Spirit of Hope

Staff

Jay Egenes - pastor

Jay Egenes (pronounced Egg’-uh-ness) is a musician, a lawyer, and, now, a pastor. Several years ago, people in a Bible study he was leading starting asking him “Why aren’t you a pastor?” After spending time in prayer and discussion with his family, Pastor Jay left his law practice and took a part time position at a church in Riverside while preparing for full-time ministry.

His preaching/teaching style focuses on understanding a biblical text, to see how it reveals the love of Jesus for us—for you. This in turn, inspires us to love Jesus and to love reading the Bible so that we can get to know Jesus better, experiencing and reflecting His love in our lives. Pastor Jay is currently teaching in the Good News According to Matthew, where we learn how the entire Bible tells of the love that God has for us--for you.

Pastor Jay studied political science and philosophy at Luther College and got his law degree at University of Iowa. He has lived in southern California since 1988, and practiced law in Riverside and San Bernardino before entering full-time ministry. He studied theology at Fuller Theological Seminary (a large non-denominational seminary that also trains missionaries) and at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Before practicing law, Jay worked as a professional musician. He has played blues, jazz, rock, folk, country and gospel—and also received classical voice training. Before he entered the ministry, you may have seen Jay playing harmonica at a local club, at Court Street Square in downtown San Bernardino, or even at House of Blues or B.B King’s. His musical background has been instrumental in designing an upbeat worship service incorporating both new and old songs that tell of Jesus’ love for us.

Pastor Jay is very lucky to be married to Gail Egenes, who puts up with him no matter what. They have three daughters, Anna, Kirsten, and Erica.

Wilson Franklin - caretaker

Barbara Frey - music director

Marianne Casalman - office administrator

Email Marianne