Brenda enjoys traveling the globe to share God’s Word and holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership from Calvary Chapel University, where she has recently become adjunct faculty.
As the host of the When She Leads podcast, Brenda actively and passionately discusses the complexities and realities of leading ministry as a woman. Married to Ted Leavenworth who serves as the Senior Pastor of Reliance Church, Brenda currently serves and loves her community as the Director of Women’s Ministry. Together they have three adult children and ten wonderful grandchildren.
Get to know Brenda!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Women’s Ministry Director
Describe your job in five words?
Keeping all the plates spinning
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Hairdresser
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Nothing like a good cup of British Black Tea with cream and sweetener.
Go-to worship song?
In this season – “Tend” by Emmy Rose
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
Wow, so many. Pastor Chuck Smith-His teachings that shaped my christian and leadership walk. His wife, Kay, who taught me how to be a pastor’s wife. June Hesterly, she tirelessly mentored me for years. Janie Alfred, who teaches me everyday how to be more like Jesus. And so many who I don’t know personally, but their books and resources have shaped my leadership life.
Food you can’t live without?
Chocolate
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
No doubt, Priscilla. We could have tea together and talk theology. Sounds like a perfect day!
Favorite Quote of all time?
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” — Brennan Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospel)
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
My true desire for our church is that it would outlive us all. That the Lord would raise up generation after generation of Bible-believing Christ followers to bring the good news long after we all leave this earth. That our church building would be used for hundreds of years to bring the Word of God to the people of God in Temecula and the surrounding areas.