John H. Cress has a heart for ministry and is passionate about Christ-centered leadership. Throughout 45 years of service, he has pastored five churches and served as an administrator in two conferences. He has experience redesigning structures, developing new systems, creating cycles of training and evangelism, and growing congregations both deeper with God and more in number for His kingdom.
In whatever capacity he serves, Elder Cress seeks to use his passion and gifts in leadership to prayerfully implement the mission Jesus gave all Christians — to “go make disciples” and, while we’re at it, “love one another.” Team, fun, and integrity are among his personal values. His interests include reading, skiing, boating, canoeing, golfing, hiking, traveling, and people.
Elder Cress is currently the president of the Southern California Conference, where he served as the executive secretary/ministerial director from 2016-2024. He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 47 years in August, and they share two adult children, Tim and Jennifer, and two grandkids, Oceana and Kai.