Shafter Christian Fellowship welcomes new pastors

Mario Gomez and his wife, Candy Gomez, were installed as new lead pastors at Shafter Christian Fellowship recently after the departure of Justin Medlock and his wife, Rosie.

Gomez has over 16 years of pastoral experience and said that he loves to share the Gospel in the community.

Gomez was the connect pastor at New Life Church in Bakersfield for the past three years. In March, Gomez said that he was feeling a tug on his heart and mind that he could not shake. The impression he got was to get back into ministry as a lead pastor.

He went to his lead pastor, James Ranger, and shared with him what the Lord was impressing on him. At the same time that he shared with his wife the impression that was weighing on him. Candy was hesitant at first, not ready for the journey of leading a church. Months passed and the community was smack dab in the middle of the pandemic.

He continued to serve at New Life until one Friday in August, when he got a phone call from Ranger, telling him that a church in Shafter was in need of a lead pastor. Gomez hung up the phone and called his wife. Candy still wasn’t sure about taking the position in Shafter. As they explored the position at the church, Gomez said, “We could see clearly that Shafter Christian Fellowship was definitely for us.”

On Sept. 19, they were installed as the new lead pastors at SFC.

Gomez said that this is new territory for them. Growing up as a church planter’s son, Gomez said that he knew that he was capable to lead at this time.

“Although becoming pastors during the pandemic leaves a lot of questions, we know that people need the ‘Good News,’ the Gospel now more than ever,” he said.

“Our communities are filled with questions, elections, social unrest, and financial difficulties. What we do know is the hope of Christ. SCF will be a light in the community of Shafter,” he continued.

Gomez said that all are welcome and they want to love far, deep, and wide. Mario also serves as a chaplain at Adventist Health, where Candy is a nurse manager. Gomez is also a big Dodgers fan, loves to be with his family, and spend time with his four grandchildren.

Candy loves to jog, share her time with family, and with her grandchildren.

Shafter Christian Fellowship is at 632 James St. Sunday Gathering is at 10:30 a.m. and there is a Bible Study every Wednesday night at 7 p.m.