Cherise Gardner was installed as the new pastor of the Chico church on May 7, 2021.  

Gardner spent fourteen years pastoring in the Southern California Conference, including the Long Beach church and as an associate pastor of the Eagle Rock church in Los Angeles.  

Gardner explains, "I have dedicated my life to empowering others, especially young people. I was drawn to the idea of serving the Lord in some aspect of ministry around the age of five, when I decided to become a pastor like my grandfather.”  

On her move to a quieter Chico, Gardner continued, “I couldn’t have imagined a more loving church. The Chico members have been very generous. The day I got here they mobilized the food train and accepted me into their family!”

According to Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, “Pastor Gardner is a motivated and dynamic leader, and will serve the Chico church well in its call to ministry.”