Gary loves encouraging people in their walk with Jesus. His life was transformed by God’s perfect love, and he desires for others to experience the same. He has been shepherding The Oaks Church Family since it began in his home over 30 years ago. Gary studied theology at Westmont College (B.A.), missions at Fuller Seminary (M.A.), and global leadership at Alliance Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He enjoys the outdoors, traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. He and his wife, Lori, have four adult children and two grandchildren, and they are grateful to be part of the global Oaks family.

This is where Lori surrendered her life to Jesus at age 31 and has served at The Oaks for over 30 years, primarily in children’s ministry. She is the founding director of Oaks Children’s Center, where she pastors staff, children, and families. She loves decorating, writing, video editing, and sharing the gospel weekly in chapel. Lori cherishes time with her family and six grandchildren. 

Originally from England, Nick brings a rich background of ministry, education, and leadership. He serves behind the scenes, is part of the preaching team, and leads Bible studies. He holds a degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Education from Point Loma Nazarene University. Nick has served as a pastor, teacher, administrator, and restaurant manager in the U.S., Spain, and Central Asia. He currently teaches middle school English and was honored as Teacher of the Year for his district in 2023. Married to Kathi since 1997, they have three children—Landen, Logan, and Leigha. Nick loves traveling and once used saved-up miles to circle the globe in just one week—all in first class!

Bethany oversees discipleship at The Oaks and loves helping people grow deeper in Christ and connect with God’s family. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Westmont College and an M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot Seminary. She is also trained as a Spiritual Director. In her free time, Bethany enjoys reading, podcasts, thrift shopping, and exercising. She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and cats.

Sam and his wife, Mini, pastor the Indian church at The Oaks, serving a diverse community with many languages and cultures. With over 27 years in ministry across several countries, they are passionate about prayer, teaching, and seeing lives transformed by Christ’s love. God has blessed them with a son, a daughter, a grandson, and another grandchild on the way.

Kristina has been part of The Oaks her entire life. She grew up here, gave her life to the Lord here, and discovered her calling to worship ministry here. Worship isn’t just something she does on a stage; it’s a lifestyle rooted in daily surrender, obedience, and joy. She serves faithfully in both worship and youth ministries and is deeply passionate about walking alongside the next generation, helping them discover their identity in Christ and equipping them to live boldly and authentically for Him. Kristina believes investing in the next generation is essential, not just for the future of the church, but for raising up worshipers who love Jesus wholeheartedly in every area of life. Outside of church, Kristina enjoys unwinding with her cats, playing board games, spending quality time with friends and family, and sharing lots of laughter with just the right amount of sarcasm.

Melissa has been part of The Oaks community for more than 16 years and on staff for over 13. She manages the office and bookkeeping. She loves spending time with her husband and their four pets, taking road trips, baking, cooking, and listening to music.

Steve has been a member of The Oaks since 2007 and serves as the church Treasurer, overseeing facilities and operations. He and his wife, Diane, have three children and six grandchildren. A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Social Sciences, Steve spent 37 years in claims management with Farmers Insurance, leading commercial claims operations. He also umpired college baseball for 22 years. Now retired, Steve enjoys traveling with Diane to visit their kids and grandkids in Morro Bay and Washington.

Gene combines his passion for Bible study and technology as tech advisor and director of the Oaks tech team. He also serves on missions, the pastor’s admin team, and as an elder. He gave his life to Jesus at a Billy Graham crusade when he was 17. His background includes studies at the University of Washington, service as an Air Force intelligence officer, Bible college, and 25 years in the software industry. Outside church, Gene enjoys studying the Bible, reading history, walking his dog, and working with computers.

Originally from Cebu, Philippines, Jyn has called Bakersfield home for 16 years. She has been part of The Oaks for eight years and loves working with children at the Oaks Children’s Center. She also enjoys photographing church events, traveling, and roller coasters with her family.

Fani serves as ESL Coordinator at The Oaks, where she has been a member for over two years. She is passionate about serving others and loves spending time with her husband and three young adult children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, crocheting sea creatures, and discovering new hobbies. One of her dreams is to swim with sharks!

Bob co-leads Celebrate Recovery at The Oaks, helping people overcome challenges through Biblical principles and the 12 steps. Saved and baptized in 2017, he has been part of the ministry since 2018. Bob is 33 years sober, active in other Oaks ministries, and loves serving God, his church, and the recovery community. He works as a realtor, enjoys yoga, golf, learning Spanish, and looks forward to retirement.

Kat co-leads Celebrate Recovery alongside Bob and loves helping others find freedom in Christ. She has been part of The Oaks for three years and is deeply grateful for the community here. Outside of church, Kat enjoys time with family—especially her role as “Mimi” (grandmother)—as well as reading, serving others, and experimenting with healthy cooking.

Nila Hogan has been part of The Oaks family for over 10 years and serves on the Worship and Youth team with a deep passion for walking alongside young people. She and her husband are raising their five children within the church community, which has strengthened her heart for nurturing faith in the next generation. Nila’s calling is to minister to youth and families so they may experience the love and peace of God, and her service is guided by Philippians 4:8, encouraging young hearts to focus on what is true, pure, lovely, and admirable. She believes worship is more than music; it is a lifestyle of surrender and service, and she is committed to creating safe and encouraging spaces where youth can grow in their relationship with Christ and discover their God given identity.

Melissa Guardiola has been part of The Oaks Community Church for the past five years and is actively involved with Alliance Kids. She loves serving in the nursery and has a heart to help wherever there is a need, whether it’s Vacation Bible School, Celebrate Recovery, or other church events.
Melissa is a proud mom of five and is deeply thankful to the Lord for all He has done in her life. She also serves on the custodial team for The Oaks Children’s Center and takes joy in creating a clean, welcoming environment for families and children.

Tim Garzelli is a hardworking, dependable family man with over 30 years of experience in maintenance and service work. His faith is central to his life, he’s a U.S. Army veteran, a leader in Celebrate Recovery, has been attending The Oaks for three years, and says being a PeePaw is one of his favorite roles of all.