LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Dominic J. Avila

Lead Pastor

 

Dominic Avila grew up in East Los Angeles and surrendered his life to the lordship of Christ at the age of 20 just before attending The Master’s College on a basketball scholarship. There he met his wife Jessica, got engaged on the Sea of Galilee through the IBEX program, and they both obtained a B.A. in Biblical Exposition.

 

After graduation, Dominic taught Bible and other subjects at Santa Clarita Christian School. Nine years later, he became the Student Ministry Pastor at Cypress Community Church in Salinas, CA. While serving, he completed his M.A. in Biblical Studies from the Master's College and developed a deep passion for teaching God's Word and discipling men toward maturity in the faith.

 

In 2016, he joined his former pastor and mentor, Scott Ardavanis, at Grace Church of the Valley, Kingsburg, CA, and served as the Pastor of Equipping and Discipleship. After receiving a call from the elders of Seaside First Baptist Church to help revitalize, and after months of prayer, serving, planning, and preparation, both the GCV and SFBC elder boards installed Dom as the Lead Pastor at the newly named Grace Church Monterey Bay on November 19, 2019.

 

Since serving at GCMB, Dom has completed his M.Div through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Master's Seminary. In the Fall of 2024 Dom completed the Internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark Dever.

 

He and Jess have three children: a daughter, Makyla, and two sons, Titus and Judah. The entire family enjoys being active, reading books, and playing outdoors.

Dominic J. Avila

Lead Pastor

 

Dominic Avila grew up in East Los Angeles and surrendered his life to the lordship of Christ at the age of 20 just before attending The Master’s College on a basketball scholarship. There he met his wife Jessica, got engaged on the Sea of Galilee through the IBEX program, and they both obtained a B.A. in Biblical Exposition.

 

After graduation, Dominic taught Bible and other subjects at Santa Clarita Christian School. Nine years later, he became the Student Ministry Pastor at Cypress Community Church in Salinas, CA. While serving, he completed his M.A. in Biblical Studies from the Master's College and developed a deep passion for teaching God's Word and discipling men toward maturity in the faith.

 

In 2016, he joined his former pastor and mentor, Scott Ardavanis, at Grace Church of the Valley, Kingsburg, CA, and served as the Pastor of Equipping and Discipleship. After receiving a call from the elders of Seaside First Baptist Church to help revitalize, and after months of prayer, serving, planning, and preparation, both the GCV and SFBC elder boards installed Dom as the Lead Pastor at the newly named Grace Church Monterey Bay on November 19, 2019.

 

Since serving at GCMB, Dom has completed his M.Div through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Master's Seminary. In the Fall of 2024 Dom completed the Internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark Dever.

 

He and Jess have three children: a daughter, Makyla, and two sons, Titust and Judah. The entire family enjoys being active, reading books, and playing outdoors.

Sam Salerno

Elder

 

Born and raised in Monterey, Sam came to know Christ at an early age and grew up serving in youth and music ministry at Cypress Community Church. After graduating Monterey High School in 2009, he completed a year of leadership and discipleship training at the Joshua Wilderness Institute at Hume Lake — where he realized his creative passions could be used to glorify God in the context of the local church.

 

Sam took his passion to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, to study communications in 2012. But after three years (and BRUTAL winters!), he returned home to recover from burnout, severe anxiety, and deep depression. Even through the darkness, however, God worked in Sam's life to draw him into a deeper, stronger relationship with Him; and by God's providence, he continues to recover and now has a platform to minister to believers struggling with mental health.

 

Since 2016, Sam has worked in a variety of environments—from Director of Music and Media at Cypress Church to a Content Marketing Specialist and Podcaster with Medallia. Through it all, however, he's never lost sight of his true passion: helping the people of God see and experience the great work that Christ is doing through His Church. 

 

He married his wife, Caroline, in May 2023, was affirmed by the congregation as a Elder in May 2024, and is currently pursuing his MDiv with an emphasis on executive leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary responsibilities include overseeing communications, Children's Ministry, and church logistics.

Sam Salerno

Administrative Pastor

 

Born and raised in Monterey, Sam came to know Christ at an early age and grew up serving in youth and music ministry at Cypress Community Church. After graduating Monterey High School in 2009, he completed a year of leadership and discipleship training at the Joshua Wilderness Institute at Hume Lake — where he realized his creative passions could be used to glorify God in the context of the local church.

 

Sam took his passion to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, to study communications in 2012. But after three years (and BRUTAL winters!), he returned home to recover from burnout, severe anxiety, and deep depression. Even through the darkness, however, God worked in Sam's life to draw him into a deeper, stronger relationship with Him; and by God's providence, he continues to recover and now has a platform to minister to believers struggling with mental health.

