Rich Cundall, Senior Pastor

Rich grew up in a pastor’s home and accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the tender age of four.

Typical of many young boys, athletics played a large part in Rich’s young his life. While he enjoyed playing baseball, football and basketball, basketball finally won out. In high school, he was captain of the local Analy High basketball team, before becoming captain of the nationally ranked Biola University basketball team, (1978-1982). In his senior year, as point guard and team captain, he led his team to 39 consecutive wins. He received many awards and recognition for his leadership and play from the national sports journals and Sports Illustrated.

In 1982 Rich graduated from Biola University with a B.A. in Biblical studies and soon after married his childhood sweetheart, Laurie. (The two of them met when Laurie was eight and Rich was ten). Shortly after the wedding Rich accepted a contract to play professional basketball in France, where he compiled impressive statistics and attracted the attention of a few NBA scouts.

In 1984, Rich hung up his Adidas® shoes to return to his schooling. God had called him into the ministry while he was still in high school and he desired to be obedient to that call. Rich received a Masters of Divinity Degree from Talbot Theological Seminary in Southern California, 1986.

Rich Cundall has ministered since 1986 at Hessel Church in Sebastopol, California. At that time he was to work with the youth of the church. In 1992 he was appointed to the position of senior pastor.

In 1989, (seven years after graduation from Biola), Rich was summoned back to his alma mater, where he was awarded The John Wooden Award of Excellence, by John Wooden himself. This award has been given to only a few individuals in the history of the school. It was for Academic and Athletic Achievement, Christian Character and Leadership Ability.

Rich’s ministry is centered upon an uncompromising commitment to the Word of God and a practical application of its message to everyday life. His experience on the hardwood has led him to understand the absolute necessity of teamwork in the church where every member utilizes his gifts for the benefit of Body and the furtherance of Christ’s kingdom. He enjoys bringing vitality, humor and clarity to his leadership and teaching, that all might be conformed into the image of Christ.

In 2000, Rich completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. His dissertation, entitled Shepherding the Lamb-less Sheep: a Pastor’s Guide to Ministry with Infertile Couples.

Rich, his wife Laurie have four children, Carly, Candace, Rose and David

Rich can be contact via the church office

Cundall family

Pastoral Staff

Rich Cundall
Senior Pastor
Andy Sodestrom
Associate Pastor
Harry Ecklund
Music and Worship Pastor
Todd Baker
Seniors and Administration Pastor
Bern Velasco
Pastor of Young Adult Ministries
Kyle Waggoner
Pastor of Student Ministries
Ken Little
Children's Ministry Pastor

Ministry Directors

Bob Reynolds
Men's Ministry
Kathy Sodestrom
Women's Ministry

Office Staff

Yvonne Aaseth
Ashley Jackson
Darlene Machgan
Pam Danelz
Trinity Berruto
Shawna Swafford

Facility Staff

Steve Danelz
Facility Manager
Norm Hansen
Debbie Logan

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