Our Elders

Pastor Joel Robbins finds that being a northern Californian comes naturally to him – his family has a history here on the central coast going back several generations. Being the pastor of an Orthodox Presbyterian Church required quite a transformation, with its own history. Growing up in a Christian home led to working for a Christian non-profit for several years after high school. That experience became the catalyst for a different kind of growing up. With his theology unraveling around him, he discovered for himself the biblical doctrines of God’s grace and His covenant, bedrock beliefs of the Protestant Reformation. Three years of study at Westminster Seminary in California (M.Div., 2001) and one year of pastoral internship were a good jumpstart for a lifelong pursuit of studying and preaching the glorious gospel of God’s Son. In 2002, he passed ordination exams with the Presbytery of Northern California (OPC), and Covenant Presbyterian Church called him to serve as pastor. Joel and his beloved wife Rachel have been blessed with five children, Mary, Justus, Timothy, Douglas, and Gregory.

Pastor Tim Walker grew up in Menlo Park. He first heard the gospel when he was in high school. He has been an ordained minister since 1984 and has served in congregations in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and California. He has had a significant amount of experience laboring in home mission works.  His great desire is to be used by God to help people meet Christ and then grow in a relationship with Christ.  He was called to Covenant as a Teacher in 2011.  He enjoys hiking and backpacking, as well as running and other kinds of exercising.  He and his wife Irene have five sons.

Attorney, Marty Chandler and his wife, Juliet, have been attending CPC for almost ten years, long before it moved to its current location. After living up and down the West Coast (from Seattle to San Diego), as well as surviving stints living in Texas and overseas (including living in China for two years), they both agree that residing in Seaside on the Monterey Peninsula beats them all in scenic beauty. Whether he is serving in foreign missions or in the local church Marty’s desire to know his Lord and make Him known has been his glad passion for almost 30 years

Originally from Buenos Aires Argentina, Andres moved to the USA in 1983. He is passionate about the gospel and thrives on reaching out to others in the love of Christ. The Czerwiak family is known for their hospitable and loving nature and includes wife, Krista and daughter, Melissa. They have been residents of Carmel since 1999. In addition to an active career as a jeweler, Andres loves art in all its forms; yet his favorite pastime is sailing with his family and friends.

Joseph L. Hanna and wife Robin reside in San Jose.  Joseph is employed as a Professional Geologist.  The Hanna’s have three children, Benjamin, Heather, and Brian and four grandchildren. Joseph, known as a diligent defender of the faith, has been a member of the OPC since 1973. He believes that Presbyterian government is the most biblical and faithful form of government to the New Testament teachings.  Joseph’s great joy is his devotion to and enjoyment of his family. His other interests include cultivating orchids, reading medieval literature and traveling.