 

Since 2016, Sam has worked in a variety of environments—from Director of Music and Media at Cypress Church to a Content Marketing Specialist and Podcaster with Medallia. Through it all, however, he's never lost sight of his true passion: helping the people of God see and experience the great work that Christ is doing through His Church. 

 

He married his wife, Caroline, in May 2023, was affirmed by the congregation as a Pastor in May 2024, and is currently pursuing his MDiv with an emphasis on executive leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary responsibilities include overseeing finance, facilities, children's/youth ministry, and communications.

Blake Hertzog

Lay Pastor

 

Blake Hertzog was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He grew up attending a Methodist church hearing about Jesus and the Bible, but rejected the Gospel seeking a life of sin and hypocrisy by continuing in church seeking only to look a certain way. By God’s grace and providence while living in London, England he heard the Gospel and the Word of God rightly taught and preached and his heart was made alive and repented of sin at the age of 22.  

 

Blake went to college at Pennsylvania State University graduating in 2007 prior to conversion and immediately moved to Monterey, California to work at Pebble Beach Golf Links. While seeking to grow and desiring to serve in another local Church, Blake met his wife, Sara, while serving in the Junior High Ministry. In God’s timing and plans they were brought to Grace Church Monterey Bay (then Seaside First Baptist) in 2013 and have been members growing in their love for the Church and faithfulness to Christ. Blake and Sara love to take hiking trips and beach days with their three children.

 

Blake has been working at the U.S. Navy golf course Monterey Pines Golf Club for almost 10 years during that time he completed an MBA from the Master’s University in 2022. He is grateful that the Lord has been faithful to guide their family through times of difficulty and for a privilege to serve Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Church.

 

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith—just as you were instructed—and abounding with thanksgiving.

Blake Hertzog

Elder

 

Blake Hertzog was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He grew up attending a Methodist church hearing about Jesus and the Bible, but rejected the Gospel seeking a life of sin and hypocrisy by continuing in church seeking only to look a certain way. By God’s grace and providence while living in London, England he heard the Gospel and the Word of God rightly taught and preached and his heart was made alive and repented of sin at the age of 22.  

 

Blake went to college at Pennsylvania State University graduating in 2007 prior to conversion and immediately moved to Monterey, California to work at Pebble Beach Golf Links. While seeking to grow and desiring to serve in another local Church, Blake met his wife, Sara, while serving in the Junior High Ministry. In God’s timing and plans they were brought to Grace Church Monterey Bay (then Seaside First Baptist) in 2013 and have been members growing in their love for the Church and faithfulness to Christ. Blake and Sara love to take hiking trips and beach days with their three children.

 

Blake has been working at the U.S. Navy golf course Monterey Pines Golf Club for almost 10 years during that time he completed an MBA from the Master’s University in 2022. He is grateful that the Lord has been faithful to guide their family through times of difficulty and for a privilege to serve Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Church.

 

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith—just as you were instructed—and abounding with thanksgiving.

Terrance Golden

Lay Pastor

 

Terrance Golden was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from Washington High School, he briefly attended Indiana University before sensing a call to serve. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for four years, developing discipline, resilience, and leadership along the way. After his military service, Terrance moved to California and began a 23-year career with the Monterey County Probation Department, faithfully serving the local community. In 2006, he married Veronica, and together they’ve built a loving home in Monterey County.  

 

Though raised with strong values, Terrance’s personal faith in Jesus Christ deepened in his mid-thirties when he experienced God’s grace in a life-changing way. Soon after, he became active in his church community, serving in leadership at Mount Nebo Baptist Church for nearly two decades. His heart for mentoring and ministry continued to grow, and in 2022, he and Veronica began attending Grace Church Monterey Bay. His faithfulness, wisdom, and care for others quickly became evident, and in April 2025, the church joyfully affirmed his calling to serve as an Elder.

 

 Terrance now serves on the Elder team and the Welcoming Committee, where he brings warmth, wisdom, and a steady presence. He’s currently enrolled in the Central Valley Biblical Counseling course and pursuing certification, equipping him to care for others with biblical truth and compassionate insight.  He and Veronica have four adult children and four grandchildren, and they love spending time with family, enjoying good food, traveling, and playing pickleball. Whether it’s a friendly match, a shared meal, or a Sunday morning conversation, Terrance has a gift for making people feel at home. His hospitality, humility, and love for Jesus continue to bless those around him.

