About Life Bible Fellowship Church
Family
Finding hope in Jesus
We are a Christian church in Upland California focusing on studying God’s Word, Connecting with others, Serving our community, and Sharing the hope of Jesus with others.
We believe you don’t have to be perfect to come here, and you don’t have to have it all together. At LBF Church there are people from all walks of life trying to grow closer to God.
What we believe
Learn what our church believes, stands for, and preaches. Read about our beliefs here.
Contact LBF
Address, phone number, email, and other ways to contact Life Bible Fellowship Church.
Join Us This Sunday
Get info about the church & a one-time reminder about visiting for the next Sunday service.
Elders
Dan Franklin
Lead Pastor, Elder
A California native, Dan has a bachelor’s in Biblical Studies from The Master’s College and a Master of Divinity from Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He has been on staff at LBF as the Pastor of Teaching since 2011. Married to Karina, they have three young boys – Matthew, Jack, and David. Besides his family, Dan is also passionate about seeing people overcome significant obstacles and embrace Jesus to find his calling for their lives. His favorite past times include reading, watching movies, playing tennis, riding his bike, and watching baseball and basketball.danfranklin@lbfchurch.com
Troy Spilman
Executive Pastor, Elder
After growing up in the Bay Area, Troy received his BA in Santa Barbara and later completed his Master’s in Christian Ministry. Troy began pastoral ministry three weeks before marrying Heidi in 1997. They have three children: Caedon, Ariel, and Tate. Troy joined the LBF team as the Serving Pastor in 2017 and transitioned to the XP (Executive Pastor) role in 2022. He has a passion for seeing people built up in the faith in the local community and around the globe. Favorite pastimes include exploring different cultures, hiking with his family, and having movie nights with his wifetroy@lbfchurch.com
Loren Van Woudenberg
Elder
Loren and his wife Diane are native Californians and have been married for 53 years. They have attended LBF since 2018. The have three married children, nine grandkids, and three great-grandkids. Loren taught high school for eleven years and has been in full-time ministry for 39 years until he retired. His passion is teaching in Life Kids (K-3), facilitating a LIFE Group, and seeing people become fruitful and fulfilled as they use their gifts.Stan Klopfenstein
Elder
Stan is a Southern California native, born and raised in the Los Angeles area. He and his wife Sue have lived in Rancho Cucamonga and attended Life Bible Fellowship Church for 15 years. Stan retired as a Division Chief, working 36 years for the fire department. He and Sue work in the marriage ministry at LBF Church, having a strong desire to see marriages flourish as God intended. Stan loves history and he and Sue enjoy traveling the United States with a special interest in historic sites.Bob Butler
Elder
I was raised in San Dimas and became a believer in Jesus Christ at age 19 thanks to my girlfriend Cathy who later became my wife. We have two wonderful sons, Todd and Drew, and three grandchildren that I adore. Cathy and I started a business in 1985 that’s still going strong! I believe in raising up the next generation of leaders and love teaching children and youth to be Christ-like. I enjoy restoring pre-’65 Porsches and VWs and am excited to see Life Bible Fellowship Church grow in its passionate pursuit of LIFE in Jesus.Dalton Sweaney
Elder
Dalton and his family have been members at LBF since 2013. He and his wife, Ally, were born and raised in the Upland area and feel a strong connection to this community. Dalton and Ally lead a life group with other young families and have a passion for focusing on Christ-centered marriages and parenting that points towards Christ. Dalton owns a small business in the Claremont Village and coaches soccer for a local college.Kevin Theilacker
Elder
Kevin and his wife Amber have been married 34 years. Along with their adopted children, Aubrey and Peyton, they have been members of LBF Church since 2016. He has been teaching elementary music in Fontana Unified School District for over 32 years. Kevin enjoys playing keyboard and piano on Sundays with the worship team. He says: “There is no sound more holy and beautiful than the voices of our church family joining the praise of heaven with all of the saints of God at His very throne. Soli Deo Gloria!”
