Leland Saccone
Executive Pastor & Elder
Leland obtained his undergraduate degree from UC Davis, and his law degree from the University of San Diego. While practicing as an attorney, Leland felt called to serve at Monterey Church. His focus is on discipleship, leadership development, and the operations of Monterey Church. Leland and his wife Veronica are proud parents of twins (Jonah and Ava). In his free time, Leland enjoys being outdoors, long meals with friends, reading, and live music.
Josiah Leuenberger
Teaching Pastor & Elder
Josiah is deeply passionate about helping people experience transformation through relationship with Jesus and live on mission in response to his grace in their everyday lives. Josiah has served in a variety of ministry capacities including as a Campus Pastor, Young Adult Leader, and as the Director of the Nashville Institute for Faith and Work in Nashville, TN. Josiah is a graduate of Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania, where he grew up, and completed his Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2020. Josiah, his wife Brittany, daughter Schenley, and son Geordie love to be outside, and enjoy all of the opportunities for adventure the Monterey Peninsula has to offer!
Jedi Horca
Worship Pastor
Jedi grew up with a passion for music. At the age of 17, he felt a strong calling to use his gifts for God. He joined Monterey Church in August 2010, and in February 2013, he began serving as the Worship Pastor. Jedi is passionate about creating a culture where people can be creative and bold for God. Jedi and his wife Kaitlyn are passionate about caring for vulnerable children through foster care. He enjoys producing music, disc golf, photography, coffee with honey, biking with his wife Kaitlyn, and playing with his two daughters.
Christian Menke
Administrative & Communications Director
Christian is one of the Directors of Go Kids at Monterey Church, where she has been a member since 2024. Growing up in Salinas, Christian’s fond childhood memories of church inspire her passion for helping kids grow in their faith. She and her husband, Nate, have two teenage children, Vivian and David. Christian is passionate about fostering greater parent involvement in children’s ministry and creating meaningful connections between “Big Church” and kids’ church to ensure God remains central throughout their lives. In her free time, she enjoys staying active with CrossFit, immersing herself in a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
CREATIVE TEAM
Sharque Starr
Worship Leader
Sharque has been faithfully serving Monterey Church for over 5 years. She is passionate about connecting people to God through worship and supporting the ministry in creative ways. She and her husband Jordan run the beloved local bakery Nece's Gluten Free and both serve Monterey Church through small group settings.
Alexander Nunez
Production Director
As Production Director at Monterey Church, Alexander Nuñez oversees sound, lighting, and visual production, bringing creativity and excellence to every service. He believes true excellence isn’t about performance, it’s about creating space for authentic encounter and connection with God and one another. Alexander finds joy in crafting environments where faith comes alive. He’s also a proud father to his two sons, Maximilian and Kilian, who inspire his heart and his work every day.
NEXT GEN TEAM
Echo Grijalva
Family Ministries Director
Echo oversees our GoKids (Nursery–5th Grade) and Student Ministries (6th–12th Grade), partnering with parents and guardians to help children and students grow in their relationship with Jesus. A graduate of Rhema Bible Training College, Echo has nearly 20 years of experience serving in children’s and youth ministry on the Central Coast. She is passionate about helping the next generation build a strong foundation of faith and discover God’s purpose for their lives. Outside of ministry, Echo enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, and making new memories with friends and family.
Danny Killough
High School Leader
Danny Killough recieved his Bachelors Dagree in Marketing from Grand Canyon University, and has worked in full-time youth ministry for 10 years prior to attending Monterey Church. Since growing up mostly on the Monterey Peninsula and committing his life to Jesus in High School, Danny has had a passion for teaching young people what it means to love Christ and live for Him. He and his family have been a part of Monterey Church since the beginning of 2021 and love the community God has blessed them with here. Danny's favorite things are golf, camping, a good cup of coffee, watching sports, hanging out with friends, and most of all spending time with with his wife and two sons.
Katie Hern
High School Leader
Katie earned her Bachelors Degree in English literature from CSU, Fullerton before going on to complete her secondary education credential. She is an English teacher and high school theater director in North Monterey County, and has been working with teens for nearly ten years. She has a passion for helping guide young adults in their walk with Christ as they learn more about Him. Along with her husband, Luke, she loves musical theater, good books, and hiking.
ELDERS
Luke & Andrea Calvert
Luke graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2006 and has served as an aviator and strategist in the U.S. Army. He currently teaches at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. He and his wife, Andrea, are both originally from Oklahoma and now enjoy raising their four young children on the Central Coast. Together, they are passionate about following Jesus, making disciples, teaching God’s Word, and strengthening Christ-centered marriages.
John & Melody Church
High School Leader
In their free time, John and his wife Melody both love rooting for the SF Giants. Melody also loves knitting and baking delicious treats, and John loves hiking and traveling. They have the gift of hospitality and we are so thankful to have them shepherd our Church body!
Mike & Jeri Downey
Mike is a sports fanatic who loves rooting for the 49ers, and is full of wisdom and great stories. Jeri loves painting, sewing, playing the flute and piano - and has many other talents. They are fun, adventurous, and enjoy traveling together. To know them is to love them!
Rougeau & Diane McWhorter
Ro is a graduate of Bethany Bible College, and also spent 20 years serving in the military. He has immense experience as a pastor, leader, and elder in the church, and is currently serving as a Chaplain at our community hospital, and leading our Prison Ministry. Ro loves to golf and hand out “high-fives.” He and his wife Diane are among some of the founding members of Monterey Church.
Steve & Linda Popp
Steve and Linda have 3 children and 3 grandkids and have been married since 1983. Steve works in IT and Linda is an Educational Specialist. There's no doubt about it, they are two of the sweetest people you will ever meet!
Dan Stevens
Dan loves all things sports, loves to Worship, and graduated from Baylor University. He has a daughter, Melissa who is a world class free diver. He doesn't miss a single Monterey Church event - so make sure to say "Hello" next time you see him!
Brad Zielinski
Brad is a Military brat who has lived around the world and currently works in telecommunications. He has been a part of MC for over 10 years, loves swimming, fine foods and good conversation.