Terrance Golden

Elder

 

Terrance Golden was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from Washington High School, he briefly attended Indiana University before sensing a call to serve. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for four years, developing discipline, resilience, and leadership along the way. After his military service, Terrance moved to California and began a 23-year career with the Monterey County Probation Department, faithfully serving the local community. In 2006, he married Veronica, and together they’ve built a loving home in Monterey County.  

 

Though raised with strong values, Terrance’s personal faith in Jesus Christ deepened in his mid-thirties when he experienced God’s grace in a life-changing way. Soon after, he became active in his church community, serving in leadership at Mount Nebo Baptist Church for nearly two decades. His heart for mentoring and ministry continued to grow, and in 2022, he and Veronica began attending Grace Church Monterey Bay. His faithfulness, wisdom, and care for others quickly became evident, and in April 2025, the church joyfully affirmed his calling to serve as an Elder.

 

 Terrance now serves on the Elder team and the Welcoming Committee, where he brings warmth, wisdom, and a steady presence. He’s currently enrolled in the Central Valley Biblical Counseling course and pursuing certification, equipping him to care for others with biblical truth and compassionate insight.  He and Veronica have four adult children and four grandchildren, and they love spending time with family, enjoying good food, traveling, and playing pickleball. Whether it’s a friendly match, a shared meal, or a Sunday morning conversation, Terrance has a gift for making people feel at home. His hospitality, humility, and love for Jesus continue to bless those around him.

Jonathan Coon

Deacon of Music

 

Born and raised in Monterey, California, Jonathan started serving in worship ministry by playing the electric guitar. But as he pursued a degree in computer science and engineering at Santa Clara University (SCU), God led him to serve as a worship leader at one of the Christian fellowships on campus and soon became the Worship Coordinator of that college ministry.

 

Although professing faith in Christ early in his life, God rekindled his love for the Lord Jesus Christ through the discipleship of the men of a Christian fraternity on campus called Alpha Gamma Omega and led Jonathan to grow in ministry leadership by serving as the President of the chapter at SCU.

 

After graduating and returning to his hometown of Monterey, Jonathan led worship weekly for a group of men who met to study the Bible and books on biblical literacy and biblical manhood together.

 

Later on, Jonathan met his beautiful wife Becky (from Riverbank, California), and God led them to Grace Church Monterey Bay soon after they were married in September 2019.

 

Jonathan and Becky lead worship together at Grace Church Monterey Bay and enjoy going to the beach, eating sushi, and making music together.

Dominic J. Avila

Lead Pastor

 

Dominic Avila grew up in East Los Angeles and surrendered his life to the lordship of Christ at the age of 20 just before attending The Master’s College on a basketball scholarship. There he met his wife Jessica, got engaged on the Sea of Galilee through the IBEX program, and they both obtained a B.A. in Biblical Exposition.

 

After graduation, Dominic taught Bible and other subjects at Santa Clarita Christian School. Nine years later, he became the Student Ministry Pastor at Cypress Community Church in Salinas, CA. While serving, he completed his M.A. in Biblical Studies from the Master's College and developed a deep passion for teaching God's Word and discipling men toward maturity in the faith.

 

In 2016, he joined his former pastor and mentor, Scott Ardavanis, at Grace Church of the Valley, Kingsburg, CA, and served as the Pastor of Equipping and Discipleship. After receiving a call from the elders of Seaside First Baptist Church to help revitalize, and after months of prayer, serving, planning, and preparation, both the GCV and SFBC elder boards installed Dom as the Lead Pastor at the newly named Grace Church Monterey Bay on November 19, 2019.

 

Since serving at GCMB, Dom has completed his M.Div through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Master's Seminary. In the Fall of 2024 Dom completed the Internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark Dever.

 

He and Jess have three children: a daughter, Makyla, and two sons, Titus and Judah. The entire family enjoys being active, reading books, and playing outdoors.

Dominic J. Avila

Lead Pastor

 

Dominic Avila grew up in East Los Angeles and surrendered his life to the lordship of Christ at the age of 20 just before attending The Master’s College on a basketball scholarship. There he met his wife Jessica, got engaged on the Sea of Galilee through the IBEX program, and they both obtained a B.A. in Biblical Exposition.

 

After graduation, Dominic taught Bible and other subjects at Santa Clarita Christian School. Nine years later, he became the Student Ministry Pastor at Cypress Community Church in Salinas, CA. While serving, he completed his M.A. in Biblical Studies from the Master's College and developed a deep passion for teaching God's Word and discipling men toward maturity in the faith.

 

In 2016, he joined his former pastor and mentor, Scott Ardavanis, at Grace Church of the Valley, Kingsburg, CA, and served as the Pastor of Equipping and Discipleship. After receiving a call from the elders of Seaside First Baptist Church to help revitalize, and after months of prayer, serving, planning, and preparation, both the GCV and SFBC elder boards installed Dom as the Lead Pastor at the newly named Grace Church Monterey Bay on November 19, 2019.

