Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Dr. Jim Johnston

SENIOR PASTOR

My wife, Lisa, and I are so happy to be part of the Camelback family!

I began following Jesus as a young boy in Minnesota, and we soon moved back to France where my parents served as missionaries. Some of my earliest memories are waking up early and heading downstairs to read the Bible with my dad on his lap.
We moved from France to Deerfield, IL while I was in grade school, so I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. I attended Wheaton College (1988) and went on to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for a M.Div. and eventually a Ph.D. (New Testament). Our family spent a memorable year at Tyndale House, Cambridge, where I worked on my dissertation. I have been a pastor for some 30 years.

Lisa and I met when I was the Singles Pastor at College Church in Wheaton, IL—that’s a fun story for another time! We have been married since 1996 and God has blessed us with four wonderful children: Claire, Julia, Sarah, and Andrew.
I love hiking, reading, long road trips, and National Parks. But most of all, I love the church. I look forward to meeting you!

Jon Rich

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

I’ve spent the last 30 years as a leader in the public, business and religious communities with experience serving in a variety of roles.  From 1989 through 2001, I was a professional firefighter and EMT-A, working on the front lines of emergency services in Sandpoint, Idaho. I left the Fire Service after starting my own business at the age of 31. Together with my partners and staff, we quickly established a reputation for excellence and innovation in the building integration, automation, and wireless broadband industries.  This led to the successful sale of the business in 2007.
Following the sale of the business, I felt a calling into ministry, and in 2008, I accepted a position as Worship and Creative Arts Pastor for LIFEchurch360 in the Seattle area with a deep passion for serving others and spreading the gospel. In 2019, I was hired as the Executive Pastor of Administration at The Grove Church in Marysville, Washington. In this role, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of the church, managing a large staff and ensuring the smooth functioning of facilities, finances and technology.
Recently, my wife Angie and I decided to fulfill a dream by moving to Phoenix to be closer to family, enjoy more sunshine and a lot less rain. It wasn’t on my “radar” to  serve as the Director of Administration here at Camelback Bible Church.  But God has a way to put us where we need to be if we trust and follow Him.  It’s been quite a ride! 

Bijan Mahlouji 

PASTOR OF STUDENTS

I grew up in a Christian home where my family went to church every Sunday and I attended a Christian school as well. Ever since my elementary school days, God put in my heart a conviction of His holiness and my sinfulness. As I got older, I began to see my sin more and more, but I also began to see how God’s grace went deeper and deeper.

It was in High School that I felt a call to ministry in general, but also to youth in particular, which brought me to Grand Canyon University. There I met my wife Amy and we got married in 2015. The Lord brought Amy and I to Louisville to attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where I graduated with my Masters of Divinity. During these times, the Lord blessed us with three beautiful and joy-inducing children: Eliana, Levi, and Lucille. We are both excited and full of joy to be at Camelback Bible Church and see how God will work among the youth.

Megan Holm

LOGOS Kids ClubDirector

I have been blessed to be a part of the church family at Camelback for over 35 years. My faith story began in the Children's ministry here at Camelback, and  from a young age God has placed in my heart a passion for working with Children. I began serving in the children's ministry as a young elementary school child and over the years have both participated in and served in the Nursery, Sunday Morning Discipleship classes, Wednesday night Logos program and Vacation Bible Camp.  I truly believe in the mission of our Children's Ministry that we are raising up the next generation to be "complete in Christ."  

I received a Bachelors in Education from Bethel University in Minnesota and went on to teach 8th grade, 4th, 5th and 3rd grade. My husband, Erick, and I have been married for 17 years. As we began our family, Bradley (14) and Caleb (12), I was blessed with the opportunity to work as a stay-at-home mom. Now that my children are older, I am looking forward to the privilege of using my administration and teaching background to direct the Logos program at Camelback.

Isaiah Tilson

Contemporary Worship Director

As a Phoenix-raised musical artist, I've been called to lead Contemporary Worship at Camelback Bible Church. With over a decade devoted to my music career, My journey has been enriched by live performances at local venues, where I've curated live shows for yself and others.

A defining moment came in 2021 when I was honored to win the prestigious Proof is in the Pudding competition. This afforded me the incredible opportunity to open for the legendary rockstar Alice Cooper at his esteemed 2021 Christmas Pudding Concert. Throughout my musical journey, I've remained steadfast in my belief that all glory belongs to Christ, the source of my talents.

My passion for music stems from a deep commitment to worship and honor God. I am driven by the desire to encourage and uplift our community through the gifts bestowed upon us by the Lord. In every note I play and every lyric I sing, my aim is to point others towards the greatness of God and the honor of worshiping Him.