Connect
At the AVENUE we love to connect during the week in the office, over dinner, over lunch and church events. We would love to get to know you and learn more about you. Let us know how we can serve you by connecting with us for prayer, counseling, or just coffee. We have a pastoral team that is eager to meet you and serve you and your family.
Contact Details
Riverside, CA 92504
Phone: (951) 359-3582
Information: info@theavenue.life
Staff
Pastors Daniel and Lanakai Ortega
Pastor Daniel Ortega is the Lead Pastor of The Avenue Church in Riverside, California, with a passion for reaching the lost, developing leaders, and making disciples. His life is a testimony of God’s transforming power, having overcome a past marked by addiction and gang involvement through an encounter with Jesus Christ. He holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Azusa Pacific Seminary, is a Doctoral Candidate in Transformational Leadership at Bakke Graduate University, and a DMin student at Asbury Theological Seminary. His wife, Lanakai Ortega, serves alongside him as Executive Pastor and Lead Worshipper at The Avenue Church. Together, Daniel and Lanakai have helped many people experience restoration, discover their God-given purpose, and grow as disciples of Jesus. They are the proud parents of four children and share a deep commitment to building the local church and raising up the next generation of leaders.
Rev. Alan Chandler
Associate Pastor
Hello everyone, my name is Alan, and I’m one of the volunteer pastors at the Avenue. I’m what’s called a “second career pastor.” Basically, God called me into ministry after I started my initial Career as a Los Angeles County Paramedic. My passion is to help Christians and churches re-align themselves with the culture of the Kingdom of God. I’m a revival enthusiast! I’ve been immersed in active revivals in the U.S. and in England. It’s life-changing! I believe revival is about to happen here, and I’m so excited to be a part of it. I’ve been married to my wife, Cheryl, for 36 years. Together, we have two adult children and one granddaughter.
Pastor Juan Ixcoy
Spanish Pastor
Our Spanish Pastors at The Avenue Church are passionate servants dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with the Hispanic community. With hearts for ministry and a deep commitment to discipleship, they work faithfully to create a welcoming space where individuals and families can grow spiritually, find support, and build meaningful connections. Their passion is to reach, empower, and uplift the Hispanic community through culturally rooted teaching, prayer, outreach, and genuine pastoral care. Whether preaching the Word, supporting families, or guiding new believers, they strive to help every person discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Sandy Funes
Children’s Director
Buenos Dias, my name is Sandy Funes and I am the new Children’s Ministry Director at The Avenue. I moved here to Riverside with my family 5 years ago and I have had the pleasure of growing my Faith here at The Avenue by participating in the food ministry, sports ministry, preschool teaching, Bible studies and growth groups. I have truly enjoyed building strong bonds with my fellow brothers and sisters. I am joining with more than 15 years experience teaching early childhood education. I am a wife, a mother to five interdependent children and I am excited to see what the good Lord has planned for me in this new chapter, together with my community and fellowship.
Debbie Burkley
Event Coordinator
Hi, My name is Debbie Shanahan. I made a decision sixteen years ago to change my life. I have been a member since 2010, and this church has become my home. I became active on the worship team and then was hired as the administrative assistant. I want to thank the Lord for bringing me to this church/home. The people at this church love my outgoing personality and encourage my continued growth in my faith and love.