 

Since serving at GCMB, Dom has completed his M.Div through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Master's Seminary. In the Fall of 2024 Dom completed the Internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark Dever.

 

He and Jess have three children: a daughter, Makyla, and two sons, Titust and Judah. The entire family enjoys being active, reading books, and playing outdoors.

Sam Salerno

Administrative Pastor

 

Born and raised in Monterey, Sam came to know Christ at an early age and grew up serving in youth and music ministry at Cypress Community Church. After graduating Monterey High School in 2009, he completed a year of leadership and discipleship training at the Joshua Wilderness Institute at Hume Lake — where he realized his creative passions could be used to glorify God in the context of the local church.

 

Sam took his passion to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, to study communications in 2012. But after three years (and BRUTAL winters!), he returned home to recover from burnout, severe anxiety, and deep depression. Even through the darkness, however, God worked in Sam's life to draw him into a deeper, stronger relationship with Him; and by God's providence, he continues to recover and now has a platform to minister to believers struggling with mental health.

 

Since 2016, Sam has worked in a variety of environments—from Director of Music and Media at Cypress Church to a Content Marketing Specialist and Podcaster with Medallia. Through it all, however, he's never lost sight of his true passion: helping the people of God see and experience the great work that Christ is doing through His Church. 

 

He married his wife, Caroline, in May 2023, was affirmed by the congregation as a Elder in May 2024, and is currently pursuing his MDiv with an emphasis on executive leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary responsibilities include overseeing finance, facilities, children's/youth ministry, and communications.

Sam Salerno

Pastor

 

Born and raised in Monterey, Sam came to know Christ at an early age and grew up serving in youth and music ministry at Cypress Community Church. After graduating Monterey High School in 2009, he completed a year of leadership and discipleship training at the Joshua Wilderness Institute at Hume Lake — where he realized his creative passions could be used to glorify God in the context of the local church.

 

Sam took his passion to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, to study communications in 2012. But after three years (and BRUTAL winters!), he returned home to recover from burnout, severe anxiety, and deep depression. Even through the darkness, however, God worked in Sam's life to draw him into a deeper, stronger relationship with Him; and by God's providence, he continues to recover and now has a platform to minister to believers struggling with mental health.

 

Since 2016, Sam has worked in a variety of environments—from Director of Music and Media at Cypress Church to a Content Marketing Specialist and Podcaster with Medallia. Through it all, however, he's never lost sight of his true passion: helping the people of God see and experience the great work that Christ is doing through His Church. 

 

He married his wife, Caroline, in May 2023, was affirmed by the congregation as a Pastor in May 2024, and is currently pursuing his MDiv with an emphasis on executive leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His primary responsibilities include overseeing communications, Children's Ministry, and church logistics.

Blake Hertzog

Pastor

 

Blake Hertzog was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He grew up attending a Methodist church hearing about Jesus and the Bible, but rejected the Gospel seeking a life of sin and hypocrisy by continuing in church seeking only to look a certain way. By God’s grace and providence while living in London, England he heard the Gospel and the Word of God rightly taught and preached and his heart was made alive and repented of sin at the age of 22.  

 

Blake went to college at Pennsylvania State University graduating in 2007 prior to conversion and immediately moved to Monterey, California to work at Pebble Beach Golf Links. While seeking to grow and desiring to serve in another local Church, Blake met his wife, Sara, while serving in the Junior High Ministry. In God’s timing and plans they were brought to Grace Church Monterey Bay (then Seaside First Baptist) in 2013 and have been members growing in their love for the Church and faithfulness to Christ. Blake and Sara love to take hiking trips and beach days with their three children.

 

Blake has been working at the U.S. Navy golf course Monterey Pines Golf Club for almost 10 years during that time he completed an MBA from the Master’s University in 2022. He is grateful that the Lord has been faithful to guide their family through times of difficulty and for a privilege to serve Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Church.

 

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith—just as you were instructed—and abounding with thanksgiving.

Blake Hertzog

Lay Pastor

 

Blake Hertzog was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He grew up attending a Methodist church hearing about Jesus and the Bible, but rejected the Gospel seeking a life of sin and hypocrisy by continuing in church seeking only to look a certain way. By God’s grace and providence while living in London, England he heard the Gospel and the Word of God rightly taught and preached and his heart was made alive and repented of sin at the age of 22.  

