PASTOR AARON
& MIA MCNEAL
Lead Pastor
Aaron McNeal was born in Castro Valley, California on April 28th, 1978. He graduated from Castro Valley High School in 1995, and that same year he was drafted to play professional baseball for the Houston Astros. Aaron played professional baseball for eleven years, and during that time he acted as a Chaplain for the team.
Aaron continued to pursue his education, and in 2003, he enrolled in Sacramento Bible Based School of Theology for his Bachelor Degree in Theology with a minor in Biblical Studies.
Aaron assisted in a church plant and served at House of Restoration Church for seven years as a youth Pastor.
In February of 2005, Aaron was hurt and returned home to have knee surgery, expecting to return to baseball after a summer of rehabilitation. During that time, Aaron decided to continue his education for a Master's Degree in Christian education. After two years of rehabilitation, Aaron knew that God had other plans for his life and so he began to pursue his Doctorate in Theology.
In 2006, Aaron was approached by Valley Christian Schools in Dublin, California to coach Varsity baseball. He accepted and later went on to teach Bible classes as well. Later that year, Aaron accepted a position as Dean of Students over Junior/Senior High School. In 2008, Aaron became the Youth Pastor at Valley Christian Center.
Aaron chose to serve full-time as an Associate Pastor at Valley Christian Center leading the youth, men's and marriage ministries until the Spring of 2014.
Aaron still enjoys coaching baseball, teaching private lessons, mentoring and discipling.
PASTOR PATRICK & JULIE SANCHEZ
Music Ministry
Patrick Sanchez grew up in New Mexico & Julie is a native of central Illinois. They met while Patrick was attending bible school as a music major. They have been really actively involved in Worship Ministry for over 30 years. They have served in various ministry positions over the years, both as volunteers and staff positions.
They ave three daughter: Grabrielle, Arianna and Alassaundra. Gabrielle and her husband Andrew serve as high school Pastors at Destiny Church in Rocklin CA. Arianna is newly married to Josh. They reside in Concord CA, The baby of the family Alassaundra, recently graduated from high school.
MINISTRY BACKGROUND
Prior to full-time ministry, Patrick and Julie worked at State Farm insurance while they were living in Illinois. While working full time jobs, they both had a passion for ministry and completely devoted their time to worship at their local church. In 1997, Patrick left State Farm to accept a full time position as a Worship Pastor at First Assembly of God in Normal, IL where they had been attending and serving in ministry since 1991. While at First Assembly, the Sanchez's helped develop musicians, singer, & Patrick led the choir. Eventually, the choir grew to a 50 voice choir!
Then in 2003, Patrick and Julie moved to California where Patrick accepted the position of Worship Pastor at Calvary Temple Church in Concord, CA. Patrick gave leadership to the choir, the band and the worship ministry. For many years, Calvary Temple had a strong influence in the community through "The Singing Flag", "Scrooge" and other community events. While Patrick served as the worship Pastor, Julie was the kindergarten teacher for Calvary Temple Christian School for nine years.
Patrick and Julie enjoy spending time with their family. They enjoy trips to the city, road trips and excursions. They also enjoy spending time with their 3 Weimaraners... Eloise, Piper and Paisley and Winston their dachshund.
Ministry in the local church is what they love doing... Whether it be leading worship or serving in a different role, Patrick and Julie know that The Tabernacle is where they belong. They strongly believe that ministry flows out of relationships.
Mark Williams
POD Groups Leader