A Progressive Christian Community Rooted in Justice, Curiosity, and Love

TEACHING PASTOR

Aaron holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Lipscomb University and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Drawing on both his evangelical roots and his ongoing theological journey, Aaron helps create space for people to wrestle with faith, doubt, and meaning in a way that is honest, inclusive, and life-giving.

Aaron is also the author of A Survival Guide for Heretics, a book that explores faith deconstruction and reconstruction with humor, candor, and hope. His work reflects a core conviction: that Christianity is not about rigid beliefs, but about how we live—seeking justice, loving others, and walking humbly.

Originally from Chicago, Aaron now lives in Los Angeles County with his wife Emily and their two daughters.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR/ FINANCIAL DIR.

Bob leads and writes the church’s liturgy, oversees all service-related technology, and manages the organization’s finances.

Bob first joined Central in 2012 as an intern during a pivotal moment—when the church was transforming from a dying institution into a renewed, life-giving community willing to ask deep questions of faith. He stayed because he found his own spiritual journey mirrored in the church’s evolution from conservative roots into a progressive, open-minded, and justice-oriented community.

Originally from the Detroit area, Bob moved to Los Angeles for graduate school and quickly fell in love with the city he now calls home. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Bob and his wife, Ashley, live in LA with their two daughters, Ellie and Maisie.

When he’s not at church, you’ll find him exploring California, visiting breweries and wineries, or brewing his own award-winning beer, all while doing his best to avoid children’s birthday parties (mostly kidding… mostly).

COMMUNITY PASTOR

Julie teaches, oversees community events, offers spiritual care, and leads the children’s program. Julie was drawn to Central’s unique approach to spiritual life—a community where everyone has a voice, where questions matter more than answers, and where people from across the belief spectrum can belong.

A pastor, chaplain, teacher, writer, and facilitator, Julie has worked in schools, churches, nonprofits, and clinical settings, and is passionate about reimagining what spiritual community can feel like. Before ministry, she pursued a PhD in American Literature at Brown University and spent 13 years teaching high school before earning her MDiv in Interfaith Chaplaincy.

Julie is especially committed to creating space for queer Christians who have felt marginalized or merely tolerated in traditional religious settings. As a “wounded healer,” she draws on her own experiences within Christianity to cultivate compassion, authenticity, and belonging.

She holds degrees from UCSB, Brown University, and Claremont School of Theology. Julie lives in Los Angeles, loves all dogs, takes any opportunity to jump into cold water, and is currently renovating her 1982 Vanagon.

CREATIVE ARTS / BRIDGE MINISTRY

Max leads Creative Arts and our Bridge Ministry (service/outreach program) at Central Avenue Church, helping shape spaces where faith, creativity, and community can intersect in meaningful ways. On Sundays, he contributes to worship by providing guitar and vocals, helping create a spirit of openness, healing, and unity through music. He is passionate about creating opportunities for connection, healing, and transformation, and brings both a thoughtful and inclusive vision to this work.

Outside of CAC, Max has worked in higher education since 2012. He served in a variety of leadership roles at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena and now works at Claremont School of Theology as Senior Director of Admissions and Communications. Earlier in his career, he worked with Southern Arizona Legal Aid, supporting attorneys and clients in areas such as Domestic Relations, Bankruptcy, and Landlord/Tenant law, while also providing outreach and education in underserved communities. He also holds an Anti-Racism Training Certificate from the Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Max earned a bachelor’s degree at Bethel College (KS) and a master’s degree with an emphasis in Ethics at Fuller Seminary. His own journey of faith has been one of transformation—moving from a conservative upbringing to discovering a more expansive and inclusive vision of God’s love.