Meet our Pastors.
John Zayas
Senior Pastor
Pastor John has been the lead pastor of Grace & Peace for 20+ years, and has led efforts in community development and serving God and our neighbors.
Iliana Zayas
Pastora
Pastora Iliana has led in the church for 20+ years, and is also the CEO of the GAP Community Center. She leads efforts in multiple areas, while keeping God at the center of it all.
Elsie Rodriguez
Spanish Pastor
Pastora Elsie serves as an Elder of the church and is also the Pastor for the Spanish ministry. Elsie’s mission is to share the Love and message of salvation to those she encounters.
John Eric Zayas
Associate Pastor
Pastor John Eric manages events for church ministries, supervising church volunteers, and assisting with all church services. He prioritizes spiritual growth through worship, prayer, and staying in the Word.
Ministry Directors.
Erica MARTINEZ
Children's Ministry Director
Erica leads the Children's Ministry at Grace & Peace, and leads an After School program for GAPCC. She has a passion for leading young people to Christ.
David Barreto
Youth Ministry Director
Before stepping into his role as Youth Ministry Director, David was a part of the Element Youth Ministry when it was founded. He loves to serve and support our young people. He strives to share the gospel through holistic relational ministry and be a mentor in any capacity.
Carina Barreto
Youth Ministry Director
Starting as an Elemental, Carina has always desired to lead as a youth director. She has served in the church for 5+ years, and has grown as a youth leader through Element and Young Life camp.
Creative Team.
Sam Barreto
Worship Pastor
Pastor Sam Barreto has served as a worship leader for 30+ years. He pursues Jesus and seeks to become more like Him both on and off the stage.
Niyah Gomez
Social Media Administrator
Niyah serves as the social media marketer at GP. She creates graphics, posts to our social media, and assists with any other tech-related projects. Church communication is key, and Niyah strives to make sure everyone feels included in all things GP.
Josh Xavier Velazquez
Music Director
Josh is our Music Director who strives to prepare a space for a passionate and life changing worship experience. He directs in pursuit of growth and freedom, acknowledging the various expressions of worship. His aim is to gather the right chords but also gather the right people.
Rachel Mercado
Finance Administrator
Rachel loves to worship and is part of the prayer team. After retiring from the corporate sector, she happily works with the finances of the church and the community center.
Meet the Elders.
Tony Mercado
Elder
Tony Mercado serves as a GP church Elder. He with the rest of the Elders and Pastors are responsible for the spiritual direction and growth of the Church. He also leads a Wednesday night men's Bible study, leading them through discussions and prayer time and offering ongoing counsel.
Eddie Irrizarry
Elder
Eddie Irrizary has served in the church for 15+ years, and has been a great leader at GP. He has led discussions on ways to improve our work as church leaders and has been devoted to his time in prayer and ministering the Word of God.
David Rodriguez
Elder
David Rodriguez, Sr. serves as an elder at Grace and Peace, responsible for teaching and leading the congregation, and administering to the church body as a pastoral guidance. He has been serving in the church for 15+ years.
Jose Villareal
Elder
Jose serves as an Elder at the church. During his 16 years at the Grace & Peace he's had the pleasure of serving as a Bible study leader, kids church teacher, Sunday morning greeter & a Deacon.
Meet the DEACONS.
Larry Waites
Deacon
Larry is a Deacon and a member of G+P church Board of Directors. Deacon Waites also facilitates a virtual (online) Tuesday Night Bible study along with his wife Joanne and two other church members.
Michael Aument
Deacon
Mike serves as the head deacon. He is an active member of the elder and deacon board with a focus on developing and overseeing the church finances and stewardship.
Harry Pena
Deacon
Harry Pena is a deacon, member of GP, and volunteers with the GAPCC throughout the week. He uses every moment he can to share the gospel and evangelize.
Lashunda Lott
Deacon
Lashunda serves as a deacon at Grace and Peace Church, a youth leader for The Element, and leads Grace and Peace Young Adults group. There is a invitation for young people to know the goodness of God, to raise each other up as we become independent, live in community with each other, and to share truth through our stories and testimony.