Staff and Elders

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Staff and Elders

At LCGS, we are a “volunteer-driven, staff-led, elder-protected” church.

Elder-Protected
At LCGS, our elders oversee the congregation by setting the “goal lines,” or guardrails, to protect the body while empowering the staff to implement the vision.

Staff-Led
Organizational and operational functions are delegated to the staff and directed by the lead pastor.

Volunteer-Driven
We depend heavily on volunteers and want to see everyone involved in some capacity in our church. We believe this is one of the best ways for you to get connected with others in the church family.

Staff

Ebassa Berhanu

Lead Pastor

Ebassa Berhanu

Lead Pastor

Ebassa joined the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd as Lead Pastor in September 2022. His theological perspective is moderate and orthodox, believing that the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and the ultimate authority in matters to which they speak. His mission is to ignite a passion for the glory of God in all aspects of life, bringing joy to people through Jesus Christ. As Lead Pastor, Ebassa is tasked with providing pastoral leadership for the staff, board of elders, and congregation of the church, enabling them to fulfill its mission and maintain its DNA. He sees the Torrance area as a mission field, intent on seeing everyone come to know and love Jesus and each other through a real, meaningful community.
In his spare time, Ebassa enjoys running, reading, watching films, and spending time with his wife and four lively children.

Email:pastorebassa@lcgs.net

Greg House

Executive Pastor

Greg House

Executive Pastor

Greg House came to Good Shepherd from Lansing, Michigan. He and his wife, Kate, moved to the Los Angeles area to be close to her family who still live in the Glendale area where Kate was raised. Greg & Kate have been married since August of 2005 and have spent much of their time in ministry together. They make up the Duo “The Asking” and have released original music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and wherever you find music (theaskingband.com). Greg has been working in various ministry roles since 2004 and graduated with a Master of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary in 2018. He has led worship and students in each of his roles since completing his undergraduate work at Central Michigan University. When not at church or performing with “The Asking” you can find Greg on a golf course. A favorite verse for Greg is Isaiah 40:31, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Email:greghouse@lcgs.net

Daniel Welch

Student Ministry Coordinator

Daniel Welch

Student Ministry Coordinator

Daniel was baptized at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in 1991. He and his family have been regular attendees ever since. For as long as he can remember, his life has been deeply influenced by a firm belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He confirmed his faith at age thirteen. In 2016 he became a husband and father. This ignited his passion for Christ in a new way. He enrolled at Grand Canyon University in 2019 and is currently working on his B.A. in Christian Studies. He is eager for new opportunities to serve and excited for what the future has in store.

Email:daniel@lcgs.net

Christina Rosenberg

Student Ministry Assistant

Christina Rosenberg

Student Ministry Assistant

Christina has been on staff at Good Shepherd since October 15, 2020. She grew up attending at LCGS and is passionate about helping the Middle School youth to experience God’s presence. She is excited that her training as a Middle School teacher is being put to good use and is helping to bring up the new generations in Christ. Christina has been married to her husband Michael, a Physics teacher at South High, since 2013 and they have one son, Luke born in September of 2019. In her free time, she enjoys walks in the park with her family and her dog Georgia, rollerblading, playing video games, and reading. Her favorite Bible passage is: 1 John 4:7-12, NIV “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Email:christinar@lcgs.net

Kristen Anwandter

Children's Ministry Director

Kristen Anwandter

Children's Ministry Director

Kristen has been part of the Good Shepherd Staff since 2005, first as an office assistant, then as the Communications Coordinator, and now as the Children’s Ministry Director. She is excited that her training and experience as an elementary and preschool teacher is being put to good use. She has attended worship here since 2004 when she married her husband, Carlos. Together they enjoy raising their three children and spending time together as a family.

Email:kristena@lcgs.net

Rafael Gessey

Director of Operations

Rafael Gessey

Director of Operations

Rafael has been a member at Good Shepherd since 2001. She joined our staff in 2007 and serves as our Director of Operations. During her time at Good Shepherd, Rafael has played a key role in our Neighbor-to-Neighbor partnership and volunteered in Vacation Bible School as well as various other ministries. She is a blessing to have on our team.

Email:rafael@lcgs.net

La Nelle Lucero

Administrative Assistant

La Nelle Lucero

Administrative Assistant

La Nelle has also been a member of LCGS since 1998 and she joined our team in February 2017 as the Office Assistant. La Nelle has been married to her husband Samuel Lucero for twenty-six years and they have three children, Tyler, Mason, and Angelina. Outside of work, La Nelle loves to read and spend time with her family. La Nelle brings many years of experience to our team due to her prior employment history with Kansas Judicial Branch and the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Email:office@lcgs.net

Elders

Chris Klein

President

Chris Klein

President

Chris Klein has been attending Good Shepherd since 1992 and became a member in 2007. Chris and her husband Mike were married at the Church in 1992 and her children, Amanda and Cameron were baptized in 1995 and 2007 respectively. As one who came to know the love of Christ later in life, she is thankful to serve on the Board of Elders since 2016. While she planned on stepping down from the Board of Elders at the end of her term in January 2023, she would like to serve one more year as we transition into a new season at Good Shepherd. Her work experience and education has focused primarily on marketing, business development, and strategic planning. In 2013, with some gentle (and not so gentle) nudging from Christ, she left her job as an executive for a nationwide credit union. Her bible life verse is Philippians 4:6. Chris and Mike enjoy traveling, going to concerts, and taking walks with their two dogs, Linus and Lucy.

