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!
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!
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!
Dr. Tom Bookhout
Director of Music
My wife Jeanne and I are thrilled to return to Camelback this year, having served for over 10 years in the early 2000’s – Jeanne as the director of Camelback’s preschool and I as the pastor of music ministries.
I was born and raised in a Christian family in the scenic Hudson Valley of NY state and gave my life to Jesus as a young teenager. My parents were active in ministry in our small church, and I served there as a pianist through my teen years. I also participated in band, choir, and musical theater through high school. Jeanne was born in Boston, grew up on Cape Cod until her missionary family moved to the island of Bonaire to “suffer for the Lord in the Caribbean,” and returned 7 years later to Transworld Radio’s headquarters in New Jersey.
Jeanne and I met at Houghton College (NY), where I earned my bachelor’s degree in music education. We were married after graduation and began working at the Stony Brook School on Long Island. Graduate school followed at the Eastman School of Music and Arizona State University, where I earned the master and doctorate in choral music. With our three children, we have lived in West Virginia and upstate NY before moving to AZ to serve at Camelback. I eventually stepped down from this ministry to teach at Scottsdale Christian Academy, where I also was high school principal for two years, and to teach in the Great Hearts charter school system. For 13 years I also have been Chorus Master for the Phoenix Symphony. Our return to the Arcadia area has now opened the door for Jeanne to teach at Veritas Prep, her third Great Hearts school.
I am passionate about seeing people use their gifts in music and to use music as a tool for serving and worshiping God. We are excited to be back and are looking forward to many years of service in this wonderful congregation.
I was born and raised in a Christian family in the scenic Hudson Valley of NY state and gave my life to Jesus as a young teenager. My parents were active in ministry in our small church, and I served there as a pianist through my teen years. I also participated in band, choir, and musical theater through high school. Jeanne was born in Boston, grew up on Cape Cod until her missionary family moved to the island of Bonaire to “suffer for the Lord in the Caribbean,” and returned 7 years later to Transworld Radio’s headquarters in New Jersey.
Jeanne and I met at Houghton College (NY), where I earned my bachelor’s degree in music education. We were married after graduation and began working at the Stony Brook School on Long Island. Graduate school followed at the Eastman School of Music and Arizona State University, where I earned the master and doctorate in choral music. With our three children, we have lived in West Virginia and upstate NY before moving to AZ to serve at Camelback. I eventually stepped down from this ministry to teach at Scottsdale Christian Academy, where I also was high school principal for two years, and to teach in the Great Hearts charter school system. For 13 years I also have been Chorus Master for the Phoenix Symphony. Our return to the Arcadia area has now opened the door for Jeanne to teach at Veritas Prep, her third Great Hearts school.
I am passionate about seeing people use their gifts in music and to use music as a tool for serving and worshiping God. We are excited to be back and are looking forward to many years of service in this wonderful congregation.
Karen Fye
Director of Children's Ministry
It has been my joy to volunteer in CBC’s Children’s Ministry alongside many for the past
40 years. I understand and believe that it is the parents’ responsibility and privilege to
bring up their children to know the Lord. As Director of Children’s Ministry, I will seek to
support families by offering Bible based, gospel centered experiences for children. It is
my hope that many may come to know the salvation that is in Jesus Christ and many
will be encouraged to grow in their walk with the Lord.
My husband Jim and I have been married 41 years. We have three grown and married
children and nine grandchildren and counting!
40 years. I understand and believe that it is the parents’ responsibility and privilege to
bring up their children to know the Lord. As Director of Children’s Ministry, I will seek to
support families by offering Bible based, gospel centered experiences for children. It is
my hope that many may come to know the salvation that is in Jesus Christ and many
will be encouraged to grow in their walk with the Lord.
My husband Jim and I have been married 41 years. We have three grown and married
children and nine grandchildren and counting!
Anastacia Newlin
Director of Communications and Events Technical Support
Hi CBC family!
I have the pleasure of serving Camelback Bible Church through social media and events that require AV technology. I am a UT San Antonio graduate with a BA in Music and a minor in Music Technology. I owe all my experience and education to my hometown of San Antonio, TX, where I was deeply commited to my university's Music Tech Lab, Recital Hall and downtown San Antonio music and church affiliates.
Music has always been an extension of myself. I am beyond grateful that God has allowed me to pursue my passion, and that all I intend to do glorifies him. I became a believer at a very young age, however I recommitted my life back to Christ in 2024. As our church's vision goes, Christ renews all things, and I can say that my life is truly a reflection of that.
As for my family, I am happily married to my husband Joshua Newlin, and we have a son to thank God for!
My job is primarily a remote position, however I love to serve on campus at CBC. You will mostly catch us at the 11am service, so please say hi, as we love getting to know you all! God bless you.
Questions or concerns about our church's website or social media? Contact me!
I have the pleasure of serving Camelback Bible Church through social media and events that require AV technology. I am a UT San Antonio graduate with a BA in Music and a minor in Music Technology. I owe all my experience and education to my hometown of San Antonio, TX, where I was deeply commited to my university's Music Tech Lab, Recital Hall and downtown San Antonio music and church affiliates.
Music has always been an extension of myself. I am beyond grateful that God has allowed me to pursue my passion, and that all I intend to do glorifies him. I became a believer at a very young age, however I recommitted my life back to Christ in 2024. As our church's vision goes, Christ renews all things, and I can say that my life is truly a reflection of that.
As for my family, I am happily married to my husband Joshua Newlin, and we have a son to thank God for!
My job is primarily a remote position, however I love to serve on campus at CBC. You will mostly catch us at the 11am service, so please say hi, as we love getting to know you all! God bless you.
Questions or concerns about our church's website or social media? Contact me!
Elder Board
Kirk Huizenga
Chair
Check back soon!
John Milligan
Vice Chair
Check back soon!
J.R. Sloan
Secretary
I started attending Camelback Bible Church in 1975 when my parents moved us to Phoenix so that my dad could join his father in business. I grew up at CBC and have been blessed by its ministries, pastors and staff throughout my youth and adult life. I met my wife Terri (Van Liew) at CBC though our families had known each other for years. Terri and I are happily the beneficiaries of the faithfulness of our parents and the loving body of Christ at CBC. It is through our families and church body that we were brought to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and have grown in our love for Him.
We have been blessed with four children and three grandchildren.
Over the years at CBC I have been involved in a variety of ministries including children, youth, adults, small groups, missions and two previous terms on the board of elders.
We have been blessed with four children and three grandchildren.
Over the years at CBC I have been involved in a variety of ministries including children, youth, adults, small groups, missions and two previous terms on the board of elders.
Clay Conner
Treasurer
Check back soon!