One Good Whiff and Pastor Knew Gilroy Would be His Home

Pastor Matt Valencia likes to talk about
”
God Stories
”
– the various ways God has led people into recognizing His will
for them.
Pastor Matt Valencia likes to talk about “God Stories” – the various ways God has led people into recognizing His will for them.

Pastor Matt, as he is known by the congregation at Gilroy’s Calvary Chapel, tells a tale of God leading him from a life in Southern California to plant a church in South County.

Valencia grew up in Southern California and received  bachelor’s degrees in English and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University in 1991.

He then began a successful career teaching English and coaching football and track at a public high school in West Covina.

One of his favorite courses to teach was Bible as Literature, and he recognized the students’ curiosity and enthusiasm to learn more about God’s word.

As he became increasingly active in his own church, though, he felt God calling him to put his skills to another use.

Valencia began to train for the ministry and soon became one of the assistant pastors of a local church with 12,000 members.

In 1997 he attended a prayer meeting with some 300 other men, and he felt a strong call to move to Northern California “where there were more spiritual needs not being met.”

He and his wife, De Anna, decided to give away their house and move to San Jose. 

He became an assistant pastor at San Jose’s Calvary Chapel, taught at Valley Christian High School, and the following year opened a Christian elementary school

Then a series of amazing events led him to begin a church in Gilroy..

One Sunday morning he prayed to God for a sign as to where he should begin a new ministry.

As he opened his apartment door, the scent of the garlic harvest filled his nostrils.

Then a neighbor who also was a pastor at Calvary San Jose joked, “Hey, Matt.  Do you smell that?  That’s Gilroy calling your name.” 

Then during that morning’s worship service, Pastor Matt greeted an unfamiliar couple worshiping at the church – they were Gilroy residents who had been wanting to open up their home to begin a fellowship.

Since the, Calvary Chapel has moved several times: from a private home, to Gavilan College, to a building on Church Street to its present location: 8955 Monterey St. 

The congregation has grown to about 100, and an amazing number of opportunities are offered.

Pastor Matt Valencia invites local residents to visit Calvary Chapel: “At Calvary Chapel we desire to know Jesus and to make him known! We’re just trying to teach His word and to love the people. Come just as you are.” 

For more information call 848-1218 or check the internet at www.calvarygilroy.com.