Email:boe@lcgs.net

Scott Kebschull

Vice President

Scott Kebschull

Vice President

Scott Kebschull has been attending Good Shepherd since 1987 with his wife, Laura. He is currently a member of the Brothers in Arms men’s group, and he’s one of the organizers of the LCGS Gourmet Club. In the past, Scott has been a member of the LCGS Board of Elders and has served as Treasurer and President. In 2022, he returned to the Board of Elders and is currently serving as the Vice President. His primary spiritual gifts are in the areas of administration and leadership. He is an engineer who has spent his entire career working for an automotive research services and research products company in Torrance, and in addition to engineering duties he currently oversees finance and human resources. Scott and Laura enjoy tennis, travel, wine, and food.

Marshall Saville

Treasurer

Marshall Saville

Treasurer

Marshall Saville became a Christian at LCGS while dating his now wife, Christy. They were married and became members in 1978. They raised their three children (Brandon, Annie, and Luke) in the church. Marshall is currently a member of the Brothers in Arms Men's Group and Gourmet Club, as well as singing on the Worship Team. He has also participated in Mexico mission trips. Marshall celebrates his identity as "Christ in Me" and lives in the freedom of a forgiven Saint. He is semi-retired and works part-time at Blue Origin. He enjoys studying God's Word and creation, cycling, aquatic adventures, travel and spending time with family and friends.

Samuel Thambiraj

Secretary

Samuel Thambiraj

Secretary

Samuel Thambiraj has been attending Good Shepherd since 2009 and became a member in 2010. He has been serving as part of the Tech Team at LCGS since 2012. He is passionate about reaching out to co-workers and friends. He is an engineer and currently works in the Information Technology Industry. He enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite verse is Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose"

Lucia Garcia

At-Large Elder

Lucia Garcia

At-Large Elder

Lucia Garcia started attending Good Shepherd in 2013 and became a member in 2015. On Easter Sunday in 2016, Lucia, along with seven (7) other members, were baptized. Lucia and her husband, Luis, have been married for 40 years and have a son, Randy, who lives in Henderson, NV and daughter, Sofia, who lives in Southern California. Luis and Lucia enjoy traveling the U.S. and visiting the national parks, walking on the beach, and watching old movies. Lucia retired in 2020 from Mazak Corporation after working there for 36 years as an Office Manager. She has participated in Mexico mission trips and is a part of Women's Cafe. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.”

Monika Voit

At-Large Elder

Monika Voit

At-Large Elder

Monika Voit has been attending Good Shepherd since the beginning of high school and became a member in 1986. She has served in the church body in various capacities including Sunday School teacher, youth ministry, and many bible study groups. She is also a member of the gourmet club. She served most recently on the Call Team searching for Good Shepherd's next lead pastor. Her spiritual gifts include shepherding, prophecy, and teaching. She has been an elementary school teacher for 27 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has three adult daughters (Maria, Lily, and Anna) who also attend Good Shepherd. Maria confirmed her faith in 2012, Lily in 2014, and Anna in 2021. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and hosting friends and family. She is most blessed to be a part of the Good Shepherd family and looks forward to what God has in store for our church and community.

Missionaries

Michael De La Rocha

Missionary

Michael De La Rocha

Missionary

Michael gave his life to Christ at Good Shepherd during the 2008 Easter service. He immediately developed a passion for serving the Lord and from 2009 to 2011 Michael served on the Good Shepherd staff as a Student Ministries Coordinator. In 2008 he went on his first short mission trip to Uganda and after several more trips there confirmed his calling in 2010. In 2011 Michael was commissioned by Good Shepherd as Missionary and moved to Uganda and began serving under Pastor Ruth Kahawa at Smile Africa Ministries (SAM). SAM is a safe place where hundreds of vulnerable children gather daily to attend school, have a nutritious lunch and learn the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2011 Michael married his wife Sylivia, a Ugandan, and they now have 4 children. When Michael and Sylivia are not busy with administrative duties at Smile Africa or discipling the children and youth they enjoy swimming with their kids.

Email:michael@lcgs.net

Contact

21100 Victor Street
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 542-1649
office@lcgs.net

Worship Services

8:00 AM — Traditional
10:00 AM — Contemporary (Children’s Ministry Available)

Preschool Website

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