Jim Smith
Joyce comes to VCN with an extensive background in administrative work. After working in Christian education for 8 years, Joyce moved into the political consulting field where she worked as an Office Manager, Project Manager and then Operations Manager. After leaving the political field, Joyce joined the team of a Christian non-profit advocacy group as the Executive Assistant to the President. Her background in ministry, management, and administrative work in both the corporate and non-profit worlds has prepared her for her role as Executive Assistant for Dave.
Joyce and Richard have 4 grown children spread across the country from Arizona to South Carolina to New York City. They enjoy their grandson Gus and are anticipating the addition of twin girls in the Spring.
Joyce enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, walking in the desert foothills, being a grandma, eating out, and traveling. She enjoys meeting new people and encouraging those around her in their walk with God so that they can live victorious, content, committed Christian lives.
Chaplain Brandt is endorsed by the Conservative Baptist Association of America (CBAmerica) and has 43 years of combined military service (AD AF, AFNG, Army Reserve, and AD Army), the last 32 as an Army Chaplain. He is currently serving as the Director of Chaplaincy for CBAmerica.
Chaplain Brandt’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6), Army Commendation Medal (2), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Iraqi Campaign Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5), the Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge.
Chaplain Brandt is married to the former Ms. Julie K. Widner and they have two daughters, Sarah (31) and Rebecca (28).
Church ministry is woven into the fabric of Dave’s life. A “preacher’s kid” born in Iowa, Dave grew up in the SF Bay Area East Bay town of Pleasanton. After receiving undergraduate and seminary degrees at Bob Jones University, Dave served seven years as an associate pastor of his home church in San Ramon, CA, then thirteen years as senior pastor of Heart to Heart Bible Church in Phoenix, AZ. During the years in Phoenix, Dave received his Doctor of Sacred Ministries degree from Northland International University. Dave’s burden to return to the Bay Area led him in 2004 to become the lead pastor of Morgan Hill Bible Church, serving also as a volunteer chaplain with the Morgan Hill Police Department. Dave also served as the Executive Director of Next Generation Churches in Northern California/Nevada, one of eight regions in CBAmerica. Dave also serves the Western Seminary Board of Trustees. In September 2020, after 16 years as pastor of MHBC, Dave became the full-time president of Venture Church Network (formerly known as CBAmerica). Dave and his wife, Lanette, moved to Greenville, SC, and have been married for 40 years. Their daughter Kaylan lives in Manhattan and son Jonathan and wife Carrie, and their first grandchild, Sylvia, live in Brooklyn, NY. Dave enjoys hanging out with family and friends, reading, playing golf, and playing with his Apple gadgets. Even more, Dave loves communicating the Word and is passionate about seeing local churches and pastors flourishing in the gospel, connecting people into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.