Meet our Pastors & Staff

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Pastor Adam Riojas and his lovely wife Cleta

Pastor Adam Riojas and his lovely wife Cleta

Senior Pastor

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, For it is the power of God to salvation for all who believe." (Romans 1:16)

"A mans heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

 

Pastor Adam and his wife Cleta are passionate about ministry and serving God's people. Together they are dedicated to sharing God's love and the Gospel with every person they encounter. Pastor Adam teaches Sunday services while his wife leads the women's ministry on Sunday's 6:00 pm and oversees Children and Youth ministry.

Pastor Adam Riojas is a Native from San Diego and grew up in Oceanside, California; and an Alumni of Oceanside High school. He has served a total of 28+ years in pastoral ministry and has a passion for building the kingdom of God here on earth. Throughout his life journey, Adam has had the opportunity to work in Real Estate and later found joy in carpentry work, that has helped support the church and his family, while being obedient to God's call and the great commission in Matthew 28 to pastor and shepherd God's people.

His wife, Cleta is a Oceanside native and grew up in North County. She graduated from Rancho Buena Vista High school, soon after she studied Communications and received her Bachelor of Arts from California State University San Marcos and Masters in Arts in Strategic Communications from National University. She is currently a house wife and a homeschooling mom to two children. Prior to this, Cleta worked several years as a manager in both automotive and retail establishments as well as a fitness instructor for over 10 years for both 24 hour fitness and La Fitness; she also had the opportunity to delve into Real Estate as well as a small business. She is both dedicated and passionate about helping women become women of excellence and build a strong foundation in biblical truth. As a mom, she is dedicated to leading the children's ministry Sunday mornings to guide and teach the children that life is all about Jesus! She is elated at the honor as serving for “At The Cross Oceanside”.

Adam has endured an almost unimaginable journey of darkness and pain, which ended in the arms of a loving, forgiving Savior. You can view his story on the 700 club as well as numerous other videos and news clips on Adam's journey. We have provided links to videos and news clips on this website.

Adam met his wife Cleta while leading similar ministries from different churches. It was a divine appointment that God orchestrated. Soon after Adam and Cleta became friends. During their friendship God had confirmed through both prayer and fasting that The Lord had prepared them for courtship. During their courtship, Adam and Cleta prayed for God's perfect will. Shortly after The Lord led them to unite in Holy matrimony and have been blessed with two beautiful girls, Bella (8 years old) and Talia (6 year old).

Today, they are blessed to be apart of the amazing things God is doing for the church, "At The Cross Oceanside" and are honored and privileged to serve alongside some great pastors and leaders on this journey God has set before this church. Come and visit sometime and meet Pastor Adam, his wife Cleta and the amazing pastors, leaders and servants "At The Cross Oceanside"

Pastor Dave Barrett & his lovely wife Patty

Pastor Dave Barrett & his lovely wife Patty

Associate Pastor/Worship

Pastor Dave Barrett and his lovely wife Patty lead our worship team on Sunday mornings and hold a home fellowship on Sunday evenings from 4:00-6:30pm

Pastor Dave has been the head baseball coach at Oceanside High school coach since 1977. Currently he is the Athletic Director Of Oceanside High school Pirates.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)

Pastor Dave's son Steven Barrett is a Pastor and evangelists in Japan, who is being used powerfully by God!

Come Sunday's to meet Pastor Dave and his lovely wife,Patty

 

Pastor Paul Marin and his lovely wife Melissa

Pastor Paul Marin and his lovely wife Melissa

Associate Pastor Paul and his lovely wife Melissa

This amazing couple currently lead Celebrate Recovery. Their journey is an incredible testimony of what God does with broken people willing to be mended into the men and women God created us to be! Pastor Paul and Melissa are both graduates of the Teen Challenge program and Teen Challenge Ministry Institute.

Join us Sunday morning and meet and fellowship with this couple. Also Mondays at 6:30pm as they lead the Celebrate Recovery ministry!

Pastor Gary Lee Ernst

Pastor Gary Lee Ernst

Associate Pastor Gary Lee Ernst

"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [a]“Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6

Pastor Gary Lee Ernst, is a lead Vocalist and Guitarist for In The Midst 777. Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter And Speaker. He is now the Pastor over Saturday Night Alive Church. This church service meets every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month.

Come meet Pastor Gary Lee and enjoy his genuine love for God's people!

Pastor Chris and his lovely wife Andrea

Associate Pastor Chris

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Pastor Chris Gray is our newest pastor here, At The Cross

As a graduate of California State University Long Beach. Pastor Chris brings a touch of class and tremendous joy to the body of Christ. On any given church day, Pastor Chris is always there with a positive spirit and word of encouragement.

Vincent and Helen Luna Children’s Ministry Leaders

Vincent and Helen Luna Children’s Ministry Leaders

Vincent & Helen Luna Children's Ministry leaders

 "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Vincent & Helen Luna have been serving The Lord for 18+ years in various capacities within the Church body as a leader and director of worship, children's ministry, youth ministry, women's ministry, and community outreach. Their passion and dedication are evident in the love and care they give to their ministry.

Professionally, Vincent earned his Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and currently works as a Project Manager in the engineering industry. His wife, Helen has taught in public and private school settings for over 10 years. She has obtained her Bachelor's degree in Human Development (Psychology) from California State University San Marcos, and an Associate degree in Child development from Palomar College.

They have a beautiful daughter, named Hope and are elated to be involved in ministry here at "At The Cross Church".

Come and meet this powerhouse couple for The Lord on Sundays at church or Monday nights at Celebrate Recovery!

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