John Ortberg is the senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. John's teaching centers around how faith in Christ can impact our everyday lives with God. He has written books on spiritual formation including, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, Faith and Doubt, The Me I Want To Be, and most recently, Who is This Man?. His education includes a Master of Divinity degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Seminary.
Rick Langeloh, executive pastor, has been at MPPC since 1983. A native of Upland, California, he is a graduate of Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, California, and completed coursework at San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Pastor of Family Life Ministries Jim Candy is leading an integrated Children's, Middle School and High School ministry--partnering with parents to successfully launch youth into a lifetime of following Jesus. Jim is also team leader for Belonging.
Nicole Laubscher is the team leader for Learning at MPPC. With a professional background in Communications, Nicole has served at MPPC as a volunteer, elder, and staff member across various ministries for more than ten years.
Scott Palmbush is the campus pastor at Open Door Church Mountain View. Scott grew up in Montana, but came to the Bay Area to study and play football at Stanford. After graduating with a dual degree in economics and public policy, Scott felt a call to ministry and worked on MPPC's high school staff for two years. He then studied at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dave is pastor of The Café worship services, a casual worship experience for the young and old that began five years ago. Located just four blocks away from the main Sanctuary, the experience includes a video of the weekend sermon and provides a unique community atmosphere. Although Dave has served in various ministries over his eight-year history at MPPC, his love for The Café community clearly uses his passion to help people experience the love of Jesus and follow in God's pathway for their lives.
Charley Scandlyn recently returned to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church as the Healing team leader, overseeing the recovery and care ministries, spiritual formation and "repair the world" initiatives. He has a Master's degree in Theology and often speaks on adolescent development, social justice, parenting and personal growth.
Scott Scruggs is the teaching pastor at MPPC, where he also leads the College and Young Adult ministries. In addition to his various teaching and preaching responsibilities, Scott is the primary teacher at Sanctuary, a dynamic Sunday night worship service where young adults meet Jesus and are equipped for leadership in the church.
Mark Swarner is the mission pastor and team leader for Serving at MPPC. Before joining the church in 2007, Mark served at Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe, California, overseeing mission, communication and stewardship for four years. He enjoyed building partnerships with the local church, local agencies and urban ministries. Mark has also served as chair of the Missions Committee for the Presbytery of San Diego.
Frank VanderZwan, pastor for Senior Ministries, has served at MPPC since June of 1987. Born in The Netherlands, he grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Frank is a graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and he received his Master of Divinity degree from Knox College Seminary at the University of Toronto.