Church staff

Our church pastors and ministry team leaders set vision and ministry directives and manage the church’s day-to-day operations and programs. Their role is to equip the people of Desert City Church to accomplish the church’s mission.

JARED DOE

LEAD PASTOR

Marcie and Jared were married in 2004. They both grew up in Phoenix and love this city. They have four children, (Sophia , Micah, Ezra, and Lyla). Jared studied at Anderson University and Fuller Theological Seminary and Marcie is a Baylor Bear. For fun they like to hang with their kids, play board games, go hiking, swim and have been known to binge watch shows on Netflix.

Email Jared

TYLER ELLS

FAMILY LIFE PASTOR

Sarah and Tyler are both proud Arizona Wildcats (Bear Down!) and were married in 2014. They have three sons, Judah, Cohen, and Ezra. They fell in love over their mutual passion for ministry in college, and feel incredibly grateful to be a part of Desert City Church. For them, there is no better way to spend time than with friends and family around a table with good food. They both love coffee in the morning, creating adventures with their boys, and being part of community that is intentional and genuine.

Email Tyler

Tim Stansell

WORSHIP & CREATIVE ARTS PASTOR

Tim and Shauna grew up in different parts of New Mexico and met in college while serving together in Campus Crusade for Christ at New Mexico State University. They were married in 2004 and soon after moved to Phoenix to start a business and a family together. Tim & Shauna worked as photographers for 15 years. They have five kids, Simon, Eli, Kyla, Shiloh, and Jonas. They enjoy hanging out as a family, watching movies, playing video and board games, riding scooters and bikes, and singing together.

Email Tim

ELIZABETH SPARKS

DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES

Braden and Elizabeth met while attending Arizona Christian University (ACU) and have been married since 2015. Braden is a teacher and track coach at Washington High School. They have been a part of the DCC community for almost 8 years and have cherished every moment! They have a 2 year old daughter, named Mia, and a second baby on the way! They love doing things they love with people they love, and that includes anything from playing games, trying new restaurants, or just watching movies.

email Elizabeth

jacob wang

YOUTH PASTOR

Jacob and Bella met through College YoungLife at Northern Arizona University and got married in 2019 They have a one year old boy Ansel with another on the way due in January 2025. When she’s not wrangling their son, Bella also works as a family and wedding photographer. Jacob is working on his Master of Divinity from Phoenix Seminary with an emphasis in the Biblical Languages. In his free time he likes to mountain bike, hike, and spend time with his family.

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Selah mcavoy

CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR

David and Selah met at Arizona Christian University and got married in 2015. Selah has her BS in Behavioral Health and MS in Professional Counseling. David is a partner at a local CPA firm and works as a tax planning consultant. They have been a part of DCC for 9 years and have loved growing with this community. They have 3 kids, Joselyn, Iris, and Rhodes and spend free time playing board games, doing home projects, and reading.

email Selah

CLAUDIA MCLAUGHLIN

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

My 3 kids picked Desert City as their church and my husband and I were thrilled because we loved it too! I’ve worked with kids and families in various capacities as a social worker as well as in Kids’ Ministry. In my free time I enjoy taking Spanish classes, being outside (my crew loves a good game of kickball at the park), reading, and stuffing my face with a good taco!

EMAIL CLAUDIA

Kianna Jackson

YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Hi, my name is Kianna and I've been a part of DCC for almost 2 years! I've been very involved with the youth ministry since being a part of DCC and it has been a joy to get to know the students and their parents. I get the privilege of working with students at DCC from 5th grade all the way up to 12th grade. I just graduated in April 2023 from GCU with my bachelor's degree in Christian studies with an emphasis in youth ministry. Now, I am working on my Master's of Divinity at GCU. When I'm not at church or school, I enjoy trying out new coffee shops, hosting friends, and attending concerts!

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TYSON WAHLBERG

CAMPUS MANAGER

Tyson is a student at Phoenix Seminary, where he is pursuing a degree in Biblical + Theological Studies. He has a heart for ministry and community building and is currently Desert City’s Campus Manager. He graduated from Northern Arizona University with a BS in Economics. In his free time Tyson enjoys backpacking on the Arizona Trail, street photography, and reading classic novels.

EMAIL TYSON