Meet the Team
Our team at Christian Life Center loves God and loves people. We look forward to serving you. Please reach out with any needs or questions.
Lead Pastor
Chris Chavez
My name is Chris Chavez and I am the Lead Pastor of Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz, CA. The most important things to me are not things but people. And at the top of the list is my wife of thirty-two years - Sharon, our four adult children, our two daughter in-laws, and our three grandchildren with one on the way! Family matters most.
I have been fortunate to be a part of churches that have experienced health and growth for over thirty years. My philosophy of ministry is a healthy church will become a growing church.
Worship Pastor
Dave Matsumura
Dave Matsumura is a multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter who has a passion for using music as a vehicle to gather people in worship of God. He is married to Jenn and is dad to Isaiah, Elli and Sebastian. He loves Jesus, surfing, music, and donuts. You can hear some of his recorded music under the band name Kokua on any streaming platform.
Administration & Children's ministry
Karen PerryWilson
Karen has enjoyed a lifetime of working with children, specifically as an elementary teacher, Children’s Ministries Pastor and partner. She is an avid San Francisco Giants fan, is an award-winning baker, and loves a good crime show. When she isn’t getting her beach time in, you can find her gushing about her three grandchildren, Austin and Alani and Tavake. Working with kids is one of Karen’s greatest joys.
Children's Ministry
Jessika Wilson
Jessika has worked in the Children’s Ministries Department leading worship and drama for over fifteen years. When not with little humans, she works with adults in Human Resources for various companies. She’s a sports and movie nut, enjoys cooking and reading, is a sunset chaser, and she loves music. Her son Austin, helps each Sunday.
Youth Pastor
Luke Balch
Luke loves to spend time with his wife, Rebekah as well as his family, and friends. Getting outside and going to the ocean, mountains, or any bit of nature is a beloved pastime of Luke and Rebekahs' and they enjoy meeting strangers and sharing life with others.
Luke and Rebekah make it a point to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them to give the reason for the hope that they have." - 1 Peter 3:15