Ray and his wife Sarah both grew up in Southern California, where they met working together at Home Depot in San Diego during their time in college. Pastor Ray graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology. Sarah attended San Diego State University receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Pastor Ray is currently working on his Master’s Degree from Gateway Seminary in California.

Sarah and Ray have two children, Isabella, and Levi. 

Pastor Ray’s Testimony

At the age of twenty God radically changed my life when I repented and believed in Jesus Christ. My life before Christ was full of selfishness, greed, and drugs. I did whatever I thought was right in my own eyes, pursuing personal happiness but never being satisfied. Everything changed when I caught my girlfriend cheating on me. Instead of running to drugs and self-pity, I went to a Christian church for the first time. There I heard the glorious Gospel and surrendered my life to Christ. 

Over the last twenty five years as a believer, I have had the blessing to serve Christ as a pastor in many distinct roles including youth ministry, small groups, college, executive, and as a church planter.

Pastor Ray’s call to Bethel Baptist

In 2012 with partnership with the North American Mission Board, my wife and I along with our two young children, started a church from our living room. Five years into that church plant and three locations later we partnered with another Southern Baptist Church plant that recently lost their lead pastor in Oceanside, CA. Another two years had past, when I believed after seven years of church planting that the Lord was calling me out of state to pastor another church. However the Lord had other plans. My daughter was invited to watch her friend perform in a Christmas program and Bethel Baptist and that night everything changed, and the calling was to serve at Bethel Baptist. I joined the staff in 2019 and then in 2021 Bethel Baptist called me to serve in the role of lead pastor. 

I was born and raised in a Christian home in Northern New Jersey. I relocated to San Diego in 2006 where I met my wife, Kimberly and also had a serious battle with addiction. In 2013, I hit the lowest spot in my addiction and cried out to Jesus for genuine salvation. Kim and I started attending Bethel Baptist, I was baptized, and joined a Sunday school class where I was discipled. As the years went by at Bethel Baptist Church, I was elected as an elder by the congregation in 2018 and received my call into full time ministry later that same year. Currently I am attending Gateway Seminary and working towards my MDIV.

I was born and raised right here in San Diego by faithful and wonderful Christian parents. I attended Master’s College on a baseball scholarship and while I was in school learned how to play the guitar. My love for guitar led to my love for praise music and I began leading music in a variety of school and church settings. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies as well as earning NAIA all-American honors as a collegiate athlete. In 2022 I started attending my home church of Bethel Baptist and soon afterwards was able to join the leadership team. It is my joy to lead others, through music, to the throne room of God.

Bio coming soon...

 As Bethel's Creative Media and Production Manager for the last four years, I am dedicated to connecting our community with the Lord through innovative media and engaging sermon productions. My passion lies in utilizing social media and digital platforms to extend our church's reach, inspired by my own faith journey sparked by John chapter 15. My aim is to create meaningful connections and share the transformative power of God's word, making every digital interaction an opportunity to experience His love and grace.