiritual growth across Arizona’s Hispanic communities.
Timeline of Restructuring Plan:
- May 17: Pastor Alfredo Trevedan began serving the West Valley District, which includes West Valley Adventist Spanish and Glendale Spanish.
- July 5: Pastor Renato Valenzuela began serving as the pastor of the Phoenix Central Spanish Church
- September 6: Pastor Luis Jimenez began serving the East Valley District, which includes East Valley Spanish, Shalom Spanish, and Faro del Este Group.
- October 18: Pastor Bersain Alvarado began serving the Yuma District, which includes Yuma Spanish, San Luis Spanish, and the Foothills Group.
- November 1: Pastor Antulio Espinoza assumed leadership of the Tucson Central Church, which also includes Grupo del Este.
- December 14: Pastor Jose Pablo Chan Bonnabel began serving the Deer Valley District, covering the Deer Valley Spanish, Peoria Spanish, and El Mirage Spanish churches.
- January 11, 2026: Pastor Saul Ayala will begin his ministry in the Tucson Esperanza and Tucson Sur Spanish churches.
- January 25, 2026: Pastor Uridam Cipriano will lead the Monte Vista District, serving Monte Vista Spanish, Monte de Sion, and Laveen Spanish churches.
- February 8, 2026: Pastor Saul Perez-Baro will begin pastoring the Avondale District, which includes Avondale Spanish and Buckeye Spanish churches.
Clearview Church Celebrates “Church in the Park”
BY JEFF ROGERS
On Sabbath, October 25, the Clearview Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered outdoors at White Tanks Regional Park for a special family-focused worship service. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, members enjoyed a day of fellowship, worship, and connection.
The Pathfinder Club, led by Pastor Bill Lindeman, camped overnight at the park, setting the tone for the weekend’s theme of community and togetherness. Sabbath afternoon, the Pathfinders planned to work on earning their Reptile Honor, combining learning, faith, and nature exploration.
With the backdrop of the White Tank Mountains framing the stage area, church members participated in a Sabbath School panel, a song service, a children’s story, and worship. Following the morning divine worship program, a delicious potluck spread continued to emphasize community and fellowship.
The event highlighted the value of family time, outdoor ministry, and spiritual renewal. Many participants shared how refreshing it was to worship under the open sky, reminding everyone that church is not confined to a building—but is wherever God’s people gather in His name.
Mesa Palms Church Welcomes Dale Tunnell
BY JEFF ROGERS
On Sabbath, November 1, the Mesa Palms Seventh-day Adventist Church warmly welcomed Pastor Dale Tunnell and his wife, Cheryl, to their new pastoral ministry. The installation service was led by Elder Reggie Leach, who officiated the ceremony, with Elder Van Bledsoe offering a heartfelt dedication prayer.
Pastor Tunnell brings with him a rich history of service to the church, having dedicated many years to ministry in Asia, including the most recent chapter of his career in Hanoi, Vietnam. His international experience has shaped his passion for cross-cultural ministry, discipleship, and gospel outreach.
Tunnell noted the leading of God. “When this church began praying about a new pastor, Cheryl and I were praying about a church family when we returned to the United States,” he said. “God answered both our prayers.”
The Mesa Palms congregation expressed joy and anticipation for the leadership and spiritual depth that Pastor and Mrs. Tunnell bring to their church family.
