OCF is led by a plurality of pastor-elders. Instead of a single (or senior) pastor leading our congregation, we have a group of pastor-elders who share the preaching on Sundays and share most of the day-to-day leadership of the church family. We take this approach for two reasons, one biblical and one pragmatic. Biblically, from what we can tell, every church in the New Testament was led by a team of leaders. Pragmatically, plurality leadership best ensures the spiritual health of both leaders and members in a local church family. Meet our pastor-elders...

Ed, Carlos, Joe, Brandon, Stan, Denny and Dan
Ed Arriola is a Los Angeles native born at Queen of Angels Hospital. He attended UCLA and UCSF where he received his pharmacy degree. He has two grown daughters and two grandchildren. Ed recently retired from UCLA Medical Center and enjoys his time off listening to jazz records, playing golf, and babysitting the grandkids. Email Ed.

Carlos Rams has served in various youth and adult ministries over the past 22 years, with individual discipleship being his passion. He is a Biola University graduate, born in Cuba and raised in the South Bay. He works full time for Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo. He and his wife, Cheryl, currently work with OCF's young adults. They live in Hollyglen with their son and daughter. Email Carlos.

Joe Hellerman received his theological training at Talbot Seminary and has earned a Ph.D. in History of Christianity from UCLA. In addition to his work with OCF, Joe teaches full-time as Professor of NT Language and Literature at Talbot School of Theology. He grew up right here in the South Bay and lives in Hermosa Beach with his wife, Joann, and their two daughters. See his new book on the church as a family When the Church Was a Family and interact with Joe on his blog Hellerman's Blog. Email Joe.

Pastor Joe Hellerman was interviewed on KKLA's Frank Pastore Show to discuss his new book "When The Church Was A Family". It was a great interview! Check it out by going to the Sermons page!

Brandon Cash is a native Southern Californian and graduate of Long Beach State University. Brandon received his theological training at Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). He lives in Torrance with his wife, Courtney, and their four children. Email Brandon.

Stan Yetter grew up in the South Bay and attended Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach. Stan graduated from Stanford University and worked for forty years as an engineer in the Aerospace industry. Stan & his wife, Wanda, live in Manhattan Beach and enjoy their three children & four grandchildren who all live nearby. Email Stan.

Denny O'Keefe grew up in Minneapolis, MN and helped start OCF in his home in 1985 with Mimi, his wife of 40 years. They have two grown daughters, Meghan & Leslie (who married fellow OCF'er Brett Fletcher). Their two precious grandchildren are being groomed to be future leaders of OCF! They all live within 75 yards of each other in Torrance. Email Denny.

Dan Olson is a native of Los Angeles. He met Tracy, his wife of 25 years, at San Diego State where he earned a B.S. degree in business. He is part owner of his family's graphic display business. Along with his three adult children, Dan and Tracy have attended OCF for over 15 years and Dan has been on the elder board since 1996. Since coming to Christ in 1992 at a men's retreat, Dan has always been active in men's ministry and fellowship activities. Email Dan.