WHO WE ARE
We are a calvary chapel church in the Wittmann, Arizona area.
We are people who love God and are pursuing a relationship with Him. We understand we are no better than anyone else, and we’re like beggars telling other beggars where to find the bread. Our goal is to do what Jesus tells us to do and to live like God calls us to.
We are here to serve you! We’re all about teaching people about the grace of God and what His will is for people according to the Bible. We believe that the Jesus is Lord (the one we follow) & Savior (the only one who can save us from the due penalty of our sin/evil) and we live to tell others about him.
ARISE
It’s not just our name, it’s what we stand for.
The acronym ARISE stands for:
A
Awaken the church
Stir up our generation with biblical teaching
R
Renew our minds
Transform our thinking to what the Bible says
I
Imitate Jesus
Learn to be more like Christ
S
Seek the Lost
Have a heart to reach people who don't know God
E
Equip the saints
Encourage and invest in others to multiply in the mission
Learn more about what we believe!
LEADERSHIP
Greg McGrew
Senior Pastor
Greg first gave his life to Jesus in 2006. Since then, he has enjoyed serving in various capacities for the church of God. He has a broad background in construction and loves to build things. He is happily married to his wife (Courtney) of 15 years and has two beautiful children; Edynn(14) & Noah(13).
Throughout his time as a christian he has served in various ministries including worship, admin, mentoring & evangelism. Greg loves to help people trust & follow Jesus. He believes being a good example or ambassador is key to helping others find the character and love of Christ.
His go to verse:
John 18:37
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Dean Wilson
Associate Pastor
Dean gave his life to Jesus Christ in a small church in Texas in 2013 after living in the world for many years. The Lord has done a tremendous work in his and the life of Amy, his wife of nearly 36 years.
Since Jesus captured his heart, Dean has served in many roles in the Church as he and Amy moved around on Active Duty in the Air Force for 30 years. Dean has a heart for God’s people and he also wants to make Jesus known to those people who do not know Him. Dean was ordained at Calvary Chapel Arise in November of 2023.​
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His go to verse:
John 14:6
“Jesus told him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Dennis Bartoldus
Elder
Dennis gave his life to Jesus in 1961. He loves serving the Lord any way he can. At Arise he has served on the Acts 4 Team, as a greeter and as an usher.
Dennis and his wife Jane were married in 1986 and have two adult sons. They traded the rain of the Oregon Coast for the sun of Arizona in 2019.
His go to verse is Romans 12:1-2:
“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Steve Garner
Elder
Steve gave his life to Jesus in 2012. The Lord has blessed him to head up the His Hands His Feet ministry and an ordained chaplain.
Steve has lived in Arizona since 1994 and has been married to his wife Marilee going on two years now.
The Lord has put it on Steve's heart to reach out and help God's children in need ,also to spread the Lord's word wherever and whenever he is able. Steve just wants to serve the lord wherever that path may lead him.​
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​His go to verse:
1 John 4:9-10
9 By this the Love of God Was manifested in us,that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this Love,not that we loved God,but that He Loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
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Sheldon Smith
Elder
AKA: Smitty gave his life to Jesus on September 2, 1981. He loves serving the Lord in many ways and considers being an Elder his greatest calling. Over the years, he has served in Children’s Ministry, as a prayer counselor, usher, and greeter.
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Smitty and his wife were married on August 1, 1976, and they have two children who walk with Jesus and nine beautiful grandchildren. They traded the busyness of Burbank, CA, for the warmth of Arizona in September 1988.
His go to verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Sal Barbera
Finance/Admin
Sal has been active in a variety of similar Calvary Chapel roles for the last 9 years. Sound stewardship of God’s resources is Sal’s primary focus. His life originated in Italy (Sicily) and has been actively dedicated in serving our Lord Jesus Christ after he gave his life to Him in 1978.
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After 41 years, he is working everyday to be a better husband (Lisa), father (3 daughters) and grandfather (8).
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His go to verse:
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,