ABOUT EXPEDITION
TO SEE LIVES TRANSFORMED, LIVING OUT THE VALUES AND PRIORITIES OF JESUS
VALUES
Community | Life’s better together.
Simplicity | Less is more.
Authenticity | Let’s be real.
Compassion | Tangible demonstrations of grace and mercy.
Intentionality | On purpose and with purpose.
MISSION
We all long for a sense of purpose. We believe at Expedition that our life has no greater purpose than to live out God’s mission for this world… to live “on mission.”
The word Expedition is defined as “a journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective.” The definite objective is our mission: “Making disciples who love God and people.”
A disciple is someone who devotes their life to learning about and living for Jesus. To know and follow Him more and experience the life-changing joy of seeing others also follow him. This is the heart of Expedition… a group of people traveling on life’s journey, striving to live out the values and priorities of Jesus.
BELIEFS
There is one God, the sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe who eternally exists in three persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is holy and infinitely perfect.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the only Savior and Lord of humanity. He is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, was crucified to atone for sin and rose from the grave giving evidence to defeating sin and death. He ascended to the right hand of the Father where He intercedes for us.
The Holy Spirit is the initiator and enabler for the Christian life. He convicts of sin and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
The Bible is the infallible and authoritative Word of God, the only rule of faith and practice and without error in all that it teaches.
Mankind is lost and sinful by nature. Therefore, salvation is by God’s grace, freely given through faith in Christ and not earned by any merit of man.
STORY
Expedition Church informally began when a group of families and friends gathered together to celebrate Christmas Eve on December 24th, 2007 at the then closed Oxbow Saloon. This was an important night that gave evidence to the fact that the town of Payson would benefit from a different expression of the local church.
From there, a small group of people gathered to study the Bible and pray as they sought further direction.
In July of 2008, Expedition officially launched in the former Julia Randall Elementary cafeteria. A diverse group of 70 people showed up to be a part of this new work. It was simple and unsophisticated, but sincere and authentic.
6 years later, in May of 2014, Expedition was generously gifted the facilities of First Southern Baptist Church.
Expedition continues to be a part of God’s kingdom work in Payson and around the world. Our best days are ahead of us!
LOCATION
Expedition is located at 301 S. Colcord Rd. in the heart of Payson.
We are two blocks west of Highway 87, just north of Bonita.
OUR STAFF
DONOVAN CHRISTIAN
LEAD PASTOR / ELDER
Donovan is married to his sweet and lovely wife Shelly. He also has two incredible sons, Caleb and Luke. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Masters of Divinity from Phoenix Seminary. He is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, mountain biking and most sports. He also likes good BBQ, dabbling with photography and the word “wonky.”
AMERICA BENITEZ
OFFICE ASSISTANT
I have been volunteering at Expedition for youth ministry for a couple of years now. I love playing sports especially volleyball. I have two dogs who are my world and best friends. In my free time I like to listen to music, go paddle boarding and or go fishing with my siblings.
DAVID HAGEMAN
WORSHIP LEADER
Dave is married to his better half, Tanya and and is a father to his beautiful daughter Lennon and his two sons Liam and Layton. He is a graduate of the New Life School of Worship, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies and Worship Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Dave enjoys camping, fishing, “mechanicing”, reading, writing music and a good nap.
SARAH MARTEL-LEE
ADMINISTRATION
As a mom of 3 littles, I am a professional multitasker. I spend time in strategic planning, program management, and the ever-present administrative work. I also love words – writing them, editing them, using them to tell stories and communicate ideas.
SHELLY CHRISTIAN
CHILDRENS DIRECTOR
Shelly is an Arizona native who can’t imagine living anywhere else. She married her high school sweetheart and has two boys. They love playing games and watching movies. Camping is a favorite pastime and traveling to explore new places. Shelly has her Bachelors in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She desires for kids at Expedition to understand that God loves them and that they are an important part of our church family!
ELDERS
JIM GRAHAM
ELDER
GARTH LINKEY
ELDER
Gary Jones
ELDER
Clayton Nutter
ELDER
DEACONS
BRETT CARTWRIGHT
FACILITIES TEAM LEAD
CAROL SHELDON
BENEVOLENCE TEAM LEAD
LAY LEADERS
JIMMY LEE
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT