Who we are

Mission Statement:  Equipping people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

David Flaig - Lead Pastor of The Vine   Dave Flaig grew up in Northridge, California.   While endeavoring to be a pro soccer player, God called him into the ministry.   Dave graduated in 1991 from Biola University with his Bachelor's degree in Christian Education.   He received his Master of Divinity degree from Denver Seminary in 1994.    He is married to his beautiful bride, Heather, and has three handsome young boys.   Interesting things to know about Dave: He once worked for a summer on a dude ranch in Colorado. To him AVP means "Association of Volleyball Professionals" not alien vs. predator. While in college, he took two separate girls (who happened to be roommates) on the exact same date...oops. His favorite NHL hockey team is the Colorado Avalanche.       Rick Kyle - Emerging Generation Pastor   Rick was born and raised in northern Kentucky.   He received his bachelors from Clearwater Christian College in 1984, and his Masters from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1995.    Rick's favorite past time is spending time with his wonderful wife of 16 years and his two children Josh and Katie.    Rick's family spent 3 years in the mission field in Poland, where a large part of their hearts remain.   Interesting things to know about RIck: Rick enjoys hanging with Katie at Starbucks and watching cartoons with Josh.  When he is not leading someone to Christ, he is usually at Starbucks ordering a Venti Chai Frapp with a light coffee base and 13 cubes of ice... with whip.  One time Rick tied up a female alligator and stole 3 of her babies.        Ben Kolarcik - Worship Pastor   Ben grew up in Louisville, KY and began leading worship as early as middle school.    His pop/rock style and distinctive voice captivates his listeners with the depth of emotion expressed.   Ben recently moved to California with his beautiful wife and adorable 1 year old son from Nashville, TN.   As a 26 year old, Ben possesses a wealth of experience in leading people of all ages at worship events around the globe.   Interesting things to know about Ben: Ben is also the worship leader at Discovery Church in Simi Valley. He enjoys playing golf with his buddies. Ben also is a very competitive board game player.     Ashley Collins - Administrative Assistant   Ashley was born and raised in Southern California.   She has a passion for music and leads worship as Shepherd of the Hills- Woodland Hills.   She graduated from California Lutheran University with a Bachelors in Communications, emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations.   She assists Pastor Dave and the Vine ministry teams, as well as helps to create The Emerging Generation Magazine, Torch.   Interesting things to know about Ashley: She and her husband met on a missions trip to Japan through Shepherd of the Hills in 2005.  They have been married almost 2 years and both have a heart for the mission field. Ashley used to sing Country Music professionally.  Her husband, Marty, thanks God that she no longer does.  (He is not a Country fan!)

if you

Nate Milnik- Community Guy

 Nate grew up in Sonora, CA and loves Northern California 

 Nate wants to be a professor of Philosophy at a University someday, but in the mean time he writes our Life Group curriculum, and runs

 “Save the Planet”.

 Nate got his B.A. from CSUN in Philosophy

 He is currently pursuing his M.A. in Philosophy at CSULA

 When he is not at the vine he enjoys reading, the outdoors, and playing music.

Interesting things to know about Nate:

• He LOVES Seinfeld.
• He enjoys discussing theology and philosophy and will have a debate with you.
• He wants  to know a great spot.