Pastoral Staff & Team Leads

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Dr. Mark & Christy Taylor, Lead Pastors​

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Mark A. Taylor, a native of California, was called to ministry at an early age. This calling has led him to minister across the United States through both word and song. His passion for Jesus fuels his deep commitment to serving communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley, where he and his wife, Christy, have dedicated themselves to teaching and mentoring people of all generations in the transformative love of God. They are excited to be back in Visalia, CA, continuing their mission of service to their local community.

 

Mark is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) and has an extensive educational background, including:

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• Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies with a Pastoral Emphasis – West Coast Christian College (Fresno, CA)

• Associate of Science in Human Services – College of the Sequoias (Visalia, CA)

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Brandman University (Irvine, CA)

• Master of Arts in Clinical & Mental Health Counseling – Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland, TN)

• Master of Arts in Discipleship & Ministry Leadership – Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland, TN)

• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Clinical Counseling and Trauma – Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland, TN)

 

Additionally, Mark is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and is just one exam away from obtaining his Licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, specializing in social work, mental health case management, clinical counseling, and organizational leadership. He also serves as the Ministerial Care Director for the CA/NV Church of God Region, supporting pastors and leaders across the state.

 

Christy Taylor, also a Visalia, CA native, is a minister within the Church of God at the Exhorter level and serves as the Administrative Pastor at Thrive Church. She holds multiple academic degrees:

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• Associate of Arts in General Education – College of the Sequoias (Visalia, CA)

• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies – College of the Sequoias (Visalia, CA)

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources – Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ)

• Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus on Life Coaching – Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ)

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Christy’s lifelong passion for music ministry has led her to perform as a solo artist and as part of southern gospel groups such as The Curtsinger’s and Mercy’s Destination. Today, she leads worship each Sunday at Thrive Church, blending music with heartfelt exhortation to create an atmosphere where people can experience the presence of God.

 

Together, Mark and Christy serve as faculty members at Patten University, where they equip students with the spiritual and academic foundations necessary for ministry and community leadership. Their shared passion is to minister under God’s anointing, openly sharing life experiences, challenges, and victories to connect with those they serve. They embrace modern technology and media as tools to spread messages of hope, deliverance, and redemption, ensuring that the Word of God remains relevant and accessible to all.

 

Their ultimate mission is to see:

✔ Fear removed

✔ Faith renewed

✔ Lives restored

 

They are dedicated to guiding people into a deeper, authentic relationship with God—one that moves beyond religion into transformation. Mark and Christy welcome connections with individuals in their community, always seeking ways to uplift, encourage, and serve.

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Contact Information

Mark: (559) 972-0511 | markt.thrivewell@gmail.com

Christy: (559) 741-3874 | christyt.thrivewell@gmail.com