MARK KRIEGER :: Lead Pastor
My wife Lori and I were married in 1992 here in Modesto. Lori is from Ripon and I grew up in San Rafael, about 10 miles north of San Francisco. We have three adult children (Elisa, Matt, and Katie).
I have been the Lead Pastor at Modesto Covenant Church since 2001. Prior to Modesto, I served as an Associate Pastor in Mankato, Minnesota and as a Youth Pastor in the Sacramento area and the Bay Area. After graduating from UC Davis, I have attended three seminaries - Denver Seminary (Master of Divinity degree), North Park Seminary (Covenant orientation), and Fuller Seminary (Certificate of Advanced Study in Christian Leadership and Ministry).
Modesto has been a great place for us! We regularly connect with Lori's family in the Modesto area, and whenever we can with my brother's family in Rocklin and my dad in Roseville. Lori and I also enjoy connecting with our kids who live outside of Modesto, and making day trips to the coast or mountains. I also follow Giants baseball and 49ers football.
A great verse I have recently reflected on is Ephesians 3:20-21 - “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory…”
Beth GundLach :: Associate Pastor
I am a Central Valley girl, born and raised in Modesto. After high school (Go Panthers), I attended Modesto Junior College and transferred to CSU Stanislaus where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. My husband, Craig, and I have six kids (Elijah and Taylor, Ellie, Adam and Emily, and Aimee) and a dog (Missy) who is too smart for her own good.
My family began attending MCC in the fall of 2001. We have loved raising our family here. In September 2011, I joined the church staff as an administrative assistant. Through God’s perfect timing, I became the Children’s Ministry Director in August 2017, graduated from North Park Theological Seminary in 2021 with a master’s degree in Christian Ministry, and became Associate Pastor in June 2022.
In my free time, you might find me hanging out with family, reading, or watching good movies and tv shows.
JOEY CORAY :: Worship PastoR
I grew up in Visalia, CA. From there I moved to San Jose, CA where I attended San Jose State University and earned my B.A. in Music Ed/Vocal Performance. While I was in San Jose I began to attend Westgate Church where I could sense that God was building in me a passion for leading praise-worship music. I have been in full-time praise-worship ministry since 2007, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else.
I have two beautiful children named Alice and Maxwell. Alice loves to dance, and Max loves to climb all over daddy and be thrown on the couch and the bed. We love being a part of the MCC family.
My favorite Bible passage is Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
It is a privilege and a blessing to help people draw into an awareness of God's presence and to encourage the church to express themselves with praise to Him.
Kari Scott :: Director of Children’s Ministry
I was born and raised in Fresno, CA. My husband and I are high school sweethearts, and we were married in 1996. We have two children (Owen and Brooklynn), and our newest addition, our sweet lab Remi.
My family and I moved to the Modesto area in 2010 and began attending Modesto Covenant Church in 2011. We love this community of believers. It has become our family and feels like home. In my free time I love trips to Monterey, the San Francisco Giants, and spending time with my family.
I became the Children’s Ministry Director in September of 2022. In any ministry opportunity I have, I want to glorify God first. My passion is to serve him wherever I am called. I love building relationships with children and their families. My prayer is to guide children in opening their hearts to accepting Jesus as their Savior and, in doing so, create an environment that gives them opportunities to grow in their faith.
My favorite verse is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters.”
CINDY BENSON :: Assistant Director of Children's Ministry, Lighthouse Preschool Director
Growing up as a Navy brat, my family moved many times, finally settling in Oakland. We attended First Covenant Church, where I eventually served as a preschool teacher after finishing at UC Davis. My husband and I met at Mission Springs while serving on staff. Our adult children are both married, and we enjoy spending time with our two grandsons, Nathan and Neil whenever possible. Lighthouse Preschool is said to be my third child, as I devote most of my time to it’s nurture and care. I enjoy shopping with my daughter, photography, and I am an Oakland Raider fan.