by Pastor Jun Caruz
The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. “ (Numbers 11:16) At GSCC we follow the same instructions that God gave to Moses by appointing elders. GSCC’s Board of Elders is comprised of eight men whose sole intention is to implement the vision that God gave to our pastors. The strength of GSCC’s Board of Elders lies in unity and harmony among each other. Moreover, the BOE thrives on humility. Members of the GSCC Board of Elders were all appointed by the Senior Pastorafter much prayer and waiting for God’s guidance. Similar to the elders in the Old Testament, GSCC’s Board of Elders are to share the “burden of the people” so that the pastor “will not have to carry it alone” (Numbers 11:17).
The Board of Elders, along with its pastors, is tasked to protect the flock by providing them spiritual guidance and direction. Each of GSCC’s Board of Elders is given a specific ministry to oversee. The elders are the designated “subject matter experts” or “champions” of their respective ministries, but they make sure their plans and actions fit in God’s overall plan and vision for GSCC. The Board of Elders are servant leaders with the intention of serving the Body of Christ. The same way that Christ showed his servant attitude by washing the feet of his disciples, the BOE has the same mindset.
As mentioned earlier, GSCC’s Board of Elders is comprised of eight God-fearing, humble, and focused individuals whose sole intention is to advance the kingdom of God.
Virgil Fernando – Senior Pastor
As senior pastor, Virgil’s responsibility is overseeing the spiritual welfare of the flock through spiritual feeding, tending, guiding, protecting, rebuking, and encouraging. He oversees all the ministries of GSCC and makes sure that their plans and activities align with the vision and mission of GSCC as provided by God. Another area of his responsibility includes visitation and counseling of members. He is the “First among Equals”-that is, they share equal responsibility in decision-making but he guides the board in accordance with the vision God has given him.
Jun Caruz – Associate Pastor
Pastor Jun leads the Christian Education Ministry which includes Adult Sunday School and Children’s Ministry. He is responsible for designing and implementing the curriculum to be taught at the Adult Sunday School. In addition to teaching Adult Sunday School, he oversees the Children’s Ministry and provides guidance to its directors.
Dani Castillo – Associate Pastor
Pastor Dani is the head of the Small Group Ministry. He is responsible for selecting the materials the Small Groups use in their weekly Bible Study. He provides guidance to the leaders of the Small Groups, and, like Pastor Jun, Pastor Dani is part of the preaching rotation at GSCC.
Eric Faustino- Pastor of Music
Pastor Eric leads the GSCC Choir and participates in the weekly Sunday service by playing the piano. His responsibility includes leading the choir in regular practice as well as selecting the songs it will sing at concerts and as special numbers at church service. He pursues the vision of GSCC by bringing the church to the people through outreach presentations during Christmas, Easter and other occasions. Pastor Eric is also a Small Group leader.
Hermie Cantos – President
The State of California requires any corporation, non-profit or secular, to appoint a set of officers which includes a president, a treasurer and a secretary. In order to legally operate as a non-profit organization, GSCC has to adhere to this requirement. The appointed officers represent GSCC and sign all documents California requires for incorporation. As president, Hermie is authorized to sign checks GSCC issues. He is also the appointed member of the Board of Trustees responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the church facility. He also coordinates with the City of Milpitas in securing permits and other facilities-related issues.
Romy Roque – Treasurer
Romy, who heads the Finance Ministry, is the appointed treasurer of GSCC. He oversees the church’s finances, prepares its financial statements and monitors the spending activities of the different church ministries to ensure they fall within the approved budget. Along with the president, he is authorized to sign checks issued by GSCC. Romy also leads the Small Group that currently meets in the Evergreen area.
Lyndon Pangilinan – Praise and Worship Leader
As head of the Praise and Worship Ministry, Lyndon oversees the singers and musicians that minister to the congregation during Sunday worship service. He selects the songs that the Praise and Worship Team sings and leads them in practice. The lead singer during worship service, he is also responsible for developing and raising leaders from the J-Youth, J-YA and adult praise and worship groups.
Efren Bendanillo – Small Group Leader
Efren heads one of the Small Groups in GSCC. His responsibility includes leading the group in weekly bible study. He is a member of the GSCC Choir and of the Praise and Worship Ministry as one of its vocalists and as a backup guitarist. His carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills have served GSCC well in its various projects and other needs.
