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.

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.

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.

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 CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Ally@parksidechurchbakersfield.com

Ally Swan serves as the Kids Ministry Director, leading children from infants through 7th grade. Her passion is helping kids know who Jesus is and discover the truths of Scripture about their value and identity in Christ. She believes every child is special and deserves to feel loved and welcome. After many years in kids ministry, she is grateful for the privilege of walking alongside families as they grow in faith. She and her husband Mat have been married since 2012 and have two wonderful daughters whom she homeschools. In her free time, Ally enjoys reading and gardening.