ministerial team & staff
Rev. Beth Carroll,
Senior Pastor
Pastor Beth serves as Senior Pastor at Oakland City Church. Beth received a Master of Divinity at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan where she received recognition in the areas of preaching, writing, and ethics. While in seminary, she was part of a two-year cohort of pastors, professors, and government leaders studying systemic violence in New York City, Detroit, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Beth served as Pastor of Discipleship at Hope Church in Holland, MI, for eight years, which is where she also was ordained. There, she specialized in creating safe and brave spaces for those experiencing unwelcome or trauma in past churches, especially those in the LGBTQIA community and others marginalized because of their mental health. She nurtured the congregation to expand the work of inclusion and facilitated healing, both for those pushed to the margins and the greater community.
She has excitement, energy, and drive in living her call to follow Christ: “to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and proclaim the good news of God’s favor”.
Originally from Michigan, Beth served for eight years in youth and young adult ministry, after transitioning out of a career in sales management. Beth has spent her vocational life engaged in her passions for community building, mentoring, and discipleship. One of her favorite life circumstances is when a friend or colleague from one of her circles builds a relationship with a friend from another.
Beth is married to her husband, Richard Perez, who is a theatre professional and writer. She has two adult children; Josiah who lives in Michigan and Natalie who is in Oakland. Beth enjoys writing, laughing with others, exercising, and watching live theatre, music, and stand-up comedy. Pastor Beth uses she/her/hers pronouns.
Beth served as Pastor of Discipleship at Hope Church in Holland, MI, for eight years, which is where she also was ordained. There, she specialized in creating safe and brave spaces for those experiencing unwelcome or trauma in past churches, especially those in the LGBTQIA community and others marginalized because of their mental health. She nurtured the congregation to expand the work of inclusion and facilitated healing, both for those pushed to the margins and the greater community.
She has excitement, energy, and drive in living her call to follow Christ: “to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and proclaim the good news of God’s favor”.
Originally from Michigan, Beth served for eight years in youth and young adult ministry, after transitioning out of a career in sales management. Beth has spent her vocational life engaged in her passions for community building, mentoring, and discipleship. One of her favorite life circumstances is when a friend or colleague from one of her circles builds a relationship with a friend from another.
Beth is married to her husband, Richard Perez, who is a theatre professional and writer. She has two adult children; Josiah who lives in Michigan and Natalie who is in Oakland. Beth enjoys writing, laughing with others, exercising, and watching live theatre, music, and stand-up comedy. Pastor Beth uses she/her/hers pronouns.
REV. CARL PASCUAL,
Minister of Church Engagement
Carl is serving as our Minister of Community Life, focusing on community life and small groups. He brings a wealth of experience in ministry and a love for growing spiritual communities. Carl received his Master’s in Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary and has previously been on staff with New Hope Covenant Church in East Oakland and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He worked as the lead planner for Proposition 63 (The Mental Health Services Act) supporting mental health treatment and prevention services in Alameda County.
Carl lives in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood with his wife, Celia, and their three sons Caden, Camilo and Cairo. He first came to the East Bay to attend UC Berkeley and later earned a Master’s in Organizational Development from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alameda. Carl and Celia moved to East Oakland to be part of the Oak Park community, described in the short documentary “The Oak Park Story” and chronicled in Russell Jeung’s memoir, At Home in Exile: Finding Jesus among My Ancestors and Refugee Neighbors (2016).
Carl enjoys laughing with friends, Onewheeling with his boys around the Bay Area, and living and dying with our local sports teams.
Carl lives in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood with his wife, Celia, and their three sons Caden, Camilo and Cairo. He first came to the East Bay to attend UC Berkeley and later earned a Master’s in Organizational Development from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alameda. Carl and Celia moved to East Oakland to be part of the Oak Park community, described in the short documentary “The Oak Park Story” and chronicled in Russell Jeung’s memoir, At Home in Exile: Finding Jesus among My Ancestors and Refugee Neighbors (2016).
