Get To Know Us

Our Mission & Vision

   We call our vision at Ponderosa a 3D Vision–“Developing Devoted Disciples.” In three words it explains the commission given by Jesus to the church.  It involves bringing people to the Lord through evangelism and helping them grow in the Word through edification. The mission of Ponderosa Bible Church is to love God, to love others, and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ.

 

What we believe:
 

HOLY SCRIPTURES

   We believe that the Bible is God’s Word, inerrant in the original documents, that it was written by men divinely inspired and that it is the supreme, infallible authority in all matters of faith and conduct (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21.)

 
THE TRINITY
   We believe in the Trinity, i.e., one God existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but One in essence and all having the same attributes and perfections. (Gen. 1:26; Deut. 6:4, Is. 45:22; Matt. 3:17, 28:19.)
 
   (1.) We believe in God the Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom,
measureless in power, the Creator of the universe and of all things. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Jer. 33:3; Rom. 6:23; 10:13.)
 
   (2.) We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal and only begotten Son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, of Virgin Birth, sinless in His life, making atonement for the sins of the world by His death and shed blood on Calvary’s cross. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His ascension and visible, personal return to the world according to His promise. (Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; II Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24; John 20:24-29; Acts 1:9-11; John 14:3; Titus 2:13-14.)
 
   (3.) We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from God to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; and to regenerate, sanctify and comfort all those who believe in Jesus Christ. (John 14:16-17; John 16:7-14; Rom. 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:13-14.

 

SIN, SALVATION AND ETERNITY

   We believe that all menby nature and by choice are sinners (Rom. 3:23), but that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). We believe, therefore, that those who receive Christ as Lord and Savior will rejoice forever in God’s presence (II Cor. 5:8), and those who refuse to receive Christ as Savior and Lord will be forever separated from God. (Rev. 20:11-15). Those who receive Christ as Savior are kept by His power eternally. (John 10:27-28; Rom. 8:38-39). The punishment of unbelievers and the rewards of the righteous are both everlasting and conscious.

 

THE CHURCH AND ORDINANCES

   We believe in the church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and of which all regenerated people are members. We believe that a local church is a company of believers in Jesus Christ, immersed on a credible confession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. (Rom. 12:5; Col. 1:14-18). We believe that to those local churches were committed, for perpetual observance, the ordinances of Baptism (Matt. 28:19), and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-30).

  (1.) Baptism by immersion is a public confession of Christ as Savior and Lord; it is the symbol of one’s union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (Rom. 6:3-6).

  (2.). The Lord’s Supper should be observed by all believers and symbolizes the death of Christ for the remission of sins and our continual dependence upon Him for our sustenance. The Lord’s Table is open to all believers who are in right relationship with God. (I Cor. 11:23-28).

 

SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

   We believe in separation from the world unto Christ. Since our Christian citizenship is in heaven, as the children of God we should walk in separation from this present evil world, having no fellowship with its evil ways, (II Cor. 6:14-18), but are to be salt and light [in the world but not of the world]. (Matt. 5:14, 16).

 

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CHURCH AUTONOMY

   We believe that every human being is responsible to God alone in matters of faith (Rom. 14:12), and that this church is autonomous and free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that church and state must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from the dictation of the other. (Matt. 22:21; Acts 4:19, Acts 5:29; Rom. 13:1-7). We believe in the independence of the local church and also our interdependence in the body of Christ.

 

OUR ASSOCIATION

  Ponderosa is associated with CBAmerica through Southwest Church Connection. Southwest Church Connection is a network of over 100 churches of all sizes throughout the southwest. We are connected by our shared values and beliefs which are Gospel focused, mission driven, grace infused, Bible centered, relationally committed, and culturally inclusive. 

Our Staff Team

                             
      Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
 

Dr. Joe Falkner, Senior Pastor

How long have you been a part of PBC?

  • Sharon & I have been with the PBC family since January 2005

What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?

  • My favorite part of the ministry is still teaching preparation.

What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?    

  • The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado, or any of his books really.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?

  • Outside of my ministry at church I also believe I have a responsibility to my family and especially to my grandchildren. I try to purposefully insert myself into their lives to encourage them in godliness. In addition, I love gardening!

 

Jamil Calero: Spanish Ministry Pastor
 
How long have you been a part of PBC?
  • Since September 2017

 

What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?

  • Every person from PBC, because they are a loving and caring community.  We are an imperfect people with an amazing God.

 What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?

  • First Things First by Steven Covey. The book starts with the question,
    What are the three things that really matters? It’s a great book with a business approach which I highly recommend.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?

  • I am happily married to Malissa, a native from Utah. We both enjoy working out, hiking, traveling, racing and trying international foods. I love adventure with her.
    I like coffee, graphic design, and photography. I love being a pastor/shepherd/teacher here at PBC and the Hispanic community and I am humbled by getting to witness God do amazing things in peoples’ lives. Our motto this year is, “Earn, Learn and Return”.
 
Josef Kruppenbacher: Director of Young Adults and Special Ministries
How long have you been a part of PBC?
  • I have only been a part of Ponderosa Bible Church since 2016. However, I had known Pastor Joe and Allen Mann since 2013 because of another ministry I had previously been involved with. Because of that, when my wife and I began to attend in September of 2016, it already felt like home.
What is your favorite part of your ministry?
  • For me, my favorite part is when the Church staff and I have worked so hard on a project for our Church family and they finally get to see it or experience it. The positive response and being able to watch everyone having such a good time more than makes up for the hard work that may have gone into a project.
What is your favorite band(s) and kind of music?
  • I enjoy all kinds of music but I would have to say that my favorite would be the old Church hymns. 
What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)? 
  • The one book that I would recommend to anyone besides the Bible would be “Mere Christianity” by CS Lewis. That book changed my life and how I look at the Christian faith.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?
  • I enjoy hiking, playing music, card games, video games with the family, going to the gym, taking a long jog, and spending time with my family.
 

Seth & Bethany Cooper 

Seth is our intern for youth ministries and his wife Bethany will be working with him. 
 

How long have you been a part of PBC?

  • Fully since May 2019; Staff since November 2019.

What is your favorite part about your ministry?

  • I love helping out with the youth! I have a calling to help our youth because they are our future, and I want to make sure they learn about God and how to live in a broken world that only tries to make it worse.

What is your favorite band(s) and kind of music?

  • I love rock music, and I love contemporary worship. With rock, I love bands such as Skillet and Flyleaf/Lacey Sturm; both consisting of strong Christian leaders who inspired me to use music for the glory of God and reach out to the lost and broken. With contemporary worship.

What do you enjoy doing out of work/ministry?

  • I enjoy helping others, as well as teaching and leading others. Like Moses, I struggle with public speaking but I rely on God and embrace His calling for me and do it anyways knowing God has my back and will help me learn and grow. But despite what I do or what anybody does, may all glory and honor go to the one true God above all, and creator of all! And let God’s will be done.
Gwendolyn Kruppenbacher: Administrative Assistant

How long have you been a part of PBC?

  • Since September of 2016

What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?

  • Having the opportunity to meet and help people, making real connections
  • What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?
  • “Pilgrims Progress”

What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?

  • Play musical instruments, go hiking, or play games
 
Bernice York: Church Office Secretary

How long have you been a part of PBC?
  •  Since5/2017; involved in Children’s Ministry since 10/2017 in office part time since 2/2019

What is your favorite part about your ministry?

  • Getting to know more of our church family here has been such a blessing to me.

What is one book you think everyone should read besides the Bible?

  • One of my favorites is Billy Graham’s autobiography.  Godly advice on living, something everyone can learn from.

What do you enjoy doing out of work/ministry?

  • I love decorating, I enjoy gardening but haven’t been able to much of that in the few years.  I enjoy riding the Harley with my husband and look forward to more time exploring areas nearby Payson with my husband in the jeep.  
Shauna Fabian – Production Director

How long have you been apart of PBC?

  • My family and I have been attending PBC since 2015


What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?

  • My favorite part about the production ministry is working with the dedicated musicians and vocalist that volunteer each week. It truly amazes me how many people enjoy serving the Lord.


What is one book that you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?

  • The Bait of Satan, By John Bevere. This book helped me persevere during a very hard time in my life. A time when I felt alone and afraid. A time when I was hurt and angry towards those who wronged me. This book helped me identify how Satan attacks and made me realize that the Lord was protecting me, even through my hardest storm. I would encourage everyone to read this book because it will help relieve the weight placed on your shoulders from years of attacks from the enemy. 


What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?

  • Sometimes as a mother all you have time to do is cook, clean, and relax after work. Although I enjoy taking car rides with my family to see new places, especially in the rain or snow. I also enjoy going to the shooting range with my husband for a little friendly competition. 

  • Cody Brooks – Worship Leader

How long have you been a part of PBC?

  •  just before the old entrance closed before the remodel was finished.

What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?

  • I really enjoy making people smile, whether that is with a joke, a smile, or singing one their favorite songs. The ability to connect people in worship and praise is unlike anything. I love that!

What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?

  • I am not much of a reader, but anything that deals more intricately with subjects of scripture you find interesting, growing in the knowledge is huge!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?

  • I love working on cars, target shooting, camping, enjoying the outdoors with my family.
 
Teresa Gault – Custodian
How long have you been a part of PBC?
  • Since 2016
What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?
 
  • A favorite part about my ministry position at PBC is to make each building a person enters a pleasant and comfortable place to be. Using products that are safe and good for the people and the environment
  • One more thing that I am grateful for in my ministry at PBC are the people and their belief in the power of prayer. God hears every word we pray. He answers every prayer. One of our most powerful tools God has given us.
What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?
  • Another book that I enjoy besides the Bible is, “In His Steps” by Charles Sheldon.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?
  • I like to spend time with Denis and our little dog Fay. I like to buy and sell things. I like to cook, and draw. When we get a chance to, we like to get out and see more of Arizona.
 
 
 
Michael Hughes – Church Administrator
 

How long have you been a part of PBC?

  • Since 2009

What is your favorite part about your ministry position at PBC?

  • Working with the people here and seeing all the wonderful ways that God works in all our lives. 

What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible)?

  • For working together in church ministry, it would be Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work/ministry?

  • Gardening in the yard with my wife Deborah and taking care of our pets.