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.

Associate Pastor 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 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 graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a M.Div. in 2008 and was installed as the Pastor for Discipleship in April 2009. Russ has primary responsibility for adult education and discipleship, including small groups, classes and Bible studies. His passion is forging authentic Christian community among God's people. 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.

David Enger started as Director of Student Ministries with Shepherd of the Hills in September 2008. David and his wife hail from Ladera Ranch where they have lived for the last several years. He received his Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is serving our church half-time as minister with Jr. High, Sr. High and College-Age youth.

Jill Yamada joined the Shepherd staff as Church Administrator in the summer of 2008. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, her family moved to Artesia when she was 3 months old. Jill has been active in the church most of her life. Singing in the children’s choir from age three, and being nurtured in the faith from that early age, Music Ministry has been an important focus. Her last position was worship leader for the past 13 years at a local church. She has held countless church positions and has served on the board of directors of various groups, including San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, and outside faith based organizations, such as Walk to Emmaus. She currently serves as registrar for the California-Pacific UMC Conference on Prayer and Healing. Jill is also a local business owner since 1985. Stepping out in faith is nothing new to her. This step of faith has proved how faithful our God is.

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 Administrative Assistant. 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 Laura Schwarcz joined the staff in January 2010 after teaching Sunday School for 6 years, and serving on the Children's Ministry/Christian Education committee for 3 years (and attending Shepherd since she was 3!). Laura graduated Cal State Fullerton with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teachers Credential. She's been married a little over a year, and lives in Lake Forest. She will be working part time as she enters Fuller Seminary to obtain her Masters in Theology with an emphasis in Children's Ministry.

Bill Lichty is Shepherd's new Director of Congregational Care, effective July 1 2010. Welcome, Bill!.

Carver Cossey is Shepherd's new Director of Music Ministries, effective July 1 2010. Carver brings a rich background in vocal performance and conducting. Having served his previous church for 14 years, he stands ready to lead us into a new season of growth and vitality in music.

Contemporary Worship Leader Aaron Flores joined Shepherd of the Hills in July of 2007. Aaron has lead modern, cutting-edge worship in a variety of settings and 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