OUR LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
Monterey Church sits under the authority and leadership of Jesus Christ (our “Senior Pastor”). Under Jesus’ headship, we believe that Monterey Church is best served by multiple leaders and good systems of accountability, which is consistent with the New Testament principles of church leadership that emphasized plurality. For example, our Board of Elders provide spiritual oversight, direction, and leadership for the church, and they entrust the implementation of that direction to the staff under the leadership of both the Executive and Teaching Pastors. This collaborative approach to leadership between Pastors Leland and Josiah allows for each pastor to flourish within his particular gifting, promotes health of both the pastors and the body, and is more effective in furthering Monterey’s Church’s mission (“The Great Commission”).
STAFF
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, missions and the business operations of Monterey Church. Leland and his wife Veronica are proud parents of twins (Jonah and Ava). In his free time, Leland enjoys anything outdoors, a good cup of coffee, 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, and daughter Schenley 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 became the Worship Pastor. Jedi is passionate about creating a culture where people can be creative and bold for God. He graduated from Monterey Peninsula College with a degree in Psychology. Jedi and his wife Kaitlyn are taking on the adventure of foster care. He enjoys surfing, disc golf, taking pictures, creamer with a touch of coffee, and writing and recording music.
Kate Horca
GoKids Director
Kate is a California native. Her passion to see children fall in love with Jesus fuels her as GoKids Director. She cares deeply about partnering with parents in the spiritual growth of children. Kate graduated from California State University of Monterey Bay with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She and her husband Jedi married in 2014 and are enjoying a new season of parenting with a beautiful baby girl. She loves bike rides, sushi, and coffee.
Nicole Bowhay
Administration/Production Director
Nicole was born and raised on the East Coast, and spent most of her childhood in upstate New York. She graduated from Cedarville University with a double-major in Secondary Education and Mathematics. Nicole taught High School and Middle School math for 8 years, during which time she obtained a Master's degree in Education. In 2018, Nicole felt called to invest her time in Monterey Church and started volunteering and eventually leading our Production Team. Most recently, she has assumed further responsibilities as the Church’s Administrative Director. Nicole loves reading, spending time outside, and traveling with her husband Tom.
ELDER TEAM
John & Melody Church
Last Names S - Z
In their free time, Melody and John 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
Last Names Q - R
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!
Matt & Kaitlyn Litton
Last Names N - P
Matt and Kaitlyn are originally from the East Coast, and are currently in Monterey while Matt studies at the Naval Postgraduate School. Kaitlyn is a Nurse Practitioner, and they have two adorable children - Etta and Clive. In their free time they love outdoor adventures, good food, and are both extremely hospitable and servant hearted. And bonus...Matt makes the best cinnamon rolls you'll ever try.
Rougeau & Diane McWhorter
Last Names K - M
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
Last Names G - J
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
Last Names C - F
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
Last Names A - B
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.