Pastoral Team

Meet the men of our Pastoral Team who provide spiritual and physical oversight of the church. 

These men are the pastors of our church, who work together to lead the church according to the will of God, not lording over the body, but operating as true examples to the congregation in word and deed, responsible for its spiritual well-being. They meet weekly as a group to pray, study, and provide care for the church. Together they share in such responsibilities of teaching, prayer, counseling, discipling, carrying out church discipline, in addition to handling their respective roles on the Board. Although we recognize these pastors as authoritative in a time such as this when authority figures are not welcomed, we boldly declare that ultimate authority in the Church rests in Jesus Christ (our Senior Pastor) and the Word of God (the Bible). 

The authority of our pastors is only good as long as he is obedient to Christ, the scripture, the church, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  (To learn more about the qualifications of what it takes to be a pastor [or biblical elder], we encourage you to CLICK HERE)

 

 

MattMATT JONES
Lead Pastor // Pastor of Preaching and Vision

Dr. Matt Jones has a passion for God and instructing people from His word, the Bible. He has been pastoring in the Del Rey Church for over 24 years and currently serves as our lead pastor (primus inter pares). Even more importantly, he has been happily married for over 21 years to Erika and the proud father of seven children. The Jones family is a certified foster home with Los Angeles County, always ready to shelter the orphaned and kids in need. Pastor Matt has taught the Bible and served in a variety of places around the world, including Mexico, Africa, Israel, Germany, Dubai, and the United Kingdom. He's a student of the Bible himself, having completed a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies at the Moody Bible Institute, a master’s degree in apologetics at Biola University, and a second master’s degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. He completed his doctorate (DMin) in 2013 at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and in 2021 he finished his second doctorate (PhD) at the prestigious London School of Theology in collaboration with the School of Law at Middlesex University in England, engaging Postwar evangelical history, racism, and theology. As our lead pastor, Matt is focused on teaching people how to live life and upholding sound doctrine for the church. In his teaching, Matt contextually brings the message of Christ to the church in a way that is very personal, intellectual, and passionate. When he’s not at church, overseas working, or at home with his family, Matt and his wife like to spend time together in the outdoors (although they proudly confess that they are homebodies) and take road trips. For fun, Matt enjoys playing with his kids, walking his massive German security dogs, reading (lots of reading!), writing, exercise, basketball, marksmanship, and watching movies (when time permits).

 

 

Tony TONY SHEN
Pastor // Church Board Treasurer

Tony Shen and his amazing wife Jenni came to Del Rey Church in 2005. They quickly became an active presence in the church and our preschool as faithful members. After a few years of volunteering, Tony joined our church staff in 2011. In 2014, the Lord was pleased to raise up Tony as an elder in our congregation. Pastor Tony began working at church after almost twenty years in the business world, including the last several in non-profit public secondary education. He is a graduate of Harvard University, where he studied economics, and UCLA, where he completed his MBA. Tony has completed the biblical studies and counselor training programs at the Del Rey Bible Institute. At church you can find him directing the Sunday worship services, lecturing in the Del Rey Bible Institute, teaching for DRC Men's Group, counseling people with spiritual needs, overseeing the finances as the Church Board Treasurer, and serving in various administrative roles, equipping our ministries as we seek to spread the gospel in our community and beyond. Tony and Jenni have been married since 2002 and live in Playa Del Rey with their four children, Noah, Naomi, Kaia, and Theo, and their two dogs. Outside of work, Tony helps home-school the kids and volunteers on their sports teams. In the past, he has also served on the boards of directors of other non-profit organizations, as has Jenni. We are very thankful to have Pastor Tony on our church staff and as an elder in our church. God is certainly using Pastor Tony's gifts and presence to help build the church for His glory.

 

 

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ELDER?  To see if you are qualified CLICK HERE and learn more about what it takes to be a pastor in the local church.

 

 

 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PASTORAL MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH:

What does the Bible say about ordination?

What are the duties of an elder in the church?
Women pastors / preachers? What does the Bible say about women in ministry?
Do women have to remain silent in church?

Are we supposed to obey our pastors?

Can restoration occur after a pastor has been caught in a scandal?
Should pastors be paid a salary?
What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?

Women pastors / preachers? What does the Bible say about women in ministry?
Complementarianism vs. egalitarianism - which view is biblically correct?
What is the duty / role of a pastor's wife?
What does the Bible say about women music ministers / worship leaders?
Can women serve as deacons in the church?

Can women serve as elders in the church?

 

 

 

 BOOKS FOR ELDERS