The primary purpose of the staff at Carmel Mountain Church is to help lead and resource the other ministers in the church, which is basically everybody else. We believe in the “priesthood of all believers” so we have staff to help mobilize all the other believers in the church to do the work of ministry. We are the “administers” of the church. As our church grows we have been adding new people to the staff; some full-time, some part-time, and some key volunteers. Be sure to check back often to see the new editions to the staff.
Please let us know how we can be of help to you.
Ken Hoelscher
-Lead Pastor
Ken and his wife Karla along with their three kids Cody (14), Isabel (12), and Justin (8) moved back to the San Diego area in September of 2008. As long time locals to San Diego, in 2005 Ken and Karla were called to the midwest to help start what is now a thriving church called The Pointe Church. Prior to moving to Indiana, Ken was also one of the originals to serve at EastLake Church from 1994 – 2005, which is located in Chula Vista. Ken has been on a church staff since 1990, and in that 20 year span has gained experience in almost every position within the church.
Typical Starbucks Order: Decaf-Americano. I finally realized that if you can’t tell the difference between decaf and regular, stick to decaf. Besides, if you knew me, you would think that I am running on hi-octane caffine anyway.
Current Book in iBook: I am going through 3-5 book at any one time. So this is what I am going through right now: “The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller, “Making Ideas Happen” by Scott Belsky, “The Spirit of Discipline” by Dallas Willard, “Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce Shelley, and “Faith & Doubt” by John Ortberg.
Favorite Movie: This is tough because I like a lot of movies. Here are a few that I can always watch: The Bourne Trilogy, Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Braveheart, Spanglish, and Wild Hogs.
What’s Playing in your MP3 player? By now you probably realize that I have a few things going all the time, and it is hard to pin me down on a particular song. Here are a few: U2, Saga, The Fray, Band of Horses, and Sting + Dominic Miller.
What is the best part of ministry? I love seeing people be transformed by the Holy Spirit and through their relationship with Jesus. I realize that the change is so much bigger than me, and I feel blessed to just be the hands and feet of Jesus in reaching out to those who are seeking and whom the Shepard has been looking for. I am blessed and love being in a position that partners up with God to show up in a mighty way revealing His awesomeness and His majesty within our church and the lives of people who take a step of faith in showing up at Carmel Mountain Church.
Erik Erwin
-Middle School & High School Pastor
Erik and His wife Nancy, moved back from Texas in March of this year. They have 3 children, Isabella (5), Isaac (3), and Lilliana (1). Erik moved out to San Diego in 1997 where he attended and played baseball at Point Loma Nazarene University. He served with Ken Hoelsher at EastLake Church as a youth intern for their middle school ministry in 2001. Since that time he has served as Associate Pastor/Youth at Valley Community Church of the Nazarene in Coolidge AZ, and at Skyline Church in La Mesa. The Last five years Erik has worked as a community relations director in the senior living industry and currently works for Belmont Village Senior Living in Sabre Springs.
Typical Starbucks order: I have a couple of favorite drinks. My first is a PSL also known as a Pumpkin Spice Latte’. Numero 2 is an Iced Americano with 2 Splenda. My third is a black cup of Casi Cielo seasonal coffee from Starbucks.
Current Book in my Kindle: I’m not as cool as the other guys on staff with their iPAD’s so I read either paper or my Kindle. Right now on paper I’m reading how to please God by R.C. Sprole. On my Kindle I’m reading 90 minutes in Heaven.
Favorite Movie: Man is this one tough. Ok so I like pretty much any comic book movie, like Batman, Spider Man, and Thor, I love Lord of the Rings trilogy. Star wars. Probably my favorite all time movie is Brave heart.
What Playing on Your MP3 player: Zach Brown Band, Lincoln Brewster, and a compilation of worship music.
What is the best part of Ministry? Watching God transform people through the Holy Spirit. Watching miracles take place, and seeing the look on someone’s face when they become free in Christ. I cry like a baby every time I go to a baptism service that is truly one of my favorite parts ministry.
Mark Murphy
-Worship & Arts
I have been singing and playing music at a performing level since high school. I have found a way to stay busy singing and performing all over the SoCal area. I front a local band call Inside Out, and sit in regularly with another local band called Jukebox. I am blessed to have 5 daughters and a son.
I have been leading worship in churches of all sizes for the last 20 years. I was blessed to be one of the lead singers for Saddleback Church back in the early 90′s, and since then have been a part of church planting team, as well as developing churches.
Favorite Sport: I love all kinds of sports but these days you will find me playing indoor soccer religiously:)
Current Book in iBook: It’s probably related to sales…my other job!
Favorite Movie: Serious = Shawshank Redemption comedy = The Princess Bride
What’s Playing in your MP3 player? A whole lot of everything…listening to Linkin Park, Adele and Colin Hay right now.
What is the best part of ministry? The people…we have some incredible musicians who are also great people. I am privileged to work with these folks.
