Our Leadership

Like all Presbyterian churches, Christ Presbyterian Church is led by pastors, elders, and deacons who are elected by the congregation.

Rev. Jeremiah Rivera

Interim Pastor

Jeremiah is serving CPC as interim pastor since April 2023. He is a native of Michigan and received his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California. Jeremiah and his wife Melissa have four children.

Gary Gunnerson

Director of Ministry, Ruling Elder

Gary was ordained as one of our first elders at CPC in 2009. He and his wife, Susan, have one adult child and two grandsons. Gary has been active in ministry at several different churches before coming to CPC.

Mike DeWit

Ruling Elder

Mike was ordained as one of our first elders at CPC in 2009. He lives in Hemet with his wife, Kristin, and their two children. Mike also received his M.Div. degree from Westminster Seminary California. He oversees the missions committee.

Lew Castle

Ruling Elder

Lew was ordained as one of our first elders at CPC in 2009. He is a native of California and is a retired firefighter. Lew and his wife, Barbara, have two adult children and eight grandchildren.

Izzy Avila

Ruling Elder

Izzy was ordained as an elder in February of 2019. He and his wife have three adult sons and three grandchildren. Izzy is retired from the U.S. Navy and served as a deacon at one of our sister churches before relocating to the Temecula Valley. He is currently leading the Youth Group at CPC.

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