Justin Lefto
Lead Pastor
Loving, learning, and living happen every day at The Benton Church and it is Pastor Justin Lefto’s honor to lead the church forward. He and the church family extend a warm welcome to all visitors of The Benton Church.
Justin began serving with The Benton Church congregation in the summer of 2017. He is passionate about living for Jesus and sharing God’s Word in understandable, practical, and personal ways.
Justin, his wife, Kara, and their three sons are originally from Minnesota. He graduated from Northwestern University in St. Paul, MN, with degrees in Bible, Christian Education, and Youth Ministries. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. In 2008, God led the Lefto family to Kansas, and since 2016, Valley Center has been their home. During the three-plus decades of Christian ministry, Justin has served as a youth ministry leader, camp director, campus ministry director, conference staff, associate pastor, and senior pastor.
Justin began serving with The Benton Church congregation in the summer of 2017. He is passionate about living for Jesus and sharing God’s Word in understandable, practical, and personal ways.
Justin, his wife, Kara, and their three sons are originally from Minnesota. He graduated from Northwestern University in St. Paul, MN, with degrees in Bible, Christian Education, and Youth Ministries. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. In 2008, God led the Lefto family to Kansas, and since 2016, Valley Center has been their home. During the three-plus decades of Christian ministry, Justin has served as a youth ministry leader, camp director, campus ministry director, conference staff, associate pastor, and senior pastor.
Leland Whitman
Family Pastor
Where there’s a church, there’s usually a whole lot of kids, teens, and families—and that’s exactly where Pastor Leland Whitman feels right at home! As the Family Pastor at The Benton Church, Leland’s heart is to help the next generation (and their parents!) love, learn, and live in light of the gospel.
Leland joined the TBC family in December 2024 and couldn’t be more excited to be part of what God is doing here. He’s passionate about walking alongside families and helping kids and students grow in their faith in real, everyday ways.
Leland and his wife, Autumn, have three awesome kids—Judah, Watson, and Ellie—who keep life full of laughter and exhaustion (if you've ever been a parent of three under three, you understand). He graduated from Ozark Christian College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and is currently working toward his Master of Divinity at Lincoln Seminary. Before coming to Kansas, Leland served as a children’s pastor in Tennessee, and now he’s privileged to call TBC home.
Leland joined the TBC family in December 2024 and couldn’t be more excited to be part of what God is doing here. He’s passionate about walking alongside families and helping kids and students grow in their faith in real, everyday ways.
Leland and his wife, Autumn, have three awesome kids—Judah, Watson, and Ellie—who keep life full of laughter and exhaustion (if you've ever been a parent of three under three, you understand). He graduated from Ozark Christian College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and is currently working toward his Master of Divinity at Lincoln Seminary. Before coming to Kansas, Leland served as a children’s pastor in Tennessee, and now he’s privileged to call TBC home.
Angie Telford
Office Administrator
If you reach out to the TBC Office, more than likely you will be visiting with Angie.
Angie joined TBC in 2023 and, along with Wayne, has resided in the area since 1988. They have two adult children.
Currently, they share their home with three four-legged family members: Cooper the Labrador, Yogi the German Shepherd, and Apollo the cat.
Her service to God shines through in everything she does. Whether she's leading a Ladies Bible Study, volunteering at local organizations, or spending time with her furry companions, Angie’s warmth and kindness leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Angie joined TBC in 2023 and, along with Wayne, has resided in the area since 1988. They have two adult children.
Currently, they share their home with three four-legged family members: Cooper the Labrador, Yogi the German Shepherd, and Apollo the cat.
Her service to God shines through in everything she does. Whether she's leading a Ladies Bible Study, volunteering at local organizations, or spending time with her furry companions, Angie’s warmth and kindness leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Julyn Valenzuela
AWANA Coordinator
Julyn (pronounced “joo-LEE-in”) serves as the Awana Coordinator at The Benton Church.
Her heart is to serve God by serving others, and she loves encouraging children to grow in their faith. On Awana nights, you’ll usually find her cheering kids on, celebrating their accomplishments, and occasionally wondering where all the game pieces disappeared to!
Julyn and her husband, Gilberto, are the proud parents of Emma, Julyana, and little Gilberto. You can find them outside on adventures or relaxing together by a campfire. She feels blessed to serve alongside her church family and is passionate about helping the next generation know, love, and follow Jesus!
Her heart is to serve God by serving others, and she loves encouraging children to grow in their faith. On Awana nights, you’ll usually find her cheering kids on, celebrating their accomplishments, and occasionally wondering where all the game pieces disappeared to!
Julyn and her husband, Gilberto, are the proud parents of Emma, Julyana, and little Gilberto. You can find them outside on adventures or relaxing together by a campfire. She feels blessed to serve alongside her church family and is passionate about helping the next generation know, love, and follow Jesus!
Tyler Sperry
Youth Coordinator
Tyler has served as our Youth Leader since 2015 and is currently honored to serve as an elder. He is passionate about guiding students toward a deeper relationship with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tyler’s ministry is shaped by one of his favorite verses, John 14:21: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.”
Each year, Tyler helps lead key youth fundraising events—our October Clay Shoot & Raffle and our Chili Cookoff & Auction—which support summer camps and mission trips. These outreach efforts have taken our youth to serve at Alpha Children’s Christian Home, work alongside LeaderTreks in Denver, minister to individuals experiencing homelessness, and travel to Arkansas for hands-on mission work.
Tyler and his wife, Corinne, along with their children, Zach and Zoe, serve together in ministry and are all actively involved in the AWANA program.
Each year, Tyler helps lead key youth fundraising events—our October Clay Shoot & Raffle and our Chili Cookoff & Auction—which support summer camps and mission trips. These outreach efforts have taken our youth to serve at Alpha Children’s Christian Home, work alongside LeaderTreks in Denver, minister to individuals experiencing homelessness, and travel to Arkansas for hands-on mission work.
Tyler and his wife, Corinne, along with their children, Zach and Zoe, serve together in ministry and are all actively involved in the AWANA program.