Servant Leadership
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you; not for shameful gain but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being an example to the flock” (I Peter 5:1-3).
Copper Cove Chapel seeks to follow the example set in the book of Acts (14:23; 20:17) by having a plurality of elders/pastors/overseers. Elders Matt Martin, John Losoya and Jonathan Wangsgard strive to work together Shepherding and overseeing the flock of God, by setting a godly example as they teach the Scriptures and serve the congregation.
Copper Cove Chapel seeks to follow the example set in the book of Acts (14:23; 20:17) by having a plurality of elders/pastors/overseers. Elders Matt Martin, John Losoya and Jonathan Wangsgard strive to work together Shepherding and overseeing the flock of God, by setting a godly example as they teach the Scriptures and serve the congregation.
Matt Martin Grew up in the Willamette Valley, in Oregon. His father was a pastor with the American Missionary Fellowship (Now called “Converge”). Matt does the bulk of the preaching at Copper Cove Chapel. He is driven by the deep conviction that the Bible is the Word of God and that in it we encounter Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Matt studies Scriptures carefully so that he can clearly explain them in the midst of the congregation. He is deeply committed to the proclamation of the gospel through a thoughtful verse by verse exposition of the text.
Education & Ministry Experience: Matt’s undergraduate studies were at Shasta Bible College in Redding, CA, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology with an emphasis in Biblical Languages. During those college years he helped to pastor a small church in the little town of Oak Run, CA. After a five year break from school, during which he taught Bible and theology at Liberty Christian high school in Redding, CA, he decided to go to seminary, and in the Spring of 2013 he graduated with a Masters of Divinity from the former Northwest Baptist Seminary, in Tacoma Washington.
Personal: Matt and his wife of almost 20 years, Lesley, have three children. They have lived in Copperopolis and served at Copper Cove Chapel for more than 10 years. They are delighted to serve the people of God through the ministry of God’s Word.
John Losoya: John met the Lord at 28 years old. Jesus transformed his life, rescued his marriage, and set him on the path of sanctification. John has been a building contractor in the area for more than 20 years. He lives by Psalm 127:1 "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
Education & Ministry Experience: John has been educated at the feet of the Puritans. For many years, he has devoured both the Scriptures and the writings of our spiritual ancestors from the 16th and 17th centuries. Men like Jeremiah Burroughs, Thomas Watson, and John Owen have been his frequent companions and mentors in the faith. John also reads and benefits from many more contemporary writers as well. he frequently shares excellent resources with the rest of the elders. John has a particular heart for the men of the church. He has led a number of in-depth biblical studies in his home with 15 to 20 men of all ages whose lives are being slowly transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God!
Personal: John has 3 adult children. He and his wife Shelly have lived in Copperopolis 25 years. He is passionate about the work of the ministry and honored to serve as a pastor at Copper Cove Chapel.
Education & Ministry Experience: John has been educated at the feet of the Puritans. For many years, he has devoured both the Scriptures and the writings of our spiritual ancestors from the 16th and 17th centuries. Men like Jeremiah Burroughs, Thomas Watson, and John Owen have been his frequent companions and mentors in the faith. John also reads and benefits from many more contemporary writers as well. he frequently shares excellent resources with the rest of the elders. John has a particular heart for the men of the church. He has led a number of in-depth biblical studies in his home with 15 to 20 men of all ages whose lives are being slowly transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God!
Personal: John has 3 adult children. He and his wife Shelly have lived in Copperopolis 25 years. He is passionate about the work of the ministry and honored to serve as a pastor at Copper Cove Chapel.
Jonathan Wangsgard was born and raised near Lancaster, California, in a town of 150 people called "Three Points.” Jonathan teaches, counsels, and leads Bible studies at Copper Cove Chapel. He also organizes our worship services and leads the music ministry. His thoughtful preparation and careful study seek to bring an orderly, edifying, God honoring tone to the worship at Copper Cove Chapel.
Education & Ministry Experience: Jonathan went to Christian Heritage College in El Cajon, California where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. He went on to become credentialed teacher and worked steadily at the elementary school level for 14 years. Jonathan has been involved in ministry since he first helped his dad play music for a church Bible study. He has served in music ministry at several different churches and has also served is children’s ministries, and camp ministries. He served on the pastoral team at Oak Run Bible Church in Oak Run, CA.
Personal: Jonathan and his wife Julie were married in 2001. They have 4 wonderful children together. They moved to Copperopolis in 2012 and have been blessed to serve at Copper Cove Chapel since then.