The first thing to notice about Pastor Ron is the intense energy he brings to the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Striding up the steps and across the stage to the pulpit Ron glances out over the congregation and we see the sparkle in his eyes and a smile.  Then the energy and we feel his love for Christ, the church and the congregation rolling across us like a wave.

In addition to being Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian since 2009 Ron is also the organizing pastor of Word of Life Church in Port Hueneme.  He has over 20 years experience of preaching, teaching and ministering to families and individuals in Santa Barbara and Ventura County. 

Pastor Ron has taught “Positive Choices classes” in Oxnard schools and in the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Complex.  He has worked in collaboration with local non-profit community-based organizations to train mentors for teens and to serve at risk youth and their families, providing opportunities for positive outcomes at school, home and the community.  Ron Is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and is subcontracted by Ventura County Behavioral Health to teach Mental Health First Aid "from a faith perspective" to Ventura County's faith community.
 
Ron came to faith in the mid 80s and through God’s grace was rescued from a lifestyle of gang violence and drug addiction.  He is an avid reader of theology and world history.  Although he struggled during his early educational years, his college and seminary training (Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena) have proven to be a welcome challenge and have expanded his ability to produce biblically sound sermons and discipleship courses.  He is as much at home on a Harley Davidson as he is in the classroom. When he is not involved in the community and church, he is a lover of the outdoors, especially long-range tuna fishing and camping.

Originally from Santa Barbara, he moved to Ventura County 18 years ago with his wife Veronica and their five children to launch a new church. Pastor Ron is devoted to reaching out to the community and encouraging people to turn their hearts back to God; their family; their local community; & to developing their God given potential.  Pastor Ron and his wife currently reside in Santa Paula with their two youngest children.

Photos from left to right:  Ron and his wife Veronica, Ron performing a baptism, Ron and Veronica with family

Written by Elders at Word of Life Church and First Presbyterian