Pastor Matt grew up in a Christian home and personally trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of nine. After high school, he followed God’s call to ministry at West Coast Baptist College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2010, where he also met his wife, Rizza. The two were married in 2013 and have been serving the Lord together ever since.
Matt’s ministry journey began as a Youth Pastor in Southern California, followed by five years as an Assistant Pastor in Washington, where he developed a deep passion for helping young adults and families grow in their walk with Christ. In May 2022, he completed his Master of Divinity from Liberty Theological Seminary, further equipping him for the calling God placed on his life.
Blessed with three wonderful children—Mikaella, Mason, and Micah—Pastor Matt loves family time, sports, working out, and building genuine relationships in the community.
On June 5, 2022, Hillcrest Baptist Church joyfully welcomed Pastor Matt as our second pastor. His heart for people, commitment to the Word of God, and vision to reach the next generation continue to inspire our church to move forward in faith.
Pastor Matt grew up in a Christian home and personally trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of nine. After high school, he followed God’s call to ministry at West Coast Baptist College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2010, where he also met his wife, Rizza. The two were married in 2013 and have been serving the Lord together ever since.
Matt’s ministry journey began as a Youth Pastor in Southern California, followed by five years as an Assistant Pastor in Washington, where he developed a deep passion for helping young adults and families grow in their walk with Christ. In May 2022, he completed his Master of Divinity from Liberty Theological Seminary, further equipping him for the calling God placed on his life.
Blessed with three wonderful children—Mikaella, Mason, and Micah—Pastor Matt loves family time, sports, working out, and building genuine relationships in the community.
On June 5, 2022, Hillcrest Baptist Church joyfully welcomed Pastor Matt as our second pastor. His heart for people, commitment to the Word of God, and vision to reach the next generation continue to inspire our church to move forward in faith.
Jony Hernandez grew up in a Christian home but didn’t come to personally know Jesus Christ as his Savior until he was seventeen. After high school, he followed God’s call to ministry by enrolling at West Coast Baptist College, where he met his wife, Lauren. The two graduated together in spring 2025 and were joyfully married that May.
Throughout his ministry journey, Jony has served in a variety of roles, developing a heart for reaching and discipling the next generation. On June 1, 2025, he joined the staff of Hillcrest Baptist Church as Assistant Pastor, where he now leads youth, worship, and several key ministries with passion and purpose.
When he and Lauren aren’t serving, you’ll often find them on the golf course, exploring Orange County, or sharing a great cup of coffee. Their joy for life and love for people are evident in everything they do.
