Chris Brady - Lead Pastor
I am the lead pastor at The Journey. I believe that everyone needs to hear about the depth of Gods love demonstrated through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in a way that is easily understandable and applicable to their lives so that they can develop into what God has created them to be.
BASIC STUFF: In June 2006, I moved from NYC to San Francisco to start this church. I had lived in NYC for 20 years. In 1986, I drove a U-Haul overnight from upstate NY to NYC to be an actor. I had just graduated as a pre-med student so you can imagine how thrilled my parents were with my career change. I worked as an actor and director for many years before I was called to ministry and served as a teaching pastor at a church in NYC called The Journey.
BIRTH DATE: July 2nd, 1964
EDUCATION: B.S. in Biology, Graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
INTERESTS AND FAVORITES
- PLACES: Caribbean Islands; Florence, Italy; NYC and San Francisco of course!
- WHAT'S ON MY iPOD: I grew up on Heavy Metal but now I listen mostly to alternative rock: U2, Oasis, Coldplay, Guster, Weezer, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cuties, The Shins, The Strokes, White Stripes, Metallica, Jet, Wolfmother, Red Hot Chili Peppers and REM to name a few.
- BOOKS: The Bible, fantasy novels (the more volumes the better), science fiction and any book that helps me be a better leader.
- WHAT DO YOU TiVo/DVR: 30 Rock, Shatner's Raw Nerve, Dollhouse, Castle, The Office, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Kitchen Nightmares, Hells Kitchen, The Colbert Report, Futurama, Judge Judy (I know… I know…), Star Trek: The Next Generation and most nature and science programs.
- SPORT TEAMS: I like sports but do not follow any particular team.
- MOVIES: The Dark Knight, Juno, The Lord of The Rings trilogy, The Bourne movies, the Star Trek movies (EXCEPT Star Trek V), The Godfather, Alien, Aliens, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, The Matrix, American Beauty, Terminator (I & II), Mystic River, Gladiator, Monty Python: The Meaning of Life, The Jerk, Enemy of the State
- HOBBIES: playing guitar, computers, online video games, gardening
- DISLIKES: Waiting, crowds, injustice
- ODD FACT: Almost everything about me is odd though I seem to become less quirky with age.
- LIFE SCRIPTURE: "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" // Matthew 28:18-20
Frank Abreau - Worship Leader
BASIC STUFF: I grew up in northern California playing in bands and skateboarding most of my life. I came out to San Francisco to work at the Journey in May. I’ve also been leading worship since I was fourteen.
BIRTH DATE: August 11, 1989
EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in City College of San Francisco
INTERESTS AND FAVORITES
- PLACES: Paris, San Francisco, Seattle, Tepic, and I’ve always wanted to go to the south.
- WHAT'S ON MY iPOD: Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.
- BOOKS: On The Road, Catcher in the Rye, No Compromise, Howl etc.
- WHAT DO YOU TiVo/DVR: Seinfeld…if I owned a television
- SPORT TEAMS: San Francisco Giants
- MOVIES: The Big Knife, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse, Red Beard, Casablanca and Roman Holiday are my top five.
- HOBBIES: Painting, music, skateboarding
- DISLIKES: Social injustice
- ODD FACT: Most facts about me seem to be odd
- LIFE SCRIPTURE: ”Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” // Romans 12:11
Stephanie Spilker - Community Development Director
BASIC STUFF: Grew up in Colorado and southern California, moved to San Francisco after graduating college to find something new. You’ll usually find me with coffee in my hand and daydreaming about the beach. Started serving at The Journey in September 2009, and really looking forward to learning and growing here!
BIRTH DATE: August 21, 1986
EDUCATION: B.A. in Political Science/International Relations, minor in Chinese Language and Culture, UCLA
INTERESTS AND FAVORITES:
· PLACES: Rome, Paris, and of course San Francisco
· WHAT’S ON MY IPOD: Rock (mostly alt and classic) and jazz singers, all-time favorites include Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, Modest Mouse, Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, The Wailin’ Jennys
· BOOKS: I’ll read almost anything recommended to me, but I love Faulkner, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Carroll, Jared Diamond, Shakespeare
· WHAT DO YOU TiVo/DVR: Don’t own a tv, but have been known to watch The Office on hulu. And of course Jeopardy!
· SPORTS TEAMS: UCLA teams, BMW Oracle Racing Team, and any team I see in person
· MOVIES: Casablanca, Funny Face, The Breakfast Club, Say Anything, Lord of the Rings Trilogy
· HOBBIES: sailing (racing specifically), anything to do with music, people watching, travelling
· DISLIKES: greed, selfishness, slow walkers
· ODD FACT: None, I’m perfectly normal! Not true, but if I have to pick one, it’s that I tend to compulsively clean things when stressed.
· LIFE SCRIPTURE: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” // Luke 6:27-31
Emily Meyer - Journey Kids Director
It is my prayer to provide a safe, nurturing environment where each child has the opportunity to grow in their understanding of basic Biblical truths and love for God. My hope is that what they learn through story, song and games at the Journey will build a strong foundation for a lifelong love for Christ and His church.
BASIC STUFF: Originally from the Midwest, I moved to San Francisco to study art, fell in love with the city and decided to stay after completing my undergrad. Since then, the Lord has blessed me with a great job at an ad agency where I learn something new everyday. When I'm not at the office, you can find me at a nearby park with a Starbucks in hand, iPod on shuffle and a happy heart.
BIRTH DATE: December 30, 1985
EDUCATION: BFA in Advertising, Academy of Art University
INTERESTS AND FAVORITES
- PLACES: My family's Minnesota home, any park in San Francisco where I can soak up the sun and relax.
- WHAT'S ON MY iPOD: everything and anything that I can secretly dance to.
- BOOKS: Desiring God, The Brand Gap.
- WHAT DO YOU TiVo/DVR: No TiVo, but I love Arrested Development, Friends, Project Runway, 30 Rock, CSI and I Love Lucy.
- SPORT TEAMS: I don't have a favorite team, but I like watching soccer.
- MOVIES: The Phantom of the Opera, The Dark Knight, Meet the Parents, The Bourne Supremacy, Juno, Singing in the Rain, Pillow Talk, Mona Lisa Smile.
- HOBBIES: Music, jogging through North Beach, learning new cultures, exploring San Francisco
- DISLIKES: Fish and anything in the sea perceived as edible, and the 30 bus line commute to work
- ODD FACT: I was drum major in high school complete with a whistle, high-feathered hat and a superhero cape.
- LIFE SCRIPTURE: ”Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” // Romans 12:9-13