Lance Leach was born (1970) and mostly raised in Madera, a graduate of the MHS class of 1988.  His parents, Roger and Dixie Leach, raised him in church and when Valley West Christian Center was founded in the fall of 1987, Lance a senior in high school, was the first youth leader of the church.  He would go on to pursue education, but would be called back into youth Ministry in 1990 choosing to go to Christ For The Nations, in Dallas Texas.  Having only been there one year, the church was growing, and asked him in the fall of 1991 to come back to Madera and be the full time youth pastor at VWCC.   Lance would later graduate from Fresno Pacific University in 1995, and a week later marry Barbara Knepp, of Santa Maria, California and begin life and ministry with her. 

Before becoming Lead Pastor, Lance served faithfully as VWCC Youth Pastor and then as an Associate Pastor for over 30 years.  Lance knows and values ministry to young people and students. Lance still volunteers his time to minister to youth at FCA on the Madera High Campus.  Lance has a gift and anointing to lead and enjoys serving Madera and the Central Valley.  Lance can be found teaching on a Sunday morning or leading a small group on a Wednesday night. But, Lance’s true joy in serving VWCC is getting to know all the “life stories” within our congregation.  When not serving at the church Lance enjoys spending time with his family especially his granddaughter. 

Charles and Clarissa Rigby have served at VWCC for nearly 20 years. As an associate, Charles now oversees several ministries within the church as well as building teams and implementing core strategies. Charles has a gift of communication and has spoken all over the United States, on College and University Campuses, high schools and conferences. Charles has a gift for encouraging and mobilizing in power and prayer in order to courageously influence people, cities and the nations of the earth for the Glory of Heaven. Prior to becoming an associate pastor, Charles served as VWCC Youth Pastor and director of Reality Youth Ministries.  Charles has worked closely as a team member of Jesus Culture's Campus Awakening helping establish campus ministries locally and throughout the US. In 2011 Charles started "I Am Influence," a local young adult movement that hosted conferences specifically to encouraging and equip students as they pursue God's design for their life and influence others for His Kingdom. 

Aside from duties within the church Charles has also served on the Madera City Council, as Mayor Pro-Tem and as chairman of the Madera Housing Authority. Charles was awarded Top 40 under 40 honors in 2016 by the Fresno Business Street. Charles is also the recipient of the 2017 Pacific Southwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies Housing Commissioner of the Year Award and current Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Matilda Torres High School. 

Charles and Clarissa have two sons named Rodger Edison and Chason David. 

Minerva and Barbara have served faithfully filling in this position until a permanent hire can be made. Each share duties of the position teaching our Sunday programs or our Awana Kids Club. Their love for children and families is demonstrated each and every week and their abilities to charge a generation to live their life for Jesus is unmatched! 

Currently looking to fill this position

Currently looking to fill this position

Mariann M. Perez spent her childhood in Riverdale, CA and then moved to Madera in 1988, where she later graduated from Madera High School. She gave her life to Jesus in January of 1990 and has never looked back. She has been a part of Valley West Christian Center ever since, other than working in ministry in Louisiana from 1994 – 1996. Mariann has had the privilege of serving on numerous mission trips to Mexico, Costa Rica, and several European countries, as well as, local mission opportunities. Mariann graduated cum laude from Fresno Pacific University in 2002 and began to work full time as the Executive Secretary for Valley West Christian Center in 2003.

Mariann has been married to her best friend, Paul T. Perez, since 2001 and is the mother to four life-changing children, three amazing in-law children, and the Mima to seven beautiful grandchildren.

Sandy Arter has been attending Valley West Christian Center for 31 years. For the past 25 years she has been part of the church staff. Sandy started working in the Children's Ministry with the leaders and directed the ministry for 10 years. For the past 10 years Sandy has worked in Care Visitation where she visits shut-ins and those who are in rest homes or hospitals. Sandy also helps coordinate Valley West's Hospitality team and is part of the Madera Rescue Mission Auxiliary.

Sandy is married with four children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. 

Megeane and Vanessa serve as our Nursery Directors. As mothers, they understand the value of serving parents in this capacity.  Both Megeane and Vanessa believe that children can be ministered to just as much as adults during church services and they have built a team who every service are ready to receive and love those precious gifts of life.