Brent Swanson
Lead Pastor
Brent has been serving as the senior pastor of CPC since April 2021. He earned his BA degree from UCLA and his MDiv from Yale Divinity School. He is passionate about teaching the Bible and helping lead the church to love and serve the city. Originally from Long Beach, CA, Brent loves to surf, read, and play music. He is married to Anita, and they have four wonderful boys: Samuel, Luke, Jude, Micah.
Dave McGurk
Associate Pastor
Dave was called into the ministry at 17 years old. He has faithfully served CPC since 1991 focusing on Adult and Senior Ministries as well as Mission and the work of the Deacons. He is passionate about coming alongside others in their faith journey, teaching, missions, sharing God’s word and building Christian community.
Zachary Pitcher
Director of Administration and Ministry
Zachary has been serving as the director of Administration and Ministry since 2022. He attended Grove City College and obtained a Master’s from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He married his wife Abbey Mae in 2018. In their spare time they enjoy playing board games, traveling, cooking, running, and exploring places in Merced.
Seth Beardsley
Director of Student Ministries
Seth grew up in Merced, but after completing his undergraduate studies at CSU Stanislaus in 2012, he began working as the youth director at Centerville Presbyterian Church in Fremont, CA. He and Jenessa were married in 2018 and Seth then moved to DC to be with his wife and finish seminary. He completed his Masters of Ministry and Leadership from Western Seminary in 2019, while also working with youth at National Community Church in Alexandria, VA. Now he’s back in his hometown! His hobbies include playing basketball, watching the Giants, Warriors, and Niners, eating at fun places and watching Survivor with Jenessa, playing board games, and spending time with his friends and family.
Joanna Hefner
Communications Assistant
Joanna was born in Santa Clara and raised in Merced. She has an associates degree in Art from Merced College and hopes to pursue a Bachelors degree in Media Communications. In her spare time she enjoys playing board games and traveling with her husband Austin, and their dog Bailey.
Linda Casebier
Office Staff
Linda was born and raised in Merced and loves her hometown. She considers it an honor and privilege to serve the Lord and her church family as an office employee. She has been married to her husband, George, since 1985, and they live in Atwater with Shadow (her dog) and Rusty (their mouse and lizard chasing cat), and the new addition to their household, Murphy, the Wonder Dog.
Isaiah Davis
Student Ministries / Worship Intern
Isaiah is in his first year at Merced College where he hopes to get a music degree. When he is not at school he spends his time at work, playing with his golden retriever, Molly or playing instruments around the house.