PASTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES
My younger sister and I were born and raised in San Bernardino, California. I graduated from Inland Christian High School in 1993 and from my first job…cleaning the classrooms and restrooms. Do you remember everything you did in (and to) your high school restrooms…ummm, yeah…I had the opportunity to clean it up. I chose a different career path and graduated with a Business degree from San Diego Christian College in 1997.
God accomplished two major works during those college years. First, although I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior while in the first grade, God dramatically matured me spiritually during those college years and provided opportunities to serve Him. I taught Sunday school classes for elementary children as well as Jr and Sr High students. I had no idea what I was doing, but God was faithful. I have a “soft spot” for the college years because of the work He did in my life.
Second, while in college, God introduced me to my beautiful wife Tania. We were married 2 weeks after we graduated from college. I know it may sound strange for a guy to say, but I love marriage! We have two young children. (Caleb is continuing his educational career in elementary school, while his younger sister, Noelle, is still at home with mommy.)
I spent the next 13 years in the retail industry enjoying management and leadership roles. When Tania and I moved to Riverside in 2002 to be closer to work and family, we began attending Grace Community Church and were soon serving as sponsors for the Sr High ministry, a ministry we love. Beginning in 2008 God slowly, but obviously, changed my vocational calling. He changed me and my thoughts so much that when He called me into “full-time ministry” in May of 2010, I was surprised at my immediate affirmative response. I joined the pastoral staff on June 1st, 2010.
My favorite pastime is to be with my wife and my kids. We have so much fun exploring life together. I do a little bit of running and I have fun creating videos for our Student Ministries. I definitely wouldn’t call myself a sports fanatic, but I do enjoy a good baseball, football or basketball game. I grew up a Dodger fan and still have an Orel Hershiser autographed batting glove from my youth.
As the Pastor of Student Ministries at Grace Community Church I have the opportunity to shepherd our Junior High, Senior High and College Age Ministries. This includes equipping our volunteer sponsors, parents, and students for the work of service and for the building up of the body of Christ. We do this in a safe, fun and God-glorifying way. Second to my passion for our Lord and studying His Word, I love to watch Him change the lives of teenagers and young adults through His word. Wow, God is great…And He allows us to participate with Him! Amazing.
