Pastor Craig Brown has been serving as the Lead Pastor at Shepherd of the Hills since 2005. He has served several churches in his ministry in both Orange and Ventura Counties. He received his B.A. degree in Biblical Studies and Theology from Biola University in La Mirada, CA and his Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Craig provides leadership to the church's worship services as well as teaching during the week. Additionally, Craig has responsibility for being the chief visionary and leader of Shepherd of the Hills. He enjoys time spent at the beach and a good game of raquetball. He has been married to his wife Bettina since 1994 and they have two children together, David and Rachel.

Pastor Darren Cowdrey is a local guy who returned to ministry here in late 2005 after some time in Northern California and Texas. He received his bachelor's from the University of California, Irvine and his Masters of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Together with his time in Texas, he's had experience with church in many distinct settings. Darren's chief responsibilities are with youth, young adults and families. But he also preaches about once a month in worship and provides back up pastoral care behind Craig. He enjoys sports and movies and will talk about either at length. He's currently gotten into mountain biking and is looking for partners. He's been married to his wife Brenda since 1993 and they have two great kids, Joseph and Miranda.

Carolyn Bohmholdt has served Shepherd of the Hills UMC for the past 38 years in various capacities. She has a BA in Elementary Education and taught in the Long Beach Unified School District and Saddleback Unified School District. Carolyn began as a volunteer in Christian Education and then was hired in 1983 as Director of Christian Education. In 1994, she moved into the church office as Program/Plant Administrator. Carolyn has also served in community activities including Saddleback Community Outreach (South County Outreach), Homeless Task Force, Girl Scout Leader and Service Unit Chairperson, PTO (Lomarena) and PTA (Laguna Hills High School) Presidents, and PTA Council Chairperson. She has been married to her husband Carl for 39 years, and have two adult children Craig and Caryn.

Beverly Coker-Jones has worked for Shepherd of the Hills UMC for many years, first as a volunteer then as paid Staff. She currently is Secretary to the Lead Pastor, Craig Brown. Beverly really enjoys reading and collecting many kinds of clutter. Beverly and Carl Jones have been married 45 years and have one daughter, Coker Carlyjon Jones. They happily share a home with two black cats.

Director of Children's Ministry Stephanie Foundoulis joined the staff in September 2006. She received her bachelor's deree from the Pennsylvania State University and her master's degree from the University of Southern California. Stephanie's responsibility as Director of Children's Ministry is Christian Education for Children in the 6th grade and younger. She is also responsibile for the Nursery care for the infants and toddlers. She's been married to her husband, Michael since 1990 and enjoys spending time with him and their 3 young sons, Jamie, Matthew and Ryan. Together they enjoy outside activities like swimming and skiing as well as watching movies and playing games.

Director of Adult Spiritual Growth Russ Jacobson came to Shepherd of the Hills for a part time internship in September 2006 and liked it so much that he decided to stay! Russ joined the Church in March 2007 and is studying to be a United Methodist minister. Russ graduated from U.C.L.A. with a B.A. in Political Science and earned an M.B.A. from the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. An accountant by trade, Russ worked in the family accounting practice before God called him to seminary and the ministry. Russ is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary and, if he survives Greek and Hebrew, expects to graduate with a Master of Divinity degree in December 2008. Russ enjoys spending time with his wife Deanna and their three children. His hobbies include collecting railroad memorabilia, rooting for the Angels and going to Disneyland.

Director of Music Dr. Kevin St. Clair joined Shepherd of the Hills in December of 2007. He pursued musical studies at Chapman University, Yale University, and USC, and currently serves on the music faculty at Long Beach City College. Dr. St. Clair is also a member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, with whom he appears regularly as a featured soloist. As an opera singer and concert artist, Dr. St. Clair has performed in China, Hong Kong, throughout Europe and in the former Soviet Union. His activities as a conductor and arranger include serving as director of the Dickens and Company Christmas Carolers and guest clinician and voice coach for the All-American Boys Chorus. His vocal arrangements may be heard on the recent commercial CD release A Dickens and Company Christmas. Television and film appearances include the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, the soundtrack to Lady in the Water and the Robin Williams feature film License to Wed.

Contemporary Worship Leader Aaron Flores joined Shepherd of the Hills in July. Aaron has lead modern, cutting-edge worship in a variety of settings and now brings that experience to help shape Shepherd's ministry into the future.

Preschool Director Becci Lukes has been a part of the renowned preschool for 21 years. The first 12 years she enjoyed teaching different programs, and then became director. She is a hands on administrator enjoying the many facets of this program. Under her leadership the school became accredited with NAEYC which is the highest ranking a preschool can achieve in our country. Now in addition to this accomplishment the school is part of the “First 5 Years” programs of California which works with distinguished schools promoting quality education for the young child. Becci has been happily married for 32 years, and has two grown, married daughters. Becci enjoys running around the lake and camping with her husband Jim and their two dachshunds, Eleanor and Mildred.

Shepherd of the Hills
United Methodist Church
26001 Muirlands Blvd.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949/837-2941
info@sothumc.org