Raul was born and raised in Los Angeles and loves this city with all his heart. After graduating from UCLA, he has spent the last 15 years in full time vocational ministry having been a youth pastor and college campus missionary with our parent ministry Every Nation. Raul’s heart beats for the next generation and seeing them find their worth and purpose in Christ. He loves spending time with his amazing wife Kim and his two energetic boys Jordan and Ryan.

Paul serves as the Executive Pastor at Renew. After marrying his incredible life partner Tina they began as campus missionaries at UCLA in 1994. Twenty five years, four children, one three year stint in Nashville, two church plants later, Paul is still passionate about Jesus and the amazing work he can do in a person’s life, including his own. His hope is that God would use the accumulated life and ministry experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly, to serve the Renew church family well.

Jason is the Creative Director of Renew Church LA and helps establish and execute the creative vision for the church. He is a proud husband and father, and a Virginia native who is now happy to call LA home. When he's not on the road for work or hanging with his family, you might find him on the basketball court reliving his college days.

Calynn sets the vision for children’s programming and manages a diverse team of volunteer teachers. She is passionate about helping children know Jesus intimately and discern His voice. Calynn was born and raised here in LA and spent 10 years working in education before joining Renew full time. True to her LA roots, she loves all things health and fitness, anything ocean related, and boasts an extensive music collection!

Janet leads the Prayer Team, supports Women’s Ministry and is deeply passionate about Renew’s mission to see God’s children be set free. Part of the original volunteer team that migrated from Virginia to start Renew, Janet is the adoring wife of her husband David and proud mother of three children, who are now all happy to call LA home. When she’s not connecting with, praying for and encouraging women, Janet is homeschooling her children, volunteering, or putting her theater degree to good use writing, acting and directing. 

Dave helps lead the Experience Team at Renew, supporting the operational needs of the church. He and his beautiful wife Janet, along with their three children moved from VA to help plant the church in 2014. An avid golfer, David is grateful for the daily promise of "72 and sunny" in LA and when he isn't busy helping build Renew, he is helping build the city as a civil engineer.

Michelle leads the Creative + Marketing team and is driven and inspired by the convergence of creativity and meaningful social impact…in this case, impact for the Kingdom. Michelle is one of the original volunteers who moved from Virginia to plant Renew, is married to Jason “The Bishop” McGraw, the proud mama of a rambunctious toddler, and a devout believer in Nutella and hot sauce (not together, of course).

Ashia leads the worship team at Renew and is passionate about seeing people experience God’s love in worship. She moved to LA in August of 2016, seeking opportunities to aid in the loss of music programs in the inner-city. When she’s not unicycling, songwriting, or leading worship, she's working as a business systems analyst for an “oh so familiar” corporation. 

Brie comes from our sending church Grace Covenant with years of experience leading outreach and missions initiatives. She oversees our Welcome Team and Outreach Ministry and is excited to be a part of the incredible impact Renew is having on the city! Brie’s best friend is her husband Nivel and when they aren’t working or on the golf course, they love riding their bikes to the beach to catch a Santa Monica sunset.

Sharif was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Chicago, but currently lives in this City of Angels. He is married to the love of his life, his sweetness, Bethany Lynn Atkins. He has two amazing children, Noah Amir Atkins and Olivia Grace Atkins. God led him and his family to be a part of Renew Church LA after running into his old college suite mate at Life Kitchen in downtown Culver City. That former suite mate is also our beloved Pastor Dihan Lee. Sharif and his wife have enjoyed serving in whatever capacity Renew has needed and look forward to continuing to allow God to shape and mold their servant hearts for His glory. He is humbled to have been brought on as a Pastoral Fellow and looks forward to helping build a foundation for discipleship upon the love of Jesus. 

Brittany provides administrative and programming support to Renew Kids. Born in NorCal and raised in Arizona, she came to LA in 2014 to attend UCLA, fell in love with the ocean and the weather, and decided to stay. She is passionate about seeing children grow in their faith and helping to build community amongst the youngest members of the church. Outside of Renew, Brittany works at UCLA and spends her free time doing DIY projects, going to the beach, and exploring the city with friends.