Pastoral Leadership

BRAEDEN STORKERSEN, PASTOR

Braeden Størkersen grew up in Temecula, and was raised in an evangelical megachurch setting. At age 16, Braeden felt called to pastoral ministry. Yet within a single month during his senior year of high school, Braeden’s oldest brother told his family that he was atheist and then their close family friend came out of the closet as gay. This sent Braeden on a journey toward reconsidering the exclusivist theology of his upbringing, and began to embrace more loving and inclusive expressions and interpretations of his Christian faith. While completing seminary, Braeden pastored at an evangelical church in Temecula and taught at the attached Christian school, but he eventually left these roles to more fully live into his convictions. Shortly after stepping into his pastoral role at Missiongathering, Braeden returned to seminary for his PhD at Claremont School of Theology. He lives in Menifee with Kelcey, his wife and best friend, and their beagle.

Meet the Board Members

  • Jeff Crawford (Board Chairman)

    Jeff's journey with MissionGathering took root during a pivotal moment of transition. Upon returning to the MG in August 2023, he found himself reconnecting with a community that felt like home. His military background instilled in him a sense of duty and resilience, traits that seamlessly integrate with the inclusive ethos of MGSD. Beyond his service within the Audiovisual team, Jeff's has a strong desire to give back.

  • Helen Christensen

    Helen Christensen came to MGSD when she relocated to SD during the 2020 pandemic. She was raised Catholic and was drawn to the inclusive vision of MGSD. Helen enjoys volunteering with homeless outreach, collecting toys for our gift drives and supporting our wonderful church community. She also loves to bake and bring treats for our gatherings.

    She has 2 grown children and 2 granddogs.

  • Terry Born

  • Barry White

    Barry has been a member of MGSD since 2016, and was actively involved with the homeless outreach and shelter program at MG in partnership with Urban Street Angels for over three years until the city of San Diego curtailed our weekly shelter operations. Driving the 12 passenger van down to Ocean Beach each week with Donna to deliver meals and encouragement to those in need and transporting many homeless “angels” back to MG for a safe weekly respite, great food and fellowship brought me great joy and helped me understand MG’s mission to deliver God’s grace to ALL in a practical way.

  • Sarah Wilhoit

    Sarah grew up in the Disciples of Christ church in Ohio and has been a part of MissionGathering since 2022. She is passionate about the belief that God welcomes, loves, and affirms all people. Sarah loves working with children and youth, having previously served as a youth leader, Kids Church teacher, and counselor at church camp while living in the Midwest. She has also recently found herself in MG's tech booth, which is shocking to all her friends. Outside of MissionGathering, Sarah works as a psychologist providing intensive clinical services to teens and their families. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, embroidery, and petting other people's dogs.

In Memoriam

With heavy hearts we bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Phil Collum. As a Captain at the Chula Vista Police Department, Phil exemplified courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of his community. Yet, his impact stretched far beyond the boundaries of his profession.

Phil's dedication to his family, friends, and the causes he held dear was unparalleled. Introduced to MissionGathering Christian Church by his beloved husband, William, in 2010, Phil found solace and purpose in its message of compassion, grace, and inclusion. His tireless volunteer work, from coordinating audiovisual services to serving on the Board of Directors, reflected his deep-rooted commitment to MGSD's mission.

But Phil's influence wasn't confined to the walls of the church or the precinct. He lived his life as a mentor, simply by being himself. Through his actions, he brought together people and communities with different points of view, fostering understanding and unity in a world often divided. Phil's love knew no bounds, extending to his cherished husband and their three dogs, Paxton, Lincoln, and Rolo.

In every facet of his life, Phil's passion and unwavering devotion touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will endure for generations to come. Rest in peace, dear Phil, knowing that your light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

Phil Collum (Board Chairman)