Continuing the Journey: Pastor Tello's Transition to Parkwood and Oakdale Church

MODESTO, Calif. – For Pastor Dennis Tello, the path to pastoral ministry began with a single step of faith. After his baptism on Aug. 9, 1999, he found himself at Mission College of Evangelism the following year, eager to deepen his understanding of the gospel and share that passion with others. His experience traveling across the United States for Bible prophecy seminars made it clear that local churches needed more long-term support to thrive.

“I could see congregations weren’t always prepared for the influx of new believers,” he said. “God impressed upon my heart that I should stay longer in one place to help foster a healthy church environment.”

That realization guided him to Brooklyn, New York, where he served as a Bible worker and, ultimately, to the Central California Conference (CCC) in 2003. Four years later, he officially stepped into pastoral ministry. “Over the past 18 years, I’ve been blessed to serve seven CCC churches,” he said. “I’ve seen firsthand the beauty and power of God working alongside His people.”

Outside of his pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Tello is a self-described “adrenaline junkie.” He enjoys sports, motorcycles, and the thrill of adventure. He enjoys this so much that he recently joined the Sabbath Keepers Motorcycle Ministry. Snowboarding, skateboarding and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are also on his list of hobbies, but he says nothing compares to his greatest joy: fatherhood.

“Whether it’s physical or spiritual healing, I find time spent in Bible study and prayer to be the most restorative,” he said. “While I love the roar of an engine, I’m growing to cherish the silence and the chance to hear God’s still, small voice.”

His wife, Bianca, is his partner in both life and ministry. Their family includes daughter Daniella, 22, currently studying nursing at Oakwood University; son Jaden, 19, a freshman at La Sierra University; and the energetic 3-year-old Oliver, who loves to wrestle and play.

Pastor Tello and his family recently moved to the North Valley to serve Parkwood and Oakdale Seventh-day Adventist churches in response to God's calling. Since February 1, 2025, they've experienced a warm welcome. "We're excited about this district, which has a rich history and faithful members," he said. "Parkwood's strong Adventurer and Pathfinder programs keep young families engaged. Oakdale, despite its smaller size, makes a mighty impact through homeless feedings, exercise classes and stop-smoking seminars.”

The heart of Pastor Tello’s calling lies in bringing people together and watching them grow in faith. “Nothing is more thrilling than seeing someone discover Christ’s love and use their gifts to share that same joy,” he said. “I haven’t found anything in life more fulfilling.”

Pastor Tello has shown unwavering dedication to serving others from the beginning of his ministry to his newest assignment. As he continues to build connections and nurture healthy congregations, he remains inspired by the transformative power of the gospel—a power he wholeheartedly believes can change lives in every community he touches.

Written by Justin Kim