Staff
Meet the Team
At Sierra Baptist
Paul Varenkamp
Senior Pastor
Paul was appointed to serve as Sierra Baptist Church’s Associate Pastor in November 2021, and was then affirmed as the Senior Pastor on August 30, 2026 after the prior Senior Pastor of 17 years (Randy Pollard) felt the call to retire. Prior to his appointment at Sierra Baptist, Paul served as a full-time Pastor/Elder at Grace Bible Chapel in San Jose, CA; Worship Pastor at Evergreen Valley Church in San Jose, CA before that; and Local Outreach Pastor, and Worship Leader, at Los Gatos Christian Church.
He graduated from San Jose Christian College (now William Jessup University) in 2000 with a BA in Bible and Theology, and a BA in Music.
Paul has been happily married to his wife, LeAnne, since 2000, and are partners in life and ministry. LeAnne also graduated from San Jose Christian College (BA, Bible and Theology) and has served alongside Paul in many roles, including Women’s and Children’s Ministry, and as a speaker and blogger. They are parents to 8 children: Jacob, Josiah, Evie, Katelyn, Laurelyn, Joshua, Jordan, and Millie.
Paul Sanftner
Pastor/Elder
Paul serves as the director of communications and special projects advisor for a county elected official in the San Francisco Bay Area. A supercommuter, Paul travels 116 miles on the Capitol Corridor (via Amtrak) to work. Paul earned his first bachelor’s degree in church ministries from West Coast Baptist College (Lancaster, CA). He subsequently earned his second bachelor’s degree from The Master’s University (Santa Clarita, CA), where courses emphasized biblical leadership and organizational efficiency. Paul holds a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, and a master’s of divinity from Kairos University.
Inspired by the principles of gospel outreach, Paul is dedicated to mass communication efforts, utilizing traditional and digital media platforms for civic updates and supporting the challenging national landscape of civil servant recruitment.
Paul is happily married to Serom for 13 years, and they have three wonderful children.
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