Pastor Alan Cross, Lead Pastor
Alan Cross has been a pastor and minister for over 20 years in churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and California. His desire is to help people see Jesus and know Him and His love. He has an unwavering faith in the power of the gospel of Christ and the goodness of God and wants everyone he meets to experience all of the good things that God has for them!
Alan is a graduate of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (1999) in Mill Valley, CA (now Gateway Seminary in Ontario, CA) with a Master of Divinity and focus on Intercultural Studies. He has also engaged in post graduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in Public Administration and holds a secondary education degree in Social Studies from Mississippi State University (1992). After pastoring for 16 years in Montgomery, Alabama, Alan went on to work with churches across the Southeastern United States to help them engage their immigrant and refugee neighbors with love, good deeds, and the gospel with the Evangelical Immigration Table. Alan also led the non-profit, Community Development Initiatives, that facilitated Christian mission, advocacy, education, and relief work in places such as North India, Haiti, and across the U.S. He served as a Missional Strategist for the Montgomery Baptist Association from 2016-2019 where he focused on racial reconciliation work and migrant ministry. Alan is the author of When Heaven and Earth Collide: Racism, Southern Evangelicals, and the Better Way of Jesus (NewSouth Books, 2014), Joy Preserving: The Ray and Ruth Bozeman Story of Living in the Better Way of Jesus (2015), and has written for the New York Times, Religion News Service, Providence magazine, Christianity Today, The Bulwark, TIME and other publications.
The focus of Alan’s ministry is the person and work of Jesus Christ in our lives and in our world. He believes that Jesus is to be at the center of all that we do and all that we are. With an emphasis on the gospel as the core reality of life, Alan desires to help people walk in the “better way of Jesus” so we can, with our lives, “tell a better story.” He loves to preach whole passages of Scripture so we can hear what the Bible says in context and understand God’s heart and will for our lives clearly.
Alan has been married to Erika for almost 24 years and they have 4 incredible children Ashtyn, Peyton, Kieran, and Caelan.
Pastor Neil Church, Associate Pastor of Music Ministries
Pastor Neil Church, born and raised in Washington State, has been a committed member and leader at PVBC since November of 1975. In pursuing Gods call over his life, Neil attended Seattle Pacific University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He then received his Master of Church Music and Master of Religious Education degrees at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (now Gateway). He began his journey at PVBC by serving as a part-time director of music and youth. Following that he became full-time minister of music and education, which eventually led to him being ordained, and he took on the role of associate pastor! After serving diligently for many years, Pastor Neil is now semi-retired, but still serves in planning worship and other music events at PVBC. If he’s not planning for a worship service, then you may find him playing golf or traveling!
Pastor Steve Moulyn, Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries
Pastor Steve, born in the central valley of California, moved to Petaluma in 1973. Steve has been with PVBC since 2005. He attended Golden Gate Seminary in pursuit of a Masters of Theology. He was ordained in September of 2006 at PVBC. Steve has been married to his wonderful wife, Crissie, for the past 44 years. They have four lovely children who are now raising families of their own. Steve and Crissie have five beautiful grandchildren - three boys who are full of energy and two granddaughters who are creative and sweet. Steve and Crissie say grandchildren are “Wonderful gifts from God.” Steve has a special place in his heart for youth and young adults and has ministered to this age group for over forty years. Steve believes God has called him to reach out to those lost despite their age. There is nothing he enjoys more than to share God’s great love and grace with others. If you don’t find Steve leading the youth and young adults, you can find him gardening with Crissie, playing with his grand-kids, or fishing. All with a good cup of coffee in his hand.
Garrett Martin, Worship Leader & Michelle Martin, PVBC Kids Director
Garrett and Michelle Martin, born and raised here in Petaluma, have been married since 2005. Their sweet love story started right here in youth group over 20 years ago! Garrett and Michelle both attended Sonoma State University. Garrett received his BA in Psychology and Michelle received her BA and multiple subject credential. They have three beautiful, spunky children – Isaac, Benny, and Gracie.
Garrett’s calling is expressing God’s truths and love through music and has lead people in worship for over 20 years. If you don’t find Garrett helping lead worship, then you can find him playing guitar, wrestling his kids, playing disc golf, or trying new recipes!
Michelle’s calling is to partner with kids and their families to help guide hearts toward Christ. She worked as a preschool and Elementary school teacher for 10 years before having children and has been leading PVBKids since 2013. If you can’t find Michelle running the kids department, then you can find her doing something crafty, having a dance party with her kiddos, or somewhere outdoors!
Jessica Huskey, PVBC Bookkeeper
Jessica Huskey, born and raised in Ukiah, CA, has been with PVBC since September of 2017! God has given her the gift and call of working well with people and numbers. She received her BA here in California from Azusa Pacific University. Jessica is happily married with three beautiful children and when she isn’t working with people and numbers, you may find her on a hike with her family or searching for the best blueberry muffins!
Melanie Hickman, Office Administrator
Melanie Hickman has been attending PVBC since July 2018 and working as our Office Administrator since September, 2022. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, she came to Sonoma County in 2018 when her husband was stationed at Tracen Petaluma - He serves in the United States Coastguard. Melanie is married to Justin and they have one son, Hunter. In their spare time, the family likes to spend time traveling, taking road trips, hiking, being outdoors, and visiting with family.