Senior Pastor

Rick and Jane Soto planted The Ranch Church in 2007, and both served as missionaries before Rick transitioned into Pastoral ministry, and Jane into motherhood. Both have had the pleasure of speaking at various conferences, at home and abroad.

Pastor Rick is a gifted Bible teacher who enjoys a good laugh. He blogs frequently on his website simplebiblecommentary.com, and is the author of one book.

Rick graduated from San Diego State University, and Jane from Cal. They live in Solvang with their four sons.

Contact Rick via the Contact form below.

Visit Ricks Simple Bible Commentary blog at https://simplebiblecommentary.com/blog/

Associate Pastor

Jeff and Robyn Clay planted The Ranch Church in 2007, and both have a career background in dentistry. Previously Jeff owned his own dental lab, and Robyn is a well credentialed dental assistant.  Prior to operating his own dental lab, Jeff was a deputy for the Santa Barbara Sheriffs Department.

Pastor Jeff is a Teaching Pastor and leads our discipleship and men’s ministries. Robyn is frequently found hosting a number of events and small groups at their house.

The Clay’s live in Solvang, have three married kids, and two gorgeous grandbabies.

Contact Jeff Clay via the Contact form below.

Youth Pastor

Toby Soto is a teaching Pastor and runs our high school ministry. He is passionate for evangelism, the marginalized, and for God to raise up a new generation of Christ followers.

Toby is a former student of Calvary Chapel Bible College, and has spent time serving the Lord in Ethiopia, as well two camping ministries.

His commitment to Biblical truth and doctrine, along with his creativity and energy makes his leadership attractive to many.

Contact Toby via the Contact form below.

Business Manager/Administrative Director

Jeff and Leslie Guenther have served at The Ranch Church for a number of years, and transitioned out of professional life into gospel ministry. Jeff retired early as Senior Manager of Financial and Strategic Planning for a major defense contractor, and Leslie left behind a career in the insurance industry.

Currently Jeff serves as the Business Manager for The Ranch Church, and brings leadership to all of our media and online tools. Leslie serves as our Administrative Director, helping people enter into the The Ranch Church family.

The Guenther’s live in Buellton, and have a wonderful daughter who just graduated from college and now has a great job in Hospitality Management.

Contact Leslie or Jeff via the Contact form below.

Elder

Chris and Theresa Bruin came to faith and were baptized at The Ranch Church.

Chris operates his own construction company, and Theresa works in education.

Chris oversees many of our food ministries, and leads a popular men's discipleship group, known for its devotion to the Word of God, and brotherly support of one another.

Theresa leads many of our Mexico Mission trips, focusing on serving needy children.

The Bruhn's live in Santa Ynez, and have three children

Elder

Kris and Jody are founding members of the Ranch Church.  Jody was TRC's first children ministry director, after serving a number of years with the YMCA.  Kris is President of an online merchant company.

The Colt's actively serve the foster adopt community, and speak out on issues effecting those parents and children.  Together they have foster/adopted four kids.

Kris oversees leadership of The Ranch Church finances, as well as men's ministries, and Jody pours into young moms.

The Colts live in Solvang, and have four kids.

Elder

Greg and Lisa have been with the Soto's for twenty years.

Greg is an attorney, and Lisa is their para legal. Both worked in construction before transitioning into the legal profession.

Greg oversees TRC legal affairs including TRC's building project, as well as men's ministries.  Lisa has a heart for the marginalized.

The Merrill's live in Solvang, and have three kids, one of whom is now in heaven.