LEADERSHIP
Church Staff
BRAD CUSSON - Senior Pastor
Folks who meet Pastor Brad for the first time often comment, “I felt comfortable with him right away because he is real. I felt I could talk with him about anything.” A St. Matthew member would say, “That’s true—and the joy that bubbles out of him is real, too.” Ask Pastor Brad to describe himself and he’ll say, “I’m just one who knows the mercy and grace of God in Christ and wants others to know it, too. That’s reason for joy in every situation of life. That’s my passion, to reach people with the love of Jesus and help them find the strength for living that comes from being part of God’s family.” Speaking of family, it’s apparent that Pastor Brad gives thanks for his family, including his birth family, and for his marriage to Jane, who went Home to Heaven in 2013. Their children, all adults, are Sarah (and Tamas) Jeff, and James (and Kayla.) First grandchild, Lili Jane, rates a special smile. Pastor Brad graduated Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, and has served alongside St. Matthew congregation and the community since 2005. Before that he pastored Mt. Zion Lutheran in Denver for eighteen years.
Contact Brad: bradcusson@att.net
Julia Tougas - Youth Ministry
Julia graduated from Concordia University Irvine (CUI) with a Bachelor’s in Christian Education & Development. She obtained her Director of Christian Education (DCE) Certification for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in 2024. She has worked in ministry for a little over three years in a variety of roles and has loved every minute of it. As a lifelong Lutheran, she has a heart for the church and its people. Her philosophy in ministry is to “be a friend for friend’s sake” as she works to fulfill not only Jesus’ command in the Great Commission but also Jesus’ command in John 22 to feed His sheep.
Contact Julia: jtougas@stmatthewrocklin.com
DR. Marco Mejia - WORSHIP ARTS DIRECTOR
Dr. Marco A. Mejia comes from Southern California, where he spent the prior four years in ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange (LCMS). Marco has a diverse background in music with experience in contemporary/commercial music as well classical music. He has taught music in elementary and secondary settings and has served as music director at the university level. Marco will stay active in the professional music community in Los Angeles, continuing his tenure as the Conductor & Music Director for the Corona Symphony Orchestra. Currently, he is working on his dissertation titled, “Learning Through Praise: Church Musicking, Informal Learning, and Musical Agency.” Marco’s Doctor of Musical Arts degree (ABD) is from USC’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied Music Teaching and Learning & Sacred Music; and performance fields in voice and conducting. Marco also has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Cal-Baptist University (2006) and a Master of Music from Cal-State University, Fullerton (2010). He looks forward to serving the music ministry and has new NorCal adventures with his mini-Schnauzer, Olukai.
Contact Marco: mmejia@stmatthewrocklin.com
Ron Ohling - Deacon
When you visit St. Matthew, there is a good chance you will be welcomed by Ron. He will meet you with hi-fives, knuckles and hugs. Ron has a passion for people of all ages and loves to connect with them. He plays a big part of St. Matthew’s homebound and hospital visitation ministry. He also works with the Jr. High Ministry, Confirmation classes, and Children’s Ministry. Ron attended the Concordia University of Portland Mission Training Center to become a Deacon and was installed at St. Matthew in February 2020. Ron graduated from San Jose State University in 1990, holding many leadership positions with the State of California. He recently retired in 2018 to spend more time in ministry and disciplining. Ron will tell you his greatest joy is his family.
Contact Ron: rohling@stmatthewrocklin.com
Jen Casey - Children’s Ministry
Jen graduated from the University Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. She has taught in the public school system for many years and enjoys children and helping them grow. Her real passion is sharing Jesus with children and families alike, and her role as the Family Minister Director at St. Matthew perfectly aligns her professional training with her personal passion. Jen and her family are members of St. Matthew and serve in a variety of roles throughout the church. Jen and her husband Dom, have four daughters, Cassidy (24), Camryn (22), Caitlyn (20) and Carsyn (18). Jen has been a lifelong Lutheran and a member of St. Matthew since 2012.
Contact Jen: jcasey@stmatthewrocklin.com