Our team

dave hazel

Lead Pastor

Pastor Dave and Cheryl came to El Cajon in September 2016. Dave and Cheryl both graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University and Dave has a Masters of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary.
Although he grew up in Southern California, Dave and his family lived in the midwest for 17 years before coming back home. Over his career Dave has been a youth pastor and church planter. He trains church planters all over the country and has a heart to see people take significant steps toward New Life in Christ.
Hometown: Whittier, CA
Fun Fact: I love bicycling, sports (all kinds - Mainly the Angels and the Lakers) and spending time with my family.
dave@elcajonnewlife.com

Benjamin Hazel

Associate Pastor

Masters in Sports Management from Liberty University 2021
Graduated: Christian Studies from Point Loma Nazarene University 2020
Hometown: Moscow, ID
Fun Fact: I have visited more than 10 different countries.
benji.hazel4582@gmail.com

aaron yoshida

Worship Leader

Graduated: Music and Ministry - Point Loma Nazarene University 2019
Hometown: Kaneohe, HI
Fun Fact: I play multiple instruments including piano, bass, guitar, ukulele, drums, and cello.
aaron@elcajonnewlife.com

Heather Brown

Assistant Children's Director

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Fun Fact: I met Matthew West, he sang a song for me and gave me a huge hug!
heather@elcajonnewlife.com

Leslie Kitchen

Children's Director

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Fun Fact: I was the first group of SD Padres cheerleaders, called the Pad-Squad.
5kitchens@cox.net

Morgan yoshida

Office Administration 

Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary
Graduated: Christian Studies - Point Loma Nazarene University 2020
Hometown: Glendale, CA
Fun Fact: I have been sky diving seven times!
morgan@elcajonnewlife.com