Pastoral Staff
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you…” 1Peter 5:2
Jack Abeelen, Senior Pastor
Pastor Jack Abeelen was raised in a Catholic home and attended parochial school from elementary through high school. At 18, he heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ presented at a home study and, in 1972, gave his life to Christ. From that moment, God began to work in his heart and call him to Himself. In 1980, Jack joined a church staff as an assisting pastor and, in 1985, planted Morningstar Christian Chapel.
Drawn by the simple, relevant way he communicates the Word of God, people worldwide listen to Pastor Jack’s teaching each week. The contextual focus and practical application in his teaching make Biblical principles resonate deeply with his listeners. He teaches with the confidence that God’s Word never returns to Him void but always accomplishes God’s will. (Isa. 55:10-11).
Pastor Jack’s teaching ministry airs daily on his Bible teaching program Growing thru Grace airing on over 450 stations in the US and online through YouTube, Facebook, and wherever you stream podcasts.
Pastor Jack is married to his wife, Debbie, who leads Morningstar’s Women’s Ministry.
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
RICH KIKUCHI
Assistant Pastor
Men’s Ministries
Outreach Ministry
GERARD DELEEUW
Associate Pastor
Monday Night Bible Study
Short-Term Missions
DOUG HARDIN
Associate Pastor
Care Ministries
Senior Ministries
RON KITCHELL
Associate Pastor
Children’s Ministries
JEFF MERICLE
Associate Pastor
Sound + Media Ministries
WADE O’NEILL
Associate Pastor
Wednesday Evening
Bible Study
PAUL PROVENCIO
Associate Pastor
Married Couples
Singles Ministry
Chapel Store+Arise Cafe
DAVID REEVES
Associate Pastor
Youth Ministry
We asked our Pastors…
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PERSON (BESIDES THE TRINITY)?
Pastor Jack
Paul. How I pray to be effective in ministry as he was!
Pastor Rich
Abraham. He had his ups and downs spiritually, God still used him in a mighty way. Abraham’s life gives me hope that God can still use me!
Pastor Gerard
David. He got it right, got it wrong, and he got it right.
Pastor Doug
It’s hard to pick just one, but Daniel is up there on the list.
Pastor Ron
Paul. He’s the best explainer of doctrine in Bible.
Pastor Jeff
Epaphroditus. He sets the bar for the intensity with which we should labor for Christ.
Pastor Wade
David. Above all, David was a lover of God. His life is a great display of God’s grace and providence.
Pastor David
King Josiah. His Zeal for God and removing sin in Israel is inspiring.
Pastor Paul
David
WHAT BOOK OF THE BIBLE DO YOU LIKE TO BINGE AND WHY?
Nehemiah
It is of the best books on godly leadership.
Proverbs
I read the proverbs daily because they are filled with God’s wisdom and practical advice for everyday living.
Psalms
It’s all about worship.
Acts
Flawed men and women, filled with the Spirit, seeking to live for Jesus in a crazy world, as God builds His church… Now that’s a great read!
Daniel
It’s the most NT book of the OT.
Colossians
It simply states that Jesus is simply the only person we need for salvation.
Philippians
The book teaches us how to have joy and victories in the midst of life’s difficulties.
James
It never fails to challenge me.
Romans
I need constant reminding that I can do nothing apart from God.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
Pastor
Jack
Live to serve only the Lord for in so doing you will serve others more like Him.
Pastor Rich
Stand upon God’s word and not your own feelings. That has been a game changer for me!
Pastor
Gerard
From my dad. First thing you need is to be smarter than the object.
Pastor
Doug
Forget the things that are behind and reach forward to those things that are ahead.
Pastor
Ron
You’re not going to please everyone.
Pastor
Jeff
Measure twice, cut once.
Pastor
Wade
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Pastor
David
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.
Pastor
Paul
Remember that at any moment God can stand up and calm your storm.
Gallery
Pastors in action.
