NextGen Pastor

Jake grew up in Eastbourne, a seaside town in England, and after finishing seminary in London he moved to Los Angeles for what was meant to be a six-month internship. Seven years later, he’s still here, serving as our NextGen Pastor, helping students and young adults discover who Jesus is and who they are in Him. Jake met his wife Kenzie 6 years ago and together they’ve made West LA their home.

Jake’s a die-hard Brighton and Hove Albion fan, coffee enthusiast, and secret adventurer at heart. He and Kenzie love to create spaces where people feel like they belong, whether that’s on a Sunday, at Vyouth, or in their home. When he’s not at work, you’ll probably find him playing soccer, running a trail, or exploring a new restaurant in town with Kenz and their dog Jasper.

What is your favorite food?
Sushi. Sushi and more Sushi.

What do you miss most about England?
My sister and my niece, but aside from my family, Football (soccer) culture!

What is your favorite leisure activity?
Anything to do with sports and nature. I'm currently obsessed with trail running!

What made you choose a life in ministry?
Growing up a pastor’s kid, I spent years resisting the call to ministry, it felt like joining the family business rather than following a personal calling. But when I took a year out to intern at a church, everything changed. I fell in love with the why behind ministry, helping people encounter Jesus and find purpose. I had realized this wasn’t just my parents’ calling, it was mine too.

If you weren’t a pastor, what would you do for a living?
My professional soccer dreams seem to be at a loss.. So failing that I would explore a career as a mental health professional.

What book are you reading right now?
Sabbath, Dan Allender

What would you want anyone exploring faith to know?
God loves you. Not the future, more-put-together version of you.. you, right now.

If there was one thing you would want people to know and believe about God, what would it be?
That God isn’t distant or disappointed. He’s deeply personal, present, and wildly in love with His people.

Do you have a favorite scripture you return to often?
Yes! Hebrews 10:23. ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.’ It reminds me that even when life is uncertain God is faithful and unchanging.