"I was unsure where God wanted me but through prayer, speaking with my professors, and speaking with my church, the Lord led me to pursue a double major in business and Christian studies."
Quick Facts
Programs: Christian Studies, B.A. and Business Administration, B.S.
Concentrations: Pastoral Leadership and Management
Graduation Year: 2020
Current Job Title: Associate Pastor at Bridges Church
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Current City: Ontario, CA
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I wanted to use my business degree to help churches become healthy, grow and thrive.
I wanted my Christian studies degree to help keep me connected to Christ and to help
me make wise Christ-centered decisions.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I enjoyed the class size, where I could interact with other students as welll as ask
deep and meaningful questions from the professors.
What did you think about your professors?
They were a major blessing to me, and their passion has helped and strengthened my
passion for God, His people and seeing people turn away from darkness into the light
of Christ. They helped me think critically and challenged me to pursue higher education
and become a life-long learner.
Did you complete an internship?
Yes, I completed two internships while attending CBU. I was a pastoral intern at Crossroads
Church in Corona, CA and at Fellowship Church in Beaumont, CA. I really enjoyed both
internships that I completed. Both were practical and challenging. The internships
really shaped me into the leader and learner I am today.
Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
Yes, I worked at the Career Center and in Conferences and Events. Both departments
were very significant in shaping my leadership style, leadership development methods
and ministry strategy. I was able to go on a trip with CBU to Israel through a non-profit
organization, Passages.
How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
I grew in every aspect of life at CBU. I became a stronger and more dependent follower
of Christ. I learned what grace is and living in light of His grace has changed me
each and every day. I made life-long friends. CBU challenged me and encouraged me
academically, to the point that I will begin my doctorate in 2026.
Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
Yes, I was unsure where God wanted me but through prayer, speaking with my professors,
and speaking with my church, the Lord led me to pursue a double major in business
and Christian studies. I also have had the opportunity to work on a Master of Divinity
at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, CA.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
I have been at two churches since, both times the jobs were promotions from my previous
role. I currently am the full-time associate pastor overseeing many of the ministries
at Bridges Church. I was also selected to be the commencement speaker for Gateway
Seminary in 2024.
What are your current job duties?
I oversee office administration, support/church staff, small group ministry, new members
class, baptisms, church bulletin, church calendar, website, social media, outreach,
worship ministry, events, children's ministry, young adults ministry, and facilities/facility
requests. I preach at the main Sunday service every 4-6 weeks. I also develop the
vision for Bridges Church.
How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
It has helped me to mature spiritually and grow into a more devoted Christian man
and leader. I am forever grateful to CBU, the other students, faculty and each department
that plays a role in shaping the CBU life experience.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
Every day I use something I learned from CBU. I learned to be humble when it comes
to living my purpose. To always think of others, and how I could be showing them the
kindness and love of God. I learned how to make ethical decisions at times where leadership
is being tested, and character and integrity matter most. Integrity and character
matter more than skill. Character is everything in life, marriage, church and work.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I am preaching and teaching at the church as well as helping oversee our young adult
ministry at Bridges. It is important to me that people who are struggling and are
in darkness to find hope and light in Jesus. I am living my purpose each and every
day by submitting to Jesus as Lord. If He is Lord of my life then I can be an effective
husband, father, friend, pastor, leader, speaker, president, and whatever other hats
this life may give.
What are your future goals and plans?
My wife Francesca and I are expecting our second child to be due in September. I plan
to start a doctoral program in 2026. I plan to speak at various churches and events
over the next year and years to come and am excited for whatever God has in store
for the future.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
Definitely! CBU is amazing if you are looking for a place to find community, Christ,
and opportunities to learn and grow! It is great being able to go to a school where
professors and students care about you and want to learn. I really had a great experience.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love being able to hike and spend time with my wife and family. I love being able
to work out, spend time with God and help others in need.