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Check Back to Meet the People that Make It Happen!

Paula Milner, Pastor

Pastor Paula is an Arizona native and third generation pastor at Yuma First Assembly. The rich heritage is a gift she seeks to steward as she leads YFA in honoring God, loving one another, and ministering to a hurting world. With a deep passion for ministry and a heart for the community, Pastor Paula has been instrumental in leading our church toward spiritual growth and outreach in our community.


Pastor Paula graduated from Yuma High, Arizona Western College, and Northern Arizona University – Yuma. After seventeen years in public education as a middle school teacher and administrator, she felt the unmistakable tug in her heart to resign her position and pursue a ministerial calling. She followed the nudge of the Holy Spirit, becoming licensed as an Assemblies of God minister in 2011 and ordained in 2013. She became asst. pastor of Yuma First Assembly in 2011 and was elected to serve as lead pastor in 2020.


Pastor Paula's ministry is characterized by a commitment to teaching the Word of God with passion, clarity, and relevance. She is committed to following the movement and flow of the Holy Spirit in her daily walk as well as in our corporate meetings. Under her leadership, our missons giving has grown annually, and the church is committed to ministering outside of our walls. YFA currently is involved with efforts in child welfare and blessing our neighboring schools.


Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Paula is known for her willingness to walk alongside others in times of joy and hardship. She encourages a culture of love, unity, and service within our church family, inspiring us to live out our faith in practical ways.


In addition to her pastoral duties, Pastor Paula enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hanging out by the pool, and going for walks. She is supported by her husband, Kelly, who plays an integral role in our church's life and ministry, serving in an administrative/advisory capacity and leading our men’s ministries. He also serves with the AZ Army National Guard and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. They have two adult daughters and one grandson.


We are blessed to have Pastor Paula leading us as we continue to worship God, grow in faith, reach out to our community, and fulfill God's purposes for Yuma First Assembly.

Frank Gutierrez, Pastor

   Yuma First Español

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Faces You Will See Around Yuma First Assembly

addme Learning who people are at a new church can be overwhelming. Here are some of the faces you will see around YFA with a little bit about what they do. 

  • Kelly Milner

    addmeNot only does Kelly lead Men's Ministry at YFA, he is also the lead sound/video man for the church. You can often find Kelly doing most anything that needs to be done around the building, because he is that kind of man and also Pastor Paula's husband. 

  • Lisa Avina-Lopez

    addme Lisa is the Women's Ministry leader for YFA. She also serves as secretary for the church board and point person for the coffee ministry.

  • Danielle frias

    addmeDanielle's most visible position is song leader for the worship team. She also helps with church bookkeeping and other tasks as needed.

  • Karen Driedger

    addme Miss Karen is the Junior Church leader. You can also find Karen helping with all food related things going on at the church.

  • Sherrill Thompson

    addmeSherrill is the head of the Nursery ministry at YFA. She takes care of the littles during service and is always willing to train others to help with nursery care.

  • KAREN KILLINGSWORTH

    addmeFondly known as Sister K, Karen currently serves as the church office assistant. Sister K also plays piano for worship, and keeps loads of church history in her memory. 

  • PRAISE TEAM

    addme Back row: Kelly Milner, Mario Cazaras, Danny Megui, Benny Megui, Mike Henry, Doug Richey. Front Row: Barbara Richey, Karen Killingsworth, Paula Milner, Danielle Frias, Mary Megui.

  • Paul Killingsworth

    addme Paul, most commonly referred to as Pastor K, served as Pastor for over 30 years until 2020, when he resigned and his eldest daughter was elected Pastor. He has now graduated to his Heavenly Home. 

    Click here for more information about Paul Killingsworth.