Ted Leavenworth is the Senior Pastor of Reliance Church in Temecula, California and has been in Christian service for over 30 years. A graduate of the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry, Pastor Ted has a heart for church planting – leading two church plants in Southern California and facilitating the establishment of seven others both nationally and internationally.

Ted also serves on the executive committee of Calvary Global Network where he focuses on leadership coaching and pastoral mentoring. Additionally, Pastor Ted is the host of the Leadership Collective Podcast, focusing on the “nuts & bolts” of church leadership.

Pastor Ted and his wife Brenda were married in 1985 and together, they have three adult children and ten grandchildren.

Get to know Pastor Ted!

What is your role at Reliance Church?
Senior Pastor

Describe your job in five words?
Equipping saints for ministry work (Ephesians 4:12)

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A police officer…then later a Firefighter/Paramedic (Like Johnny & Roy on Squad 51) – That’s a TV series from the early 70’s for the younger crowd

Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
Coffee – All. Day. Long.

Go-to worship song?
How Great Thou Art / Rattle / I Speak Jesus

Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
My Parents / Pastor Chuck Smith / Pastor David Guzik / Pastor Dave Shepardson

Food you can’t live without?
Sushi

Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Peter

Favorite Quote of all time?
“The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the painful experience that you refuse to endure.” — Craig Groeschel

What is your hope for Reliance Church?
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” — 3 John 1:4