Meeting Diane Clay sent Dennis Ray to his Bible. He’d been raised an Adventist in Visalia, Calif., and had attended Adventist schools through college. Armed with a business administration degree from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., he pursued a career with Hewlett Packard as a project manager.

In 1990, he was living life on his own terms with a heart not yet surrendered to his Savior. Diane, a dedicated Christian, was not an Adventist. Dennis set out to convert her so he could pursue marriage. That sent him to his Bible.

In the process, Ray ended up being the one who was converted. (Diane joined the Adventist church by profession of faith in 1995.)

Ray became active in his Sunnyvale church leading small groups. He also began taking theology classes at Fuller Theological Seminary. It wasn’t long before he felt the call to pastoral ministry.

When Diane, now his wife, completed nursing school, Dennis left the corporate world to minister full-time. He completed his Master of Divinity degree in 2000 and became the associate pastor of the Sunnyvale church.

Currently serving in the Fresno Sunnyside church, Dennis integrates his knowledge and experience into effective outreach ministries. His goals are straight forward: 1) To change lives by helping people become fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ; 2) To help people see how Jesus would live if He were in their shoes; and 3) To create an environment for members to speak freely of spiritual issues with a blend of biblical value-teaching.

"We've had tremendous growth, especially in the 20- and 30-somethings," says member Grant Mitchell. "Our children's Sabbath school classes are really hopping."

Ray's leadership has helped the church to focus on ministry goals and to create a real sense of community. "We're all looking for a sense of community," says Mitchell. At the Fresno Sunnyside Church, people are finding it.