Chris Galanos: Lead Pastor

Chris Galanos was born and raised in Lubbock. He attended Texas Tech and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. While he was in college, he was very involved in the college ministry of Indiana Avenue. Toward the end of his senior year, he sensed that God was calling him away from the computer industry and into full-time ministry. During this time, Chris met and married the love of his life, Emilie, and they moved off to attend seminary. Chris graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree two weeks before the birth of their first child, McKinley Ann.

Chris has always sensed a calling to start a church which is unashamedly passionate about Jesus and intentional about helping others experience new life in him. So, on September 9th, 2007, Experience Life celebrated its Grand Opening with over 330 people in attendance. Chris believes the most exciting days are still ahead and he can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do.

Brandon Gwinn: Worship Pastor

Brandon Gwinn has been leading worship over the last 10 years in both Lubbock and San Antonio. Brandon is a gifted musician and song writer. He recently released his first worship album, "All Our Praise," which is comprised of Brandon's original worship songs. Brandon is married to Jennifer and they have two children: Taylor is 5 and Ayden is 2.

Brandon also performs at the well-known Cactus Theater in Lubbock on a regular basis. Over the past 4 years, he has performed in a variety of themed vocal shows, gospel shows, and musicals. Brandon is excited about the vision of Experience Life and looks forward to leading people in worship each week.

Tim Beal: Student Pastor

Tim Beal was raised in Lubbock. He graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a BSOE in Religion. Tim has been married to his best friend Paula and together they have 2 beautiful girls and a very special son who is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Tim had aspirations of working as a zookeeper before God called him to full-time ministry. Tim has been in ministry for more than 12 years with some amazing support from Paula. He has a desire to see people come alive and realize the potential they have in Christ.

Tim believes that students are not the church of tomorrow but are a major part of the church of today. He has led youth camps, revivals, special events and creatively fulfilled opportunities to speak for churches throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. His humor and imagination are unique qualities that make an experience with Tim memorable.

Missy Gore: Children's Director

Missy Gore is a native of the Lubbock area where she's worked with kids of all ages and abilities from the time she was just a kid herself. Her first big dream was to become a teacher and to run the nursery at the church she grew up in. After graduating from Sundown High School, she began pursuing a path toward teaching Drama at San Angelo State which soon led her to Los Angeles where she worked in the Entertainment Industry. While aspiring to become a writer/director, God opened doors for Missy to become a Children’s Director at Paradox Community Church.

Living in Los Angeles and pursuing a career where children are rarely seen, revealed to her the true desire of her heart, which is to lead children to the true, simple love of Christ. "I want children to know Christ first hand and to have a faith that will leave grown-ups speechless. There is absolutely nothing like seeing a love for Christ in the heart of a child!” Through these experiences, she felt that the Lord was calling her out of the movie business and into a life of ministry. She recently moved back to Lubbock to finish her education degree. Already God has been faithful to connect her where he can use her best, here at Experience Life.

Amanda Schaefer: Children's Director

Amanda Schaefer grew up in the small town of Cisco, Texas where she met and married her childhood friend and high school sweetheart, David Schaefer. She is a two-time Texas Tech graduate with degrees in Public Relations as well as a Masters in Business Administration.

Amanda has a true heart for children’s ministry and loves the challenges and blessings that come from sharing the love of Christ with young and tender hearts. She has worked with children of all ages for the past eight years as a gymnastics and cheerleading coach and has seen first-hand the difference a godly role model can make in a child’s life.

Amanda's desire is for all children to know they have a purpose in Christ (Jeremiah 29:11), to be given the tools they need to guard their hearts and minds (Ephesians 6:10-18), and to shine as a light to all the world (Matthew 5:13-16) and win the world to Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).

Jill Heflin: Administrative Assistant

Jill Heflin grew up in Levelland Texas and graduated highschool in 1994. She attended Southwestern Assembly of God University and South Plains College. She married her husband Todd in May of 1999 and they have 3 beautiful children, Tori, Jaxon, and Kendyl.

Jill's rich Christian heritage has lead her into various ministry positions throughout her life, and she has always found herself in the heart of the church wherever she is. She has served in the area of music since the age of 12, served as Administrator, Women's Director, and she served as worship leader for 4 years in her previous church.

Besides serving on staff of Experience Life Church, Jill has created and developed her own vocal teaching school, Studio A Music, where she coaches and mentors students of all ages. She currently employs 4 vocal coaches and has over 40 students enrolled in her program.