Pastor Andrew is our Senior Pastor, and men’s ministry leader.

Pastor Andrew grew up on a farm and ranch in Colorado where he learned hard work, discipline, and the importance of a Godly home. During his teenage years, he pursued the temporary pleasures of the world and struggled in his relationships with God, others, and his family. After graduating from high school and realizing he was on a dead-end road, he cried out to God for help, and the Lord answered his prayers. Through a series of unexplainable events, God led him to a meeting and an encounter with Jesus that changed his life forever.

Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a jet engine mechanic. In 1983, while serving in the Air Force, he began praying and asking God about his life’s purpose. God answered his prayer and spoke to him, calling him into the ministry. He realized that helping others find Jesus and their God-given purpose was what truly brought him joy.

After completing his military service, he returned to his home state of Colorado and waited for direction from the Lord. In 1987, after two years and a lot of prayer, he felt led to Arizona. With his clothes, his dog, his car, and $10.00 in his pocket, he took the leap of faith and headed to Phoenix.

He began working at SouthGate Church in various roles—from groundskeeper to children’s ministry leader to school bus driver. God was preparing him for a life bigger than anything he could have expected.

In 1988, he met Jeri Lynn, who would become his wife and teacher at 91st Psalm Christian School. After attending two years of Bible School, Andrew became the Associate Pastor in 1992. Just a year later, he stepped into the role of Senior Pastor when the founding pastor retired.

Pastor Andrew has a genuine love for every person he meets, and that extends out into our community and throughout the world. Under his leadership, 91st Psalm Ministries experienced significant growth and became a cornerstone of community outreach—sponsoring efforts like the Rio Vista Thanksgiving food drive, youth festivals, and ongoing support for both local initiatives and global missions.

Pastor Andrew and Jeri Lynn have been married for 36 years. They have five children and one daughter-in-law, all alumni of 91st Psalm Christian School. Their children serve in various ministries at SouthGate. They also have one granddaughter who is proudly carrying on the legacy as a third-generation Eagle at 91st Psalm Christian School.

Jeri isn’t your typical pastor’s wife—she prefers a quiet role and doesn’t seek the spotlight. But don’t let that fool you—her love for the church and its people shines through in everything she does. She faithfully serves as a teacher at 91st Psalm Christian School and has been a steady presence in Children’s Ministry, shaping young hearts with gentleness, patience, and wisdom. Jeri’s quiet strength, compassionate spirit, and servant’s heart make a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Her family brings her great joy, and it's evident in the way she lives—with grace, humility, and deep love for God and His people. Whether she’s teaching, praying, encouraging a child, or simply offering a warm smile, Jeri reflects Christ’s love in beautiful, quiet ways.

Pastor Andrew will tell you he wouldn’t be the man or the pastor he is today without Jeri by his side. She’s his confidant, his encourager, and the one who walks with him through the highs and lows of ministry. In his moments of darkness or doubt, Jeri is a source of wisdom, comfort, and unwavering support. Her steady presence behind the scenes allows Pastor Andrew to be fully present in the lives of the people he serves—because he knows he has someone in his corner who sees him, strengthens him, and believes in him.

Pastor Andrew is a life-long learner, and he shares what he learns with passion and humility. His desire to grow spiritually and intellectually is contagious and deeply inspiring. Even after preaching for over 30 years, he still gets excited to learn and share new things.

Pastor Andrew is a man of many passions. He loves a good dad joke, can talk about bonsai trees and arboriculture for hours, and is always up for a conversation about sports. He has a love for helping the next generation develop their love for the games of basketball and baseball. He is the 91st Psalm Christian School’s head basketball coach and is the pitching coach for a neighboring school’s baseball team. His interests are as diverse as his ministry. But above all, everything Pastor Andrew does flows from a deep love for God, his family, and his church family. When he says, “I love you,” he means it. There’s nothing fake about him—what you see is what you get: sincere, grounded, and full of heart.

We are incredibly blessed to walk through this journey of life and faith with Pastor Andrew by our side. His leadership, authenticity, and love make SouthGate not just a church, but a true spiritual home. We might be biased, but we think he is pretty AWESOME!!