Leadership
Staff
Austin Axen Lead Pastor
Pastor Austin first came to Christ in high school and later discerned his calling to ministry while studying Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University in La Mirada. After serving in Student Ministries for over a decade, Austin now serves as our Lead Pastor. He is currently earning a Master of Divinity from The Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles. He’s passionate about theology, discipleship, the Gospel, and good coffee! Born and raised in Southern California, he, his wife, Sarah, their daughter, Naomi, and their son, Jesse, are grateful to call Thousand Oaks and Living Oaks their home! Together they love Jesus, family, travel, movies, art, and people!
Conrad Wozniak Executive Associate Pastor
Pastor Conrad grew up in a Christian home but made his faith his own while studying at Pepperdine University where he developed a deep love for Christ and decided to pursue vocational ministry. He has served as both a College Pastor and a Community Life Pastor in Orange County for several years and joined our staff as our Executive Associate Pastor. Conrad also holds a Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada. Conrad is married to the love of his life, Ashley, and they have two boys, Aksel and Coen. Conrad loves surfing, hiking, running, climbing, photography, and national parks!
Zack Roleder Assistant Pastor
Pastor Zack has been attending church since he was a child, but it wasn’t until he was an adult that he came to Christ as his personal Savior. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and is currently taking classes to expand his theological education. Before coming on staff, he served as a youth leader at Living Oaks and is now our Assistant Pastor, overseeing Small Groups, Men’s Ministry, and information technology. His desire is to equip the saints for the work of ministry with the Lord’s help. He enjoys talking science or theology, as well as watching a good movie with his wife, Jennifer and making his son, Lukas, laugh.
Laura Perrin Office Administrator
Laura was born and raised in Southern California and came to Christ in her early 30s. She loves studying God’s word and she enjoys having family game nights, dinner with friends, watching her three sons play baseball, and going to the beach. Laura started attending Living Oaks back in 2007 and volunteered on both the usher and Kids Ministries teams before joining the staff in 2011 as our Kids Ministries Coordinator. She is now our Office Administrator. Have a question? She can answer it!
Brad Axen Facilities Manager
Brad graduated from the Brooks Institute of Photography and owned a commercial photography studio in Orange County for 16 years. The studio's claim to fame was designing, building and photographing custom sets. Brad has been on staff at Living Oaks as our Facility Manager since 2016. His background in maintenance and facilities started in high school when he maintained 800 apartment units with his grandfather. He and his wife Debbie love going to their home in Running Springs on the weekends and his tip for the day is “Milwaukee tools are the best!”
Jim Carlisle Ministry Assistant
Jim began attending Living Oaks in 2006 and has served on the staff as a Ministry Assistant since 2018. He grew up in San Luis Obispo and became a Christian at the age of 13. Jim earned a degree in journalism at Cal Poly and a few years later started a 33-year career on the sports staff of the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle, which later became part of the Ventura County Star. Jim’s wife Karen leads our church’s Operation Christmas Child ministry and she also serves on its regional team. They live in Simi Valley.
Riley Harris Kids Ministries Coordinator
Riley has been attending Living Oaks with her family since 2005 and was baptized as a follower of Christ in 2016. She graduated from the University of San Diego in 2022 with a degree in Communication Studies. In addition to her role as our Kids Ministries Coordinator, Riley is on staff at a nonprofit organization called Connect 2 Ministries and serves as a youth leader here at Living Oaks. She loves sharing the joy of the gospel with children and students, and is excited to serve on staff in the same ministry in which she grew up!
Elders
Austin Axen
Pastor Austin first came to Christ in high school and later discerned his calling to ministry while studying Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University in La Mirada. After serving in Student Ministries for over a decade, Austin now serves as our Lead Pastor. He is currently earning a Master of Divinity from The Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles. He’s passionate about theology, discipleship, the Gospel, and good coffee! Born and raised in Southern California, he, his wife, Sarah, their daughter, Naomi, and their son, Jesse, are grateful to call Thousand Oaks and Living Oaks their home! Together they love Jesus, family, travel, movies, art, and people!
Greg Gibson
Greg and Vicki have been attending LOC for the last 8 years. Greg is a small group leader, works with the Hands and Feet ministry and volunteers countless hours working with facilities on upgrades & renovations in all of the buildings. Vicki is helping with the Children’s program on Sundays and is involved in special events raising funds for fostered youth.
Tim Carpenter
Both Tim and Debbie were fortunate to have been raised in strong, God-honoring Christian homes. After graduating from BIOLA, Tim entered the field of education in the Conejo Valley and had an impact for 40 years. With an appreciation for the ministry of LOC and its impact in the community, Tim believes that through the current ministries, small groups, and discipleship, LOC will have a greater impact on our community for Christ.
Ryan Bennett
Ryan and his wife committed their lives to Christ early in life. They were high school sweethearts and have been married for 15 years. Ryan graduated from UCLA and after working 10 years for a large telecommunications company, he made the decision to start a local financial planning business. Ryan and Hilary have been attending LOCC for the last 5 years. The Bennetts’ three children all love Jesus and Ryan and Hilary are youth ministry leaders. Ryan also advises the LOC staff for their retirement planning. He volunteers countless hours counselling staff and other members of the church concerning financial stewardship.
Jeff Harris
Jeff was raised in a Christian home in Amarillo, Texas. He attended Truman State University, where he met his wife Rochelle and graduated with a B.S. in Finance. Jeff is in the financial services industry and is currently a Director of an international trading firm. Jeff and Rochelle have been married for 25 years and have two children currently attending college. Their family began attending LOC in 2005 where Jeff is currently a Rooted facilitator and greeter while Rochelle is the director of Women’s Ministries.
Volunteers
Doug Posey Founding Pastor
Pastor Doug and his wife Wendi grew up in the Conejo Valley and have been privileged to raise their three kids here, too. Now they have a blast spoiling their grandkids, Irelin and Rhett! Doug graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies in 1976 and soon after became a youth pastor in Thousand Oaks. After Doug served in youth ministry and as an associate pastor, he and Wendi planted Living Oaks in 2004. Doug also holds a master’s degree in Christian education and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada. The Posey’s are excited about what God is doing by leveraging their “fourth quarter” of ministry, not just here, but around the world through Global Training Network!
Hilary Bennett Kids Ministries Director
Hilary serves as our volunteer Director of Kids Ministries at Living Oaks. Hilary was born in Boise, Idaho, but spent her childhood moving and adventuring around the country as her father studied to become a doctor. She has loved Jesus her whole life and is thankful for parents who taught her to look to Jesus. After earning her degree in music education from La Sierra University in Riverside, Hilary married her high school sweetheart, Ryan (who is a member of our Elder Board). They live in Camarillo now where they home-school their three older children and have recently welcomed a fourth! Together the family loves learning and exploring!
Rochelle Harris Women’s Ministries Director
Rochelle serves as our volunteer Director of Women’s Ministries at Living Oaks. Rochelle has been married to her husband, Jeff (who is a member of our Elder Board), for 25 years and they have 2 adult children (brand-new empty nesters!). Her heart is to help both the women of our church and the women of our community know the love of Christ, find a place to connect and fellowship with one another, and grow in their faith together.