ABOUT US
SERVICE IS OUR PASSION. ETERNITY IS OUR FOCUS.
PEOPLE ARE OUR HEART. GENEROSITY IS OUR PRIVILEGE.
We keep our vision simple so we can have the biggest impact possible. Everything we do as a church is filtered through our vision to Make a Difference. It’s our mission to help God’s people live out the life that God has created for every one of us.
Whether you’re new to church, have been a Christian for many years, or are looking for a fresh start, you can find your home here. Our prayer is to give you a place where you can have a fresh experience and connection to God and His people.
OUR PASTORS
FOUNDING PASTORS
TY AND LOU ANN JONES
Pastor Ty and Lou Ann Jones have been the pastors of Arena of Life from the church’s beginning in 1997. God has given them a vision and a tremendous passion to reach the Western world and others with the Gospel in a way that is simple to understand and a practical style during each week’s service. Pastor Ty and Lou Ann are following the call that God has placed on their lives to reach the lost and equip believers to live a full and abundant life in Jesus Christ.
SENIOR PASTORS
TRAVIS AND BRANDI BENNETT
Pastors Travis and Brandi Bennett have been on staff since 2005. They lead the youth group, GRIT, together for 13 years. Pastor Brandi has been the office manager for the past 17 years and Pastor Travis was the Worship Leader for 13 as well. In 2015, Pastor Travis came on full time as the Associate Pastor of the church until in July of 2019, they were both placed into the position as Lead Pastors, taking the reins from their leaders and parents Pastors Ty and Lou Ann Jones. The Bennett’s have 4 kids, Noel Addison Anson and Catch, they enjoy every moment they can with these blessings.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
ROBERT NEWMAN
Pastor Robert Newman is the Associate Pastor of Arena of Life. He has been serving in this area since December 31st of 2010. He and his wife Cindy serve at Arena of Life with a deep love for God and His Church.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Shannon Underkoffler
Pastor Shannon and Carrie Underkoffler met at AOL Church, serving as youth leaders. In 2017 they married and then Pastor Shannon began his journey as the Youth Pastor. In 2022, he transitioned from Youth Pastor to Associate Pastor. They have 2 wonderful children, Avery and Asa.
SINGLES PASTOR
MICHELLE GRAY
Michelle Gray is the Pastor for the Adult Single’s Ministry at AOL. Michelle’s first love and above all is Father God along with her family. She has two grown children (Savanna and Wesley) and will soon have a new daughter in love (Keaton) to enjoy life with. Michelle loves to spend time with her children and her mother (Virginia). After the loss of her husband (Ray), Michelle and her children moved to Amarillo and found their new church home/family at Arena of Life. Although she attended regularly, Michelle didn’t begin serving in active ministry until 2010 when she became the leader for the Single Mother’s Bible Study then she joined in serving in the Homeless Ministry, Prayer Ministry Team, and on the Hospitality Team for many years. In 2017, Michelle became the Adult Single’s Ministry leader and was ordained as a Pastor in 2018. She truly has a heart for people! She encourages and desires for each one to live and walk in the victory for which Christ died.
WORSHIP DIRECTOR
BRADEN MONTGOMERY
Braden Montgomery has been involved in full time ministry for the past 8 years, in churches throughout the Texas and Kansas panhandles. Growing up in the church, he developed his passion for music and pointing others towards Christ, through his gift of music. He has been married to his wife, Lauren, for two years and has a sweat son, Micah! He’s excited to see what God does through AOL and through our corporate worship! Worship in all seasons!
YOUTH DIRECTOR
LUCAS QUINONES
Lucas and his wife, Yenly Quinones, are high school sweethearts from
Florida who were married in 2020 in Amarillo. They have been attending AOL Church since 2019 and both served within the AOL Worship team, AOL Kid Connect team and as youth leaders with our GRIT Youth team. Lucas became the GRIT Youth Director in August of 2022! They strive to see youth walk with and love Jesus so that they are forever changed and experience real freedom as His children.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
JENNIFER FAGAN
Jennifer Fagan and her family began attending AOL in August 2005 and have since called this church their home. She has been with her husband, Bryan, for 22 years and they have 4 kids (Jacob, Maddie, Anthony and Ami.) She began serving in February 2006 in kids church and has been an active member of several teams (AOL Kid Connect, GRIT, and the AOL Worship and Production.) Jennifer joined our staff full time April 2020 as the Administrative Assistant. There’s not much that goes on here at AOL that she doesn’t know something about!
MEDIA DIRECTOR
CODY KEMP
Cody was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Cody became aware of AOL by way of serving the church through the ministry of Life Challenge Amarillo. After a hard bout with sin and living for the world, he decided to change his ways and become a servant of the Lord. That decision, and successfully graduation from Life Challenge, has led him to accept a position as Media Director and become part of the team here at Arena of Life.
SECRETARY
HEIDI DEVENEY
Heidi DeVeney and her family began attending AOL in 2012. Heidi and her husband, Doug, have 5 amazing boys (Carl, Matt, Levi, Luke and Caleb). Heidi has served on several teams at AOL, currently serving in AOL Kids as part of the Nursery/Toddler team. Heidi has a love for people and serving Jesus!