Carl enjoys laughing with friends, Onewheeling with his boys around the Bay Area, and living and dying with our local sports teams.
GENT GRUSH, Minister of Worship Engagement, City Engagement
Gent serves as the Ministry Fellow at Oakland City Church, where he is also pursuing his ordination. After 10 years of campus ministry in southern California, Gent moved to Oakland with his wife, Bonnie, in 2017 and at that time began working on his MDIV through Fuller Theological Seminary, completing that degree in 2020. Gent and Bonnie welcomed their first child, Sadie Joy, in June of 2020 and deeply enjoy her curious and joyful personality.
Over the past 10 years of ministry training, God has unequivocally called Gent to a ministry of reconciliation and justice that navigates the spiritual, social and political polarization of the 21st century with the heart and mind of Christ. As a white man, Gent feels a unique calling to follow the lead of many POC who have been speaking and leading toward racial justice for many years, while simultaneously feeling the burden to speak honestly, humbly and radically to his own community — realizing that in order to no longer burden POC with educating and leading white people, then white pastors and leaders must step up.
As Gent continues his ministry in Oakland, he affirms his calling to embody and proclaim a holistic Gospel message that reconciles people to God and people to people through the cross of Christ and that builds a church and broader society where justice and flourishing for all people is realized.
Over the past 10 years of ministry training, God has unequivocally called Gent to a ministry of reconciliation and justice that navigates the spiritual, social and political polarization of the 21st century with the heart and mind of Christ. As a white man, Gent feels a unique calling to follow the lead of many POC who have been speaking and leading toward racial justice for many years, while simultaneously feeling the burden to speak honestly, humbly and radically to his own community — realizing that in order to no longer burden POC with educating and leading white people, then white pastors and leaders must step up.
As Gent continues his ministry in Oakland, he affirms his calling to embody and proclaim a holistic Gospel message that reconciles people to God and people to people through the cross of Christ and that builds a church and broader society where justice and flourishing for all people is realized.
CHELLE AUSTIN,
Director of Operations
Njeri Kamau-Devers,
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Njeri Kamau-Devers is serving as our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, ensuring that our little ones are welcome and seen in the church space. Through the Godly Play curriculum, children are invited to step into direct relationship with God and wonder about His stories in the Bible. Njeri brings 10 years of experience working with children to her role, including working as a private Chinese tutor for Bay Area children (2011 to present), as well as a Chinese teacher in the Mafanikio after-school program at West County Mandarin School (2021 to present). A native of Oakland, she lives at home with her family. Her passions include Bible study, studying Cantonese, swimming and creative writing.
FAITH AUSTIN,
Youth Ministry Intern
Faith directs Youth Ministries at Oakland City Church for the 456ers (youth who are in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades) and for the 7 Uppers (youth in 7th-12th grades). Faith welcomes youth for fun, learning scripture, and fellowship together. She enjoys doing creative arts like painting, which are fun and calming for her.
OCC elders
Velina Barnes
Velina Barnes has served in ministry for over 30 years. She was an active Stephen’s minister for over 10 years and has served on the leadership team for several ministries. She has worked in middle school ministry, the nursery, church event planning, organized and led retreats, conferences and women's ministry. Velina is a wife and mother of four now young adult children. Velina is originally from the west coast of Florida, and has lived in Oakland for more than 25 years. She works as an asset manager for an investment firm in Walnut Creek and loves hiking, sailing and being out in nature every minute she can.
Susan Broadnax
Born and raised in Oakland, Susan Broadnax has served in ministry for more than 40 years as a Sunday school teacher, lay ministry, missions and pastor's wife. She is a mother, grandmother and has recently retired from a career in community investment banking with a focus on affordable housing.
John Fuller
It is an honor and a privilege to be the most recent nominee for the position of elder at Oakland City Church. This has been a year of transition for the church and for me personally. This month I joined the 30/30 Club. Retiring after 30 years of being an elementary school teacher and celebrating 30 years of marriage to my wife, Jacquelline.
