Our Pastors
Jonathan and Charrise
Jonathan and Charrise (Stewart) Mathew were married in September, 2007. Leaving their homes in Idaho (Jonathan) and Hong Kong (Charrise), they met at Biola University.
Jonathan graduated with his B.A. in Philosophy and Charrise graduated with her B.A. in Psychology. Toward the end of their college education they began attending and serving at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Paramount, CA.
After Jonathan graduated, they began working in various ministries with the church. Jonathan organized the Compton Initiative in its first year, sang for worship services, and helped lead the college-age ministry. Charrise also helped by leading the college-age group, as well as working in Children's Ministries and serving in the Care Teams.
Soon after he began interning at Emmanuel, Jonathan enrolled at Talbot School of Theology. He graduated in May, 2012, with his Masters of Divinity, emphasis in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Before his graduation, Jonathan and Charrise celebrated the arrival of their first child, Caden Tierney Mathew, in June of 2011. During this final year of school, Jonathan and Charrise have felt a calling to head toward planting a church in the city of Compton, beginning by launching a missional community there. As a result, they joined the fellowship of City Church of Compton, a church plant from Emmanuel in order to learn from their example.
They believe God’s heart is for the restoration of the city and for Jesus to make a community of disciples there. By moving into the neighborhood and developing relationships with people in this area of Compton, and by the assistance of a team of believers who plan on serving with them, they hope to see God's Kingdom of personal and city transformation established in the city.
Having moved in 2013, They anticipate God's goodness, favor, and love to guide them as they love their neighbors. Since then, their family has expanded to include 3 more: Sabra and Levi, born in 2013, and Micaiah, born 2017.