The Role of a Pastor... A pastor is called in Scripture to lovingly shepherd God’s people, teach His Word faithfully, and lead the church with humility and integrity (1 Peter 5:2–3; 2 Timothy 4:2). Pastors equip believers for ministry, guide the church toward spiritual maturity, and protect the congregation through sound doctrine (Ephesians 4:11–12; Acts 20:28).
At First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, our pastor serves by preaching the truth of God’s Word, caring for the needs of the church family, and helping us grow together in our mission to follow Jesus and make Him known.
Pastor Rj is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Spring Valley. Originally from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines, he has spent more than 14 years preaching, discipling, and helping plant eight churches. He holds degrees from Baptist Bible Seminary & Institute and Great Plains Baptist Divinity School, along with an honorary doctorate in Humanities. He serves as a board member of GraceDrive Ministries Inc., a Chaplain in the United States Service Command, and a member of the Council of 18 in the GARBC. He and his wife, Phebe, have three children—Reuben, Sean, and Karisse.
Pastor Benjamin Galan serves as the Spanish Pastor of Iglesia Bautista de Spring Valley. Originally from Los Angeles, he holds a Bachelor’s in Pastoral Theology from Ontario Baptist College, a second Bachelor’s in Biblical and Theological Studies, and a Master’s in Chaplaincy from Liberty University. He has supported chaplains in professional development and has offered prayer at the Indiana Statehouse. Pastor Galan specializes in suicide prevention, addiction support, anxiety, grief, and personal growth, using solution‑focused and emotional‑regulation tools to help individuals navigate life’s challenges. He is married to his ministry partner, Evelyn Valdivia, and enjoys Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu as part of his personal growth journey.
Pastor Nick Anderson serves as the Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church of Spring Valley. Born and raised in Chula Vista, he is passionate about helping students grow in their faith and develop a lifelong walk with Jesus. He studied at Doane Baptist Bible Institute in Iloilo City and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theology from West Coast Baptist College. Pastor Nick is committed to creating a welcoming, Christ‑centered environment where teens feel encouraged, challenged, and supported. This year, he is pursuing personal growth goals—deepening his friendship with Jesus, reading sixty books, finishing a new video game, and aiming to win a Yu‑Gi‑Oh! tournament. He also enjoys good coffee and is known for his impressive rock‑skipping skills.
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First Baptist Church of Spring Valley