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Our Team

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25+

YEARS IN MINISTRY

LEAD pastor

TED MAX, LEAD PASTOR

Ted is a 25-year veteran of ministry with a deep passion for helping people encounter God’s love and live out their faith with purpose. He has served as Lead Pastor in two influential churches in Illinois and continues to invest in church leaders nationwide through coaching and development. Ted also serves on the board of the Empowering Church Network, where he helps equip pastors and ministries to thrive in their unique callings.

Personal Coaching

Leadership Development

Empowering Curch Network Board

Email Pastor Ted

WORSHIP

Journey Day, Worship Leader

For the past several years, Journey Day has led our worship team, bringing a heart for contemporary Christian music and a passion for helping our congregation encounter God through song. Backed by a full band — bass, drums, electric guitar, and piano — Journey crafts a worship experience that's both authentic and inviting, whether you're a longtime believer or stepping into church for the first time. His leadership creates space each week for our community to gather, sing, and worship together in spirit and truth.

BACKED BY A FULL BAND

BASS

DRUMS

ELECTRIC GUITAR

PIANO

Email Journey

Behind the scenes

Our Operations team

The people who keep everything running – so ministry can happen well, every single week.

Matt Vagle

EXECUTIVE PASTOR

Oversees the day-to-day operations, staff, and strategic direction of the church, ensuring that our ministries run smoothly so ministry can happen well.

Email Matt

Collin White

Media Coordinator

Leads our media and website management, helping the congregation stay connected on and off campus.

Email Collin

Laura Kasavan

Communications Director

Shapes the voice of our church — from newsletters to social media — keeping the community informed and welcomed.

Email Laura

Cris Shaw

Executive Administrative Assistant

Keeps the office running — coordinating schedules, communications, and the day-to-day details that support the whole team.

Email Cris

Suzan Larsen

Treasurer

Stewards the church's finances — ensuring every gift is handled with care, transparency, and integrity.

Email Susan

Johnny Mcdonald

Facilities Manager

Cares for our campus and grounds — keeping the space welcoming, safe, and ready for the community each week

Email Johnny

Anthony Filipps

AV Support

Keeps our sound, lighting, and livestream running smoothly each week, making sure every service is heard and seen the way it's meant to be.

Email Anthony

Governance

Our Lidership Board

Trusted man and women who provide oversight, accountability, and vision for the Valley Church.

Ron Johnson

Spiritual Overseer

Ron Johnson serves as the Founding Pastor and Teaching Pastor of Restoration Church (also known as RST Church) in Denver, Colorado. He and his wife Corissa and their children live in Denver. He has provided visionary leadership for RST for over a decade, guiding its growth and direction.

Email Ron

Johnny McDonald

President

Johnny McDonald oversees Building & Grounds at Yountville Community Church, bringing more than 20 years of hands-on experience in construction and site work. His expertise ensures that our church facilities and grounds remain safe, welcoming, and well cared for. Johnny’s dedication behind the scenes helps create a space where the The Valley Church ministry can thrive.

Email Johny

Dr. Robert White

Board Chairman

Dr. Robert White leads Children’s, Youth, and Volunteer ministries at The Valley Church, drawing from a lifetime of service both inside and outside the church. Having raised four children in Napa Valley, he understands the value of nurturing faith from a young age. For more than 30 years, Robert has faithfully organized and led Bible studies, while also serving the community as a practicing general surgeon in Napa Valley.

Email Robert

Suzan Larsen

Treasurer

Suzan Larsen serves in Finance at The Valley Church, bringing decades of business leadership and financial expertise. She is the President of Antioch Building Materials, where she has been co-owner and business manager since 1985. Susan’s keen eye for stewardship and her commitment to excellence help ensure the church’s resources are managed wisely to support its mission and ministries.

Email Susan

Jeff Kasavan

Operations Director

Jeff Kasavan oversees Personnel at The Valley Church, bringing a wealth of leadership experience from his career as head winemaker at Woodbridge Wines. There, he managed a large team responsible for producing over 600,000 gallons of wine each year, honing his skills in teamwork, mentorship, and organization. Today, Jeff applies that same passion for people to ministry, with a heart for discipleship and helping others grow into their God-given potential.

Email Jeff

Ted Max

Lead Pastor

Ted is a 25-year veteran of ministry with a deep passion for helping people encounter God’s love and live out their faith with purpose. He has served as Lead Pastor in two influential churches in Illinois and continues to invest in church leaders nationwide through coaching and development. Ted also serves on the board of the Empowering Church Network, where he helps equip pastors and ministries to thrive in their unique callings.

Email Ted

Want to connect with our team

We’d love to get to know you better. Reach out anytime – we read every message.

Contact Us

The Valley Church exists to connect people to God, The Church, and Their Purpose. We do this through 4 Core Values. Gather Weekly – Grow Intentionally – Give Generously – Go Passionately.

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