Jacquelline and I have been attending Oakland City Church for the past five years, and we have collectively served on the hospitality team and I have personally been a greeter and led a small group. I look forward to this new opportunity at OCC.
Jacquelline and I have been attending Oakland City Church for the past five years, and we have collectively served on the hospitality team and I have personally been a greeter and led a small group. I look forward to this new opportunity at OCC.
Joy Hallman
Maximos Lih
Norma Sherman
OCC deacons
Phil House
Phil is a parishioner at OCC originally from Chicago but most recently residing in Alameda. He has worked in Manufacturing management for the last 5 years but is also pursuing a graduate certificate in theology at Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Phil’s favorite thing about church is being able to discuss and be supported by others through some of life’s most challenging questions. In his free time, he enjoys moderate hikes and a slightly challenging game of pickleball.
"I believe I’m called to be a deacon because I want to support the church and its congregation in the various matters that come up. I know church is not just a Sunday event but rather something that impacts people and communities each day of the week. I would like to be there to support the work that’s continually going on."
"I believe I’m called to be a deacon because I want to support the church and its congregation in the various matters that come up. I know church is not just a Sunday event but rather something that impacts people and communities each day of the week. I would like to be there to support the work that’s continually going on."
Joy Perry
Joy was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where as a child she was baptised and confirmed into the Anglican Church. As a result of the rich diversity of the culture, she, from an early age was exposed to a wide variety of religions and styles of worship. From Hinduism, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism to Orisha, Hare Krishna and Eckankar.
As a child she became a member of the Unity Church of Christianity where she continued through high school and college years, serving as a Y.O.U. (Youth of Unity) Leader, facilitating sunrise meditations and classes in the principles of the Unity way of Life for members 21 and under. She credits the principles of Unity with teaching her how to live more harmoniously with others.
Seeking deeper understanding and meaning, she became a member of the Spiritual Baptist Faith. There she realised the need to live life at a deeper Spiritual level and embarked on learning all that entailed. She fell back into the Unity church after moving to New York as a result of a lack of options. She continued there for several more years, even after moving to the Bay Area, until finally she found and joined a Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) organisation.
She served in her home church as an Usher, AudioVisual Operations leader and an Office Administrator; processing and posting members' contributions, paying bills and preparing tax statements. It was the 12 years of learning and working at that church home that gave her the deep appreciation of the need for serving in building a strong church community.
Joy has been a part of OCC since July 2016 and now hopes to be able to serve in a more meaningful and impactful role going forward.
“I have lived a very blessed and privileged life. Up until the age of 50, I wanted for very little. I had great jobs, a successful career and a couple of successful small business endeavors. I was able to guide, assist and develop a number of young people who went on to become successful professionals, home and business owners. My life was fulfilling. It was not until the age of 50 that I became the one needing the help. I had lost just about everything; job, career, home, health and even family. It has been the kindness, prayers, generosity and support of the faithful in my church communities, along with my faith in God, that picked me up, kept me standing and kept me going for the last decade of my life. I would have probably given up without it. While volunteering my time and skills to my previous church, though mostly in the office and behind the scenes, I was also able to see firsthand, the impact of the staff and volunteer workers on the many lives of the members and community. I have a great longing to be able to serve in a similar, more tangible fashion and to make some attempt to pay it forward, while still continuing to grow spiritually, becoming a true servant of the Lord. Being a deacon at OCC is a way I believe I can achieve those goals.”
As a child she became a member of the Unity Church of Christianity where she continued through high school and college years, serving as a Y.O.U. (Youth of Unity) Leader, facilitating sunrise meditations and classes in the principles of the Unity way of Life for members 21 and under. She credits the principles of Unity with teaching her how to live more harmoniously with others.
Seeking deeper understanding and meaning, she became a member of the Spiritual Baptist Faith. There she realised the need to live life at a deeper Spiritual level and embarked on learning all that entailed. She fell back into the Unity church after moving to New York as a result of a lack of options. She continued there for several more years, even after moving to the Bay Area, until finally she found and joined a Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) organisation.
