Meet our staff

James Powell, affectionately known as “Jim” or “Pastor Jim,” has been serving as the Senior Pastor of Palm West since February 2019. Before this, Jim began his ministry at Denver Christian Church in Illinois and later served as the Lead Pastor at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois, for 21 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theology and Philosophy from Lincoln Christian Theological Seminary and an undergraduate degree from Quincy University.

Jim was married to his beloved wife, Stephanie, for 35 years before her passing in September 2024. He is the proud father of two sons: Timothy, a student at Grand Canyon University, and Trevor, who attends Northern Arizona University and serves in the National Guard.

Outside of his ministry, Jim is an avid sports fan with a passion for collecting sports cards and memorabilia. He is also a competitive pickleball player and a certified Pickleball Coach, offering lessons in his spare time. Jim enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and enjoying water activities.

Brian Thomas joined the Palm West Pastoral Staff in early November of 2019 as the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care. Brian is married to Cindy, and they have an adult daughter, Emma, and a teenage son, Luke.  Brian has served in a number of ministry roles through the years and is thrilled to now work alongside our Palm West church family.  

When not in the office, Brian can be found spending time with his family or exploring and trail-running the amazing back-country that Arizona has to offer.

Gwendy Joysen is originally from the Greater Nashville area and has been involved in the professional music industry most of her life. She began writing songs at the age of nine, working on Music Row as a vocalist in her late teens and recording her own material in her early 20's. Now, as a seasoned recording artist, producer, vocalist, songwriter and musician, Gwendy also runs a publishing company and small Christian record label, developing upcoming Christian artists and songwriters. Over the years, Gwendy has been honored with the generous support & collaboration of top Nashville musicians and producers and had the privilege of opening for major acts and NYT best selling authors. However, this all pales in comparison to the great honor of serving as Director of Worship. Creating a transcendent worship experience for lovers of God is her heart's home and she is overjoyed to join the PWCC family. 

Jan Orrick Kliever began her ministry at Palm West on August 26, 2007. Jan  was married to Rev. Ken Kliever, former Associate Pastor at Palm West who passed in 2021. Jan received her B.A. in classical education with a secondary emphasis in piano performance from University of Northern Colorado. She went on to Bob Jones University where she earned a specialized diploma in evangelistic (sacred) piano. Jan has taught piano for over 50 years. Jan has a sweet servant’s spirit, recognizing in her early years that Go d had blessed her with a special gift. Jan accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior when she was 11 years old and states, “I have always felt the Lord gave me the talent, then asked me to give it back to Him as a ministry.”

Eunjae Park joined us as Organist in August of 2021.  Eunjae is from South Korea.  She studied at Oberlin Conservatory and, upon graduation moved to Arizona to study at Arizona State University.  She enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) and skating.  She loves to travel and has visited 20 countries.

Joyce Sopilnick has served Palm West as Church Administrator since May of 2015. Joyce is from Long Island, New York and has lived in Arizona since 1999. She is married to her high school sweetheart; Richard and they have two daughters and six grandchildren. She enjoys walking, cooking and entertaining.

Peg Rideout serves as the Connections Coordinator for Palm West. She and her husband, Tim Kurtz, arrived in Sun City West in 2021 after visiting Peg’s mom several times here and deciding it was a great place to live once they retired. Peg and Tim have four adult children and six grandchildren who reside in Indiana and North Carolina. Peg’s background is in education and she’s enjoyed serving in the local church for most of her adult life.

Besides traveling to see family and exploring the country, Peg enjoys reading, playing cards, puzzles, golf, bocce, Pilates, and getting to know people.