 

Blake went to college at Pennsylvania State University graduating in 2007 prior to conversion and immediately moved to Monterey, California to work at Pebble Beach Golf Links. While seeking to grow and desiring to serve in another local Church, Blake met his wife, Sara, while serving in the Junior High Ministry. In God’s timing and plans they were brought to Grace Church Monterey Bay (then Seaside First Baptist) in 2013 and have been members growing in their love for the Church and faithfulness to Christ. Blake and Sara love to take hiking trips and beach days with their three children.

 

Blake has been working at the U.S. Navy golf course Monterey Pines Golf Club for almost 10 years during that time he completed an MBA from the Master’s University in 2022. He is grateful that the Lord has been faithful to guide their family through times of difficulty and for a privilege to serve Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Church.

 

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith—just as you were instructed—and abounding with thanksgiving.

Terrance Golden

Pastor

 

Terrance Golden was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from Washington High School, he briefly attended Indiana University before sensing a call to serve. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for four years, developing discipline, resilience, and leadership along the way. After his military service, Terrance moved to California and began a 23-year career with the Monterey County Probation Department, faithfully serving the local community. In 2006, he married Veronica, and together they’ve built a loving home in Monterey County.  

 

Though raised with strong values, Terrance’s personal faith in Jesus Christ deepened in his mid-thirties when he experienced God’s grace in a life-changing way. Soon after, he became active in his church community, serving in leadership at Mount Nebo Baptist Church for nearly two decades. His heart for mentoring and ministry continued to grow, and in 2022, he and Veronica began attending Grace Church Monterey Bay. His faithfulness, wisdom, and care for others quickly became evident, and in April 2025, the church joyfully affirmed his calling to serve as an Elder.

 

 Terrance now serves on the Elder team and the Welcoming Committee, where he brings warmth, wisdom, and a steady presence. He’s currently enrolled in the Central Valley Biblical Counseling course and pursuing certification, equipping him to care for others with biblical truth and compassionate insight.  He and Veronica have four adult children and four grandchildren, and they love spending time with family, enjoying good food, traveling, and playing pickleball. Whether it’s a friendly match, a shared meal, or a Sunday morning conversation, Terrance has a gift for making people feel at home. His hospitality, humility, and love for Jesus continue to bless those around him.

Terrance Golden

Lay Pastor

 

Terrance Golden was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from Washington High School, he briefly attended Indiana University before sensing a call to serve. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for four years, developing discipline, resilience, and leadership along the way. After his military service, Terrance moved to California and began a 23-year career with the Monterey County Probation Department, faithfully serving the local community. In 2006, he married Veronica, and together they’ve built a loving home in Monterey County.  

 

Though raised with strong values, Terrance’s personal faith in Jesus Christ deepened in his mid-thirties when he experienced God’s grace in a life-changing way. Soon after, he became active in his church community, serving in leadership at Mount Nebo Baptist Church for nearly two decades. His heart for mentoring and ministry continued to grow, and in 2022, he and Veronica began attending Grace Church Monterey Bay. His faithfulness, wisdom, and care for others quickly became evident, and in April 2025, the church joyfully affirmed his calling to serve as an Elder.

 

 Terrance now serves on the Elder team and the Welcoming Committee, where he brings warmth, wisdom, and a steady presence. He’s currently enrolled in the Central Valley Biblical Counseling course and pursuing certification, equipping him to care for others with biblical truth and compassionate insight.  He and Veronica have four adult children and four grandchildren, and they love spending time with family, enjoying good food, traveling, and playing pickleball. Whether it’s a friendly match, a shared meal, or a Sunday morning conversation, Terrance has a gift for making people feel at home. His hospitality, humility, and love for Jesus continue to bless those around him.

Jonathan Coon

Deacon of Music

 

Born and raised in Monterey, California, Jonathan started serving in worship ministry by playing the electric guitar. But as he pursued a degree in computer science and engineering at Santa Clara University (SCU), God led him to serve as a worship leader at one of the Christian fellowships on campus and soon became the Worship Coordinator of that college ministry.

 

Although professing faith in Christ early in his life, God rekindled his love for the Lord Jesus Christ through the discipleship of the men of a Christian fraternity on campus called Alpha Gamma Omega and led Jonathan to grow in ministry leadership by serving as the President of the chapter at SCU.

 

After graduating and returning to his hometown of Monterey, Jonathan led worship weekly for a group of men who met to study the Bible and books on biblical literacy and biblical manhood together.

 

Later on, Jonathan met his beautiful wife Becky (from Riverbank, California), and God led them to Grace Church Monterey Bay soon after they were married in September 2019.

 

Jonathan and Becky lead worship together at Grace Church Monterey Bay and enjoy going to the beach, eating sushi, and making music together.