Pastors
Dan Franklin
Lead Pastor, Elder
A California native, Dan has a bachelor’s in Biblical Studies from The Master’s College and a Master of Divinity from Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He has been on staff at LBF as the Pastor of Teaching since 2011. Married to Karina, they have three young boys – Matthew, Jack, and David. Besides his family, Dan is also passionate about seeing people overcome significant obstacles and embrace Jesus to find his calling for their lives. His favorite past times include reading, watching movies, playing tennis, riding his bike, and watching baseball and basketball.danfranklin@lbfchurch.com
Laurie Baiz
LIFEkids Pastor
Born in San Dimas and raised in Glendora, Laurie is a local who also attended school locally. She has an AA in Liberal Arts from Citrus College and a BFA from Cal State Fullerton. After 5-and-a-half years of dating, Laurie married her husband, Michael, in 1999. They have two children and together their family has been attending LBF Church since 2006. Laurie is passionate about teaching in fun and creative ways. She also loves to organize and plan events, and then watch them transpire.laurie@lbfchurch.com
Andy Watson
Worship Pastor
Raised in a Christian home, Andy accepted Jesus as his personal savior when he was 16 and began leading worship soon after. During his senior year of high school he knew God was calling him to full-time ministry. Andy is passionate about God’s call for us to care for the orphan, as well as sharing the truth of the gospel in musically creative ways. His favorite artists and musical influences are Delirious, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Jesus Culture, Hillsong United, and Phil Wickham.andy@lbfchurch.com
Jeff Taylor
Student Ministries Pastor
Jeff and his wife, Laura, have three children, who he loves to spend time with and is passionate about raising them to love God, to know how special he has made them, and to love people without reservation. In fact, Jeff desires to help all people see how real God is and how much He loves us, bringing their understanding of God to a deeper more personal level in practical ways.jeff@lbfchurch.com
Summer Brown
Women's Pastor
Summer would say that she is a California girl in spirit and in lifestyle, but her heart belongs to the nations. She and her husband Greg spent eight years serving the Lord together in a global capacity in Europe, where they welcomed their son Kodiak. She is passionate about gathering and connecting women and bringing them in unity to the feet of Jesus. If there is food, ridiculous games, laughter, dark chocolate, and deep conversations… you can count Summer in!summer@lbfchurch.com
Troy Spilman
Executive Pastor, Elder
After growing up in the Bay Area, Troy received his BA in Santa Barbara and later completed his Master’s in Christian Ministry. Troy began pastoral ministry three weeks before marrying Heidi in 1997. They have three children: Caedon, Ariel, and Tate. Troy joined the LBF team as the Serving Pastor in 2017 and transitioned to the XP (Executive Pastor) role in 2022. He has a passion for seeing people built up in the faith in the local community and around the globe. Favorite pastimes include exploring different cultures, hiking with his family, and having movie nights with his wifetroy@lbfchurch.com
Phil Shahbaz
Community Life Pastor, College Group Pastor
Phil has been on staff at LBF Church since 2008, but prior to that worked as the Director of Student Success at Azusa Pacific University. Phil is the guy that can help get you involved here at LBF Church. He is responsible for the LIFEgroup Program, Assimilation Ministry, and College Ministry. He also programs many family and connecting events for our church community throughout the year. Phil and his wife, Amy, have 3 sons and 1 daughter, and live Glendora, CA.phil@lbfchurch.com
Mike Cloud
Care and Visitation Pastor
Born in Illinois, but attending most of his schooling in California, Mike and his wife, Pat, have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. They have been a part of LBF Church since 1989. Mike is passionate about leading people to freedom in Christ. Underneath this “family man” persona, Mike is one tough dude. He was awarded the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Medal of Valor for his 9th citizen's arrest, and while in the U.S. Navy, escaped from a submarine at 120 feet deep and survived a helicopter crash
Staff
Kiki Hahs
Pastoral Assistant
Kiki was the first person in her family to get a formal education. She was eventually led to get an LVN degree, graduating with honors at 53 years old. Before she was able to land her first job, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successfully beating cancer, the opportunity to work at LBF Church opened and she couldn’t turn it down. What a blessing it is to work with a great staff and be a part of the LBF Church family! Married, with two daughters and three grandchildren, she and her husband Greg and have a collection of vintage cars they enjoy sharing with others.Garrett Gerhart
