Meet Parkside’s Team

LEAD PASTOR

taylor@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Taylor was born and raised in Bakersfield CA, and has served at Parkside Church since 2018, becoming the lead pastor in 2023. He is passionate about helping people encounter Jesus and grow in lifelong discipleship. He has an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and Philosophy from Azusa Pacific University,  and a Master's degree in Christian Ministry from Liberty University. With a heart for teaching the Word and building meaningful community, Taylor is committed to seeing the church thrive as a reflection of God’s Kingdom. He and his wife Ariana have been married since 2014, and have been blessed with two wonderful daughters. Taylor's favorite pastimes include reading, being outdoors, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants.

PASTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE

chris@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Chris brings 47 years of pastoral ministry experience to his role at Parkside Church, where he has served faithfully since 2005.  Beyond the pulpit, he enjoys staying active with daily exercise, playing bass guitar and drums in a working band in Bakersfield, and exploring his enthusiasm for cooking. In addition to holding two theological degrees, Pastor Chris is a culinary school graduate and spent years working in the restaurant industry, blending his love for food and fellowship in every aspect of his life and ministry.

WORSHIP DIRECTOR

sarah@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Sarah was born and raised in Bakersfield CA, and has served at Parkside Church as the Worship Director since 2022. She loves everything about music and enjoys singing every Sunday! She has a Bachelor’s in Child, Adolescent and Family Studies and is the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School at Stockdale Christian School. When she’s not leading worship or working you can find Sarah playing with her puppy, crocheting, or working on her latest counted cross stitch.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

krisb@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Kris joined the Parkside staff on a part-time basis in July 2021 after retiring from a career in financial services and administrative management. He brings his experience to help maintain effective and efficient office procedures and to ensure Parkside stays compliant with the various regulations that apply to businesses. His work includes auditing finances, reviewing contracts, and supporting the church's commitment to legal and ethical business practices. Kris also contributes to keeping the office atmosphere welcoming-making sure the donuts are fresh and the candy dishes never run empty.

YOUTH DIRECTOR

kara@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Kara has been part of Parkside since her own high school youth group days and now serves as Youth Director—a role she joyfully stepped into in 2023 after years of volunteering. Kara loves helping students experience the love of God, grow into lifelong disciples of Jesus, and become connected members of our church family. Some of her favorite things about Parkside are the wonderful volunteers she gets to serve with, the constant support from the congregation, and teaming up with her husband Wes, whom she met (and married!) right here at Parkside. When she’s not at church you can find Kara in her science classroom, chasing sunshine in the mountains or at the beach, or knee-deep in a craft project that may or may not get finished.

DIRECTOR OF MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY

wes@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Wes has been serving at Parkside Church since 2008 as part of the worship team and has been on staff since 2022. As the Director of Media and Technology, he’s passionate about using technology to help the church share the gospel and grow together. Wes enjoys spending time outdoors and working on videography projects, and he is happily married to his wife, Kara, whom he enjoys serving alongside at Parkside as well.

CHILD LIFE DIRECTOR

erin@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Erin began her ministry to children by serving abandoned children in the orphanages of Romania in 1998. Erin is passionate for children to know that God is real and that He loves them very much. She has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State University, Bakersfield and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in Administration, Management, and Leadership from Walden University. Erin is the proud mother of six unique and amazing children. Her favorite quote is “The adventure begins when everything goes wrong.”

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Brianna@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Brianna has been at Parkside Church since she was a baby. Brianna grew up in Children’s Ministry—volunteering, serving at kids camps, going on mission trips, and VBS. Now, she’s honored to serve as the Children’s Director (since 2024!). Brianna is also a wife and mom who loves good books, new adventures, music, and anything creative. She is eager about creating a space where kids feel loved, seen, and excited to learn about Jesus.