She served in her home church as an Usher, AudioVisual Operations leader and an Office Administrator; processing and posting members' contributions, paying bills and preparing tax statements. It was the 12 years of learning and working at that church home that gave her the deep appreciation of the need for serving in building a strong church community.
Joy has been a part of OCC since July 2016 and now hopes to be able to serve in a more meaningful and impactful role going forward.
“I have lived a very blessed and privileged life. Up until the age of 50, I wanted for very little. I had great jobs, a successful career and a couple of successful small business endeavors. I was able to guide, assist and develop a number of young people who went on to become successful professionals, home and business owners. My life was fulfilling. It was not until the age of 50 that I became the one needing the help. I had lost just about everything; job, career, home, health and even family. It has been the kindness, prayers, generosity and support of the faithful in my church communities, along with my faith in God, that picked me up, kept me standing and kept me going for the last decade of my life. I would have probably given up without it. While volunteering my time and skills to my previous church, though mostly in the office and behind the scenes, I was also able to see firsthand, the impact of the staff and volunteer workers on the many lives of the members and community. I have a great longing to be able to serve in a similar, more tangible fashion and to make some attempt to pay it forward, while still continuing to grow spiritually, becoming a true servant of the Lord. Being a deacon at OCC is a way I believe I can achieve those goals.”
Hannah Young
Born and raised in Washington, DC, the oldest of three girls, I was practically a second mom to my much younger little sisters. I grew up in a very small and tight-knit church with an abundance of deep spiritual practices and teachings. But by my 20s, after encountering a series of disappointments with God, my parents, and the church, I took a break from organized faith practices. I needed distance from my parents’ beliefs, which felt stifling; I couldn’t find a way forward that felt real. In my 30s, I realized I was still a believer in God and in God’s love. I began to re-engage more fully with my faith and I’m grateful to the church community that I discovered at the time that helped me on that journey.
I’ve been a longtime Bay Area resident. I feel at home in the outdoors and on my bike. I work in the environmental field, helping cities, developers, and public agencies’ clients build and implement projects that comply with environmental laws and regulations. Recently, I’m a proud auntie to two delightful towheaded kiddos.
I’ve been attending OCC for about 5 years and was drawn to the community by the sincerity with which folks are pursuing relationships with God and with each other. I was intrigued by the mission statement and the specificity of the call and vision that it articulates. I appreciate the ways that people show up as real human beings. I feel it is a sacred call to be in this faith community and witness the mystery of God’s love and redemption working among us. I feel called to belong to the OCC community and support the people as we live into the calling of people who don’t look like they belong, or otherwise might not belong together, finding community together with Jesus at the center, and expanding that to include others who have not yet been welcomed into the community or feel like they are on the outskirts. That is not an easy calling, but I do want to be committed to praying with and supporting the members of the church and those beyond the church in this journey. And my prayer is that God would work that out in my heart and life as well.
I’ve been a longtime Bay Area resident. I feel at home in the outdoors and on my bike. I work in the environmental field, helping cities, developers, and public agencies’ clients build and implement projects that comply with environmental laws and regulations. Recently, I’m a proud auntie to two delightful towheaded kiddos.
I’ve been attending OCC for about 5 years and was drawn to the community by the sincerity with which folks are pursuing relationships with God and with each other. I was intrigued by the mission statement and the specificity of the call and vision that it articulates. I appreciate the ways that people show up as real human beings. I feel it is a sacred call to be in this faith community and witness the mystery of God’s love and redemption working among us. I feel called to belong to the OCC community and support the people as we live into the calling of people who don’t look like they belong, or otherwise might not belong together, finding community together with Jesus at the center, and expanding that to include others who have not yet been welcomed into the community or feel like they are on the outskirts. That is not an easy calling, but I do want to be committed to praying with and supporting the members of the church and those beyond the church in this journey. And my prayer is that God would work that out in my heart and life as well.