Elders

Staff Elders 
  Josiah

Josiah Busenitz, Preaching and Biblical Counseling Pastor

josiahb@gracebiblevisalia.org

Josiah grew up in Southcentral Kansas as part of a solid Christian family. He attended Moody Bible Institute for college and went to The Master’s Seminary for his graduate studies. While at Master’s, he married Francine and together they have one daughter, Madeline, and one son, Isaac. At Master’s, he also received his certification as an ACBC counselor. His joy is seeing Jesus being formed in people’s lives (Gal. 4:19). In his time off, Josiah enjoys hiking, running, swimming, reading, playing sports, and spending time with family.

 Dale

Dale Payne, Pastor of Discipleship and Administration

dalep@gracebiblevisalia.org

Dale shares the following story of how God uses godly parenting in his own life: 

“I truly value godly parenting because it was the vehicle God used in my life to expose me to the gospel of grace at an early age.  My parents and grandparents faithfully told me about Jesus and helped me develop a love for God’s Word. I know the process of the godly influence of my parents in my understanding of the gospel was essential for my personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I am reminded of Timothy’s testimony of his own mother and grandmother’s part in his personal faith (2 Tim. 1:5).  I can honestly say for my own family, 'I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth' (3 John 1:4).”

Dale has been serving in pastoral ministry here since 2002. Dale is a graduate of Biola University and Talbot Seminary. Dale's desire is to help couples build strong marriages, and encourage parents to raise up godly children in this generation. Dale’s passion is a ministry called Man Up, which trains fathers to be men of God and pass their faith on to their boys. It intentionally deals with topics like honor, courage, work ethic, purity, & leadership. The Paynes enjoy outdoor adventurers (rock climbing, backpacking, white water rafting, fishing) and volleyball, basketball, and soccer.   Dale’s wife Linda is a CPA who currently specializes in being a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher. Dale and Linda Payne have six children: Jonathan, Jennifer, Joshua, Julieann, James and Jeremiah.

 

 Jon Payne 2023

Jon Payne, Youth Pastor

jonp@gracebiblevisalia.org

Jon was born in Southern California as the oldest son of Dale and Linda Payne. He and his six siblings all grew up in Grace Bible Church. After attending The Masters University, he earned a M.A.C.M. at The WEST Institute in Wyoming before moving to North Carolina to complete his M.Div. at Shepherds Theological Seminary. He also taught Bible at a classical Christian school for six years. During his time there, he met his wife Ashley. Now they have two children, Norah and Elijah. For fun, Jon loves the outdoors, playing sports, board games, having people over, and hanging out with youth (they make him feel young).

Lay Elders 

Darren FraleyDarren Fraley

Darren been a member since 1996. He is an ACBC certified biblical counselor and has served in various roles in the church through the years, teaching in the college group, IMPACT Group leader, Adult Sunday School, and counseling. Currently, Darren is a fill-in teacher for adult Sunday School classes. He has been married to Dene for 26 years and they have three daughters (Alyssa, Breanna, Micaela) and one son (Joshua).

 

Neil

Neil Zerlang - Chairman

Neil Zerlang has had the privilege of worshiping and serving this body of believers since 1980. He has been married to the love of his life, Jan, for nearly 40 years and has raised all four of his children here. He is self-employed as a Licensed Land Surveyor, having established his business in Visalia in 1986. Neil is honored to serve the Lord as an Elder at Grace Bible Church Visalia.

Pat Lee 

Pat Lee

Pat Lee has attended and is a member of Grace Bible Church Visalia since 1990.  He’s been involved in different ministries within the church including various Bible Studies, Youth Staff, Ushering, Deacon of Facilities and Grounds and the Elder Board.  He’s been married to his wife Debbie for 40 years.  He’s has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. He is looking forward to humbly serving the body at Grace Bible Church Visalia.  

 

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