Staff and Leadership
The New Testament teaches a structure of leadership that was originally modeled by Jesus and practiced in the early church. Jesus was a teacher or “pastor” who blessed many with his life, teaching, and grace. Eventually, so many flocked to Jesus that He appointed other pastors or “apostles” underneath him to successfully organize the growing movement of Christ followers. Eventually the community also recognized elders and deacons who also helped lead the community, organize its life, and serve the poor. As a Presbyterian Church, West Valley Presbyterian Church is a community that follows the New Testament teaching and is led by pastors and elders in shared leadership, who are helped by other ministry directors and staff. Together we seek to be a leadership team that helps people have an authentic relationship with Jesus and become an extraordinary blessing to our community, and the world.
Our staff is currently made up of the following people who serve in full-time or part-time roles.
Lyle Schmidt – Interim Senior Pastor. Lyle is a specialist in interim ministries and came to West Valley in 2006 to help pastor the community while it searches for its new, permanent Senior Pastor. Lyle has served at numerous churches throughout California and for many years also ran a successful heating and air conditioning company. Lyle blesses people with his easy going style, his considerable leadership skills, and his love for Jesus. In his spare time Lyle has been known to rebuild car radios by hand, as well as add to his collection of “interesting” Hawaiian shirts.
Joshua Elder – Music Director. Joshua brings an amazing breadth of talents to help lead WVPC’s music ministry in its mission of leading the community in worship. Equally comfortable in traditional or contemporary music styles, Joshua has a passion to see people truly experience the presence of God in worship. In his spare time Joshua can be found teaching voice at Santa Clara University, leading various operas around the Bay Area, attending the odd Journey reunion concert, and singing “Head–Shoulders–Knees–And Toes” with his two-year-old son, Ian.
Mindy Prow – Director of Youth Ministry. Mindy has a passion to see kids come to know the incredible love of God that comes through Jesus. Mindy also has the wonderful perspective of having grown up at WVPC – she not only leads the youth groups but she was in them at one time (not so long ago!) Mindy brings great energy, maturity, and leadership to her position, and as a mom raising four kids she also brings a level of life- experience that is invaluable to families and students. Mindy also drives one of the biggest cars on the planet, which is perfect for her large family and youth ministry.
Pat Strandburg – Director of Children’s Ministries. Pat brings tremendous experience to children’s ministry, having served in various children’s ministry roles at WVPC for over 30 years (in some ways it truly is the house that Pat built!) Pat has also been an innovative leader in children’s ministry bringing such new programs as the rotation model and the computer lab which kids love (especially in Silicon Valley). Pat brings great warmth and gentleness in her leadership as well as a great love for children, and wants to see them come to know the incredible love of God that comes through Jesus. Pat truly has a heart to serve, and can be found on most any Saturday (with Don) setting up for Sunday morning and also fixing just about anything in the church!
Nina Holton – Office Manager. If you have a question about WVPC, Nina is the one to ask. Nina has served in various office positions at WVPC for the last 18 years and knows pretty much anything worth knowing about WVPC. She also has a wonderful faith in Christ and desire to see the church community spread the love of God in our community. If you have a question about WVPC’s calendar, or need to get something in the bulletin, newsletter, or web-site, Nina is the place to start. And yes, Nina does have grandkids (really wonderful, incredible, amazing grandkids!) which she would probably be willing to tell you about, if you would like to ask.