Communications Director
Garrett has been serving in church ministry since 2003. After receiving a BA in Church Ministry from Hope International University, he was called to Youth Ministry for many years. As a Youth Pastor Garrett got a first-hand look at the implications of the most significant shift in communication in 100 years. This led to an MA in Communications with research into the effects of social media on the Church. He is passionate about how and what LBF Church communicates to its community. He and his wife Stacey have been married since 2007 and have two daughters, Lucy and Adeline.garrett@lbfchurch.com
Kathy Godoy
LIFEkids Assistant
Having lived in Upland her whole life, Kathy has attended LBF Church since 2009 and joined the staff in September 2014. Kathy graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in December 2014. Shortly after, she married her high school sweetheart, Ryan. She loves traveling and spending time with her husband and kids.Shauntel Raymond
LIFEcare Coordinator
Shauntel grew up in Glendora, California. She and her husband Chad have three children and have been coming to LBF Church for 15 years, where she says, “It’s such a joy to come to a place where the leaders and elders have a such a passion for the word and for God’s truth and the people. We all have a story and I love being able to meet new people and see how God is at work in their lives and what he has in store for their future.”Francisco Mesquita
Director of Business Operations
Experienced in non-profit executive, int’l broadcasting finance, church finance, operations, facilities, project management, HR, strategic planning, and education. Holds a Master of Divinity, Master of Business Administration, and is an Ordained Pastor. A former banker who has served in churches, non-profit consulting, rescue missions, and Christian schools. He resides in Orange County with his wife and Enjoy time together with family, including four grandsons.francisco@lbfchurch.com
Nichole Landon
Graphic Designer
Nichole grew up in the countryside north of Paso Robles, CA. She attended Biola University to study studio arts with an emphasis in design. After graduating she went on to work at LBF Church in 2020 as the graphic designer. She enjoys doing ceramics, drawing, swimming, reading books and spending lots of time with friends and family.John Eltiste
Men's Ministry Coordinator, Facilities Specialist
John is a local boy growing up in Ontario. He and his wife Natalie have been married for 26 years. They have two adult children Zach and Kaitlin. John and Natalie lived in San Antonio for nine years, where they were part of a church plant and different ministries. They have been attending LBF Church since returning to CA. John has a passion for people and is looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses him here at LBF Church.Lea Lee
Programs Coordinator
Hailing from Vincennes, Indiana, Lea attained a Bachelor’s in graphic design and fine art through Vincennes University and Indiana State University. With most of her family still in Indiana, Lea and her husband, Travis, and step-daughter, Mackenzie live here in Upland. After stumbling upon LBF Church through our website and attending Meet LBF, they quickly made LBF Church their home. Lea is passionate about the Bible, books, food, and musicals.Tyler Townley
Sound Engineer, Assistant Video Coordinator
Kim Cooke
Serving Ministry Assistant
Kim Cooke proudly says she’s from Chicago, though her family relocated to Rancho Cucamonga, California when she was just two years old. She and her husband, Darrin, still live there and have been members of LBF Church since 1996. They have three daughters – Payton, Taylor, and Lacey. Kim is happiest when camping with her family, watching her girls play volleyball, and cheering for the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox.Kristen Shores
Financial Admin
Kristen grew up in Sunland, California. She and her husband, Rich, have been married for 28 years. After spending 18 years in Washington and Arizona they settled here in Upland. Life Bible Fellowship was the second church they visited and have called it home for 9 years. Kristen did a lot of volunteer work over the years at LBF before coming on staff. She loves to spend time with family and friends, reading and playing in the dirt (also known as gardening).Tim Longo
Youth Small Groups Coordinator
Tim and his family have attended LBF Church since 2002. He has a passionate heart about leading Junior high and High schoolers and seeing their lives transformed through the love and compassion of Jesus. He is also passionate about helping drill clean water wells throughout the world. Some say that his interest in motorcycles is something he should seek help for. He maintains it’s just a healthy interest.