Leadership

James is the founding and lead Pastor of Vista Community Church. In 2007, he and his wife, Elizabeth wanted to be part of a church where people could come just as they are and become more like Jesus.   James and Elizabeth have three sons and one daughter.   

James enjoys playing golf, watching college football in the fall, listening to leadership podcasts, and smoking all types of meat, but mostly brisket. 

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
John 4:35 

 If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. 

Gonzalo holds a degree in Industrial Engineering, a profession he pursued for almost 12 years in Chile. In the following years, God allowed him to focus on his vocation, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies and a Bachelor of Music degree to become a pastor. He currently serves as pastor of the Hispanic Ministry, Worship Team, and Outreach team at Vista Community Church in Castroville, Texas. Gonzalo feels fortunate to be able to fulfill his calling, which is to reach his community for Christ and work in the development of praise and worship at Vista Community Church. He and his wife, Daniela, have two sons, Mateo and Gonzalo T. 

Playing guitar, running, and listening to music.

Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” -- Ghandi 

Mike serves as Youth Pastor at Vista Community Church. Since graduating from Abilene Christian University, Mike has been vocationally involved in the spiritual formation of middle and high school students, and is devoted to helping every student have a bold, sincere, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  His wife, Allison, is studying dentistry at UT Health San Antonio..

Football, reading, guitar, and exercise.

"Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours."
- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

"Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out himself to death and was numbered with the transgressors, yet he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:12

Mike joined Vista Community Church in 2019, bringing more than 25 years of experience in administration, ministry, and leadership. His background also includes distinguished service as a combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Theology and is currently completing his doctorate. As Executive Director, he's faithfully committed to advancing the ministry and mission of VCC. 

Cooking, writing, and reading.  Mike is also an advocate for foster care and adoption, as well as a proud supporter of the local homeschool community. 

“My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.” - Billy Graham 

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). 

Jose serves as a Ministry Intern on staff and has served on worship teams in various churches throughout the years. He has led young adult groups in the past and loves building community and walking alongside others as they grow in their faith. Jose is passionate about continuing to grow in his love for the Word of God as he pursues pastorship and remains committed to ongoing formal theological training under the mentorship of his lead pastor. He is married to his wife, Kristen, originally from Tennessee, whom he met in California. Together, they are grateful for how the Lord has led them to Texas. 

Playing guitar, classic American and Japanese cars, riding motorcycles, Coffee culture and great coffee shops, reading theological books, appreciating artistic expression, including tattoo art, and spending quality time with his wife over a good cup of coffee. 

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” - Mark Twain

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭

Reading, spending time with family, and working with children.

Psalm 23

“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John Bingham

Erica is the Church Administrator at Vista. She began her professional administrative career as a United States Marine and continued to practice her profession, serving on several nonprofit boards for programs such as Toys for Tots, Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society, Stork’s Nest, PTA/PTO, Girl Scouts, and AWANA. Erica and her husband of 29 years have two daughters and two pampered pugs.

Erica enjoys playing pickleball, sudoku, hiking with her Pugs, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John  14:27

"Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big God is." Aiden Wilson Tozer 

Sylvia has been at Vista Community Church since 2008 and on staff as Church Treasurer for 16 years. Sylvia and her husband Alex have been married 52 years. They have been blessed with 4 married daughters, 13 grandchildren and soon to have a great-granddaughter.
Their cup runneth over!

Camping and spending time with our kiddos. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 

Phillip.  4:13   “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” 

Vic is passionate about leveraging technology for the Kingdom of God, and focused on empowering churches, and ministries with innovative solutions to help the church stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Since 2010, he has been serving as an Online Missionary. A real-time digital evangelism ministry that uses technology to spread the Gospel worldwide to help fulfill the Great Commission of Christ in reaching the unreached, and those who the Holy Spirit draw into account. 

Photography, Electronics, Martial Arts, Sport Bikes, Collectables, History 

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." – John 3:5 (KJV) 

"Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face." - President Ronald Reagan