Say hello to the staff at Christ Lutheran Church. You can e-mail any person by clicking on their photo. If you would prefer to call, our number is 619-462-5211.

Pastor Richard Burkey has served Christ Lutheran Church Ministries since February of 1997. Previously, he served at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Camden, Arkansas and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartow, Florida. He holds an Associate of Arts from, Concordia University – Austin, TX, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Concordia University - Chicago, IL, a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, MO, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary - Pasadena, CA.

You can view Pastor Burkey's archived messages here.

Pastor Travis Ferguson has served Christ Lutheran Church Ministries since January 2019. Previously he served as Associate Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville, TN. Pastor Travis has served as a police and fire chaplain for various agencies in Missouri and Tennessee and has also been a Chaplain in the United States Air Force since 2014. In addition to serving as a pastor, he serves on the board of directors for the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego which works to connect churches with their communities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Behavioral Science from Concordia University-Seward, NE, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary- St. Louis, MO.

You can view Pastor Travis' archived messages here.

Patti Maass began serving at Christ Lutheran Church as the Director of Operations in October 2021 and has been a member of the congregation since 2019. Prior to joining the Christ Lutheran staff, Patti operated her own freelance business, managing the accounting operations for several local small businesses. She also spent a year working part-time as the Administrative Assistant for Christ Lutheran’s Youth Ministry team. Patti holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Diego State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.

Craig Barkett has served Christ Lutheran Church Ministries as the facilities manager since February of 2003. Previously he worked for Cal Fire, taught science at Lutheran High school and was a ceramic tile contractor, all in the San Diego area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Point Loma Nazarene College- San Diego, CA.

Stuart Gardner has served at Christ Lutheran Church Ministries since 2019. Previously, Stuart worked in the photography and design industry for nearly 20 years. He has been a member at CLCM since 2014 and has enjoyed being involved with Life Groups, youth ministry, and the weekend worship teams. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from Brooks Institute of Photography - Santa Barbara, CA.

Kathy Garces has served at Christ Lutheran Church Ministries since September 2007. She has been a church member since her daughter started kindergarten at Christ Lutheran School in 2001. Kathy has over 30 years of accounting experience in non-profit, government and small business sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from University of California, Santa Barbara.

Emily Lieber began serving at Christ Lutheran Church Ministries as the Human Resources Specialist in 2022. Previously, Emily worked as a grant writer in the nonprofit sector before staying home with her children. She has led our "Moms Connect" Bible Study since 2018 and has been a member at Christ Lutheran since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics from Westmont College and a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from San Diego State University.

Kim Voss has served at Christ Lutheran Church since 2019. Previously, she has served as School Program Supervisor and Children’s leader for San Diego East Bible Study Fellowship. Kim is an alumnus of our own Christ Lutheran School and has been a member of our church community since 1984.

Cheri Selander has served as Director of Youth Ministry at Christ Lutheran Church since May of 1989. Previously, she served at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, CA. Cheri also serves the Pacific Southwest District and Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in Youth Ministry, and also in supporting and advocating for the ministry of Directors of Christian Education in our church body. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Director of Christian Education Certification from Concordia University- Seward, Nebraska.

Brandon Heath began serving at Christ Lutheran in 1999 as a Director of Christ Education (DCE) intern. He has served as the Minister to Youth since July 2000. Brandon has also worked with Young Adults in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod as part of "Orange Nation" and serves the Pacific Southwest District in a variety of ways. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Director of Christian Education Certification from Concordia University-Seward, Nebraska.

Kathy Barkett has been a member of Christ Lutheran Church since 1990. As Director of Music and Worship, she oversees our worship music and classroom music education. Additionally, she directs music groups for all ages, including choir, handbell, and bands. Previously, she taught piano and voice lessons, high school choir, and theater music. She has a passion for teaching youth, especially in regard to raising up the next generation of worship leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Church Music from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego. 

Sarah Kusel was born and raised at Christ Lutheran. She began working at Christ Lutheran as Community and Communications Facilitator in August of 2018. She was promoted to Assistant Director of Music and Worship in March of 2023. In this position, Sarah assists with classroom music at Christ Lutheran School, leads various music groups, and so much more. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Liberty University, Virginia.

Kathy Johnson has been a member of Christ Lutheran since February 1977. She has served at Christ Lutheran Church Ministries since August of 2013. Previously, Kathy worked for an independent jeweler in El Cajon for 25 years until the business closed in 2008. She graduated from Granite Hills High School in 1974. Kathy has been married since 1976, has 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren.