MPPC Leadership

John Ortberg - Senior Pastor

John Ortberg is passionate about "spiritual formation," which is how people become more like Jesus. His teaching brings Scripture alive and invariably includes practical applications and warm humor. John's education includes a Master of Divinity degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Seminary.

Blues Baker - Directional Leader

Blues grew up in Santa Ana, California.  He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, and was ordained by the Reformed Church in America. He also holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Rick Langeloh - Executive Pastor

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.

Jim Candy - Belonging Leader, Family Life Pastor

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, which includes Adult Spiritual Formation.

Nicole Laubscher - Learning Leader

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 - Mountain View Campus Pastor

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 Peterson - Pastor of The Cafe

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.

Don Phillips - Support Resources Leader

Don grew up in Arcadia, California.  He graduated from Occidental College and earned an MBA at the University of Chicago, followed by a 25 year career in commercial finance. As our Support Resources Leader he oversees finance, facilities, human resources and information technology.

Eric Quan - San Mateo Campus Director

Eric Quan is the campus director at Open Door Church San Mateo.  A Bay Area native, Eric grew up less than four miles from the current location of our San Mateo Campus. Eric combines his experience from years in the professional sector with his love for Jesus to help bring God's Kingdom to San Mateo.

Charley Scandlyn - Healing Team Leader

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 - Sanctuary, Teaching Pastor

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 college students and twenty-somethings are rediscovering Jesus and being equipped for leadership in the church.

Mark Swarner - Serving Leader, Missions Pastor

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.