Troy Martin
Lead Pastor Troy grew up in Illinois. He and his wife Jessica met at college in Springfield, MO where Troy was an All American basketball player at Central Bible College and Jessica was an education major at Evangel University. They were married in the summer of 1995 and began several years of student and associate pastor ministry. In over 20 years of ministry, Troy and Jessica have been blessed to be on staff at some amazing churches from the midwest…
Jessica Martin
Jessica is the wife of Troy and mom to Reiley, Reygan, and Trevan. She was born and raised in CA and met Troy while attending college in MO. Since their marriage in 1995, she and Troy have been involved in full-time church ministry. Jessica has had a love for kids and teaching for as long as she can remember. She has a BA in Education with a Child Development minor, a CA teaching credential, and a Master’s degree in Educational…
Alika Polanco
Creative Arts Pastor Alika grew up in San Diego and has served all over the county in music, Christian camping, youth, and pastoral leadership for over 15 years. He graduated with a bachelor’s in biblical studies from San Diego Christian College in 2007 and was married to his wife Samantha shortly after. They served in Oceanside, California at Generation Church for almost 8 years as youth pastor, worship leader, and interim lead pastor. Samantha and Alika have been at Venture…
Ricardo Velarde
Ricardo loves music, the outdoors and spending time with his family. He is married to his amazing wife Lulu and they have four children David, Larissa, Vanessa and Ariana, all of them love being at the beach or a lake grilling some carne asada. After being radi-cally transformed by Jesus at the ages of 16 and 12 they soon knew their passion was to see lives transformed by God’s grace. Then after graduating from graphic design school, got the opportunity…
James Parker
James was raised in Prescott, Arizona, where he met his wife, Maren. He and Maren have two little boys: Henley and Benson (who are young enough to still think his dad jokes are funny). Studying music in college, James finished an internship and got connected to Cornerstone Church, where he served nine years as the full-time worship pastor. He is also the San Diego area director for Likewise Worship. Likewise is a nonprofit ministry that develops healthy and humble worship…
Matt Sakauye
Next Steps Director Matt grew up in Manhattan Beach and graduated from UC Santa Barbara. After being radically transformed by Jesus in college, he decided that his life goal was to one day become a great husband and father, so he set off on a journey to prepare for those things at 19 years old. Less than two years later, he was engaged and got married in 2001 to his amazing wife, Jessica. Their ventures together landed them in Hawaii…
Eric Knoblock
Digital Church Director Eric was born and raised in San Diego, CA. He grew up in Vista, and moved to Encinitas in the 4th grade. He enjoys collecting vinyl records, the smell when it first starts to rain, and playing the guitar and piano. He enjoys all things nature, and is always planning his next adventure. An introvert (with extroverted tendencies), but praises God with his heart wide opened, unashamed of his love for Christ, and the amazing blessing it…
Garrett Lawley
Youth Director Garrett was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. He moved to San Diego to attend San Diego Christian College. While there, Garrett earned a degree in communication studies. He found a passion for ministry as a Young Life leader. Garrett has served in many roles with Young Life and local churches. He also loves to surf, spend time with friends, and enjoy all things active in his free time.
Becca Adkinson
Becca grew up in Long Beach, California. She received her degree from Cal State Long Beach. She recently retired from a 25 year career in retail. Becca and her family, Steve along with their 3 daughters have been attending Venture since 2021. Becca has jumped in to serve in KidVenture. She loves being the face kids recognize to feel welcome and safe. When Becca is not working, you can find her serving at her daughters school, hosting bible studies, reading…
Jessica Sakauye
Jessica grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California. She received her degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. During her journey in college she developed a passion for full-time ministry wherever the Lord led her. Jessica and her family have been attending Venture since 2017. She enjoys warm sunshiny days, creating or learning something new, making special memories with her family, and sharing her aloha spirit.
Ed Shinoda
Venture Coffee Lead Ed was born in Chicago and raised in Southern California. Ed worked for the same worldwide logistics company for 38 years and retired as a Senior Executive. During his time he had many job rotations as well as advancement and relocation opportunities. Shortly after marrying his wife, Patti, they relocated to Hawaii where they were able to raise their family before retiring. Ed and his family began attending Venture Church two years ago when he accidently took the…
Cesar Solis
Cesar grew up in Bakersfield, CA. He has earned Bachelors in Criminal Justice from the California State University, Bakersfield. He grew up in the church where he found the love for music. He started playing drums but quickly transitioned to vocals and playing keyboard as his love for musical worship grew. Cesar’s interest in working with youth started after working at a Christian Summer Camp for five summers. This experience encouraged him to work in the school system where he…