Creekside Church is an Elder led church, with a Lead Pastor. We have adopted a shared model of spiritual leadership and function with a plurality of Elders, equally serving, leading and shepherding the church. Our Spiritual Leadership Team is made up of the Lead Pastor and 6 lay Elders. We believe this is a healthy model of church leadership, exemplified in the New Testament Church. We are committed to lead in unity and plurality.
spiritual leadership team
Lead Pastor, Mike Garner was conceived in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, Odessa, TX . Even though he grew up in the dust of West Texas, he considers Michigan home (GO BLUE). He knew at a young age that one day, he'd be a pastor. Through multiple years at multiple colleges, and multiple jobs (none of which were all together fulfilling), he and his wife Rhonda landed here in Wasilla in 2020.
Mike and Rhonda have 18 kids and 93 grandkids scattered thousands of miles away. He enjoys long walks on the beach, and baking while watching Hallmark Movies.
Contact Pastor Mike
Mike and Rhonda have 18 kids and 93 grandkids scattered thousands of miles away. He enjoys long walks on the beach, and baking while watching Hallmark Movies.
Contact Pastor Mike
Chris Bena grew up the kid of an Air Force Chaplain, never living in one place for longer than three years. His earliest memories were driving by the flight line on Air Force bases and attending air shows. This fostered a love of aviation that is, frankly, insatiable! This love brought him to Alaska in the mid-90s where he found a new love, Amber, a bush girl from Port Alsworth. The two of them got married and spent a few years bouncing around the lower 48 before returning to Alaska in 2007. Chris now operates high speed aluminum tubing at high altitudes for Alaska Airlines (Boeing 737 pilot). Chris and Amber have 3 adult children who all live in Alaska.
Becoming a disciple of Christ at a young age, he always knew that being involved in church was a part of life. He came on board the leadership team at Creekside in 2009, serving first as a Deacon, then as Elder. He oversees IT, video ministry, and missions at Creekside.
Contact Chris
Becoming a disciple of Christ at a young age, he always knew that being involved in church was a part of life. He came on board the leadership team at Creekside in 2009, serving first as a Deacon, then as Elder. He oversees IT, video ministry, and missions at Creekside.
Contact Chris