Pastor Jennifer Shaw
Pastor Jen joined the St. John’s community in January of 2016. She comes to ministry with a wide range of vocational experience, including Managing Editor of the Fuller Writing Center, Manager of Lakeshore Learning Store in Ventura, CA, and Tour Guide at Universal Studios Hollywood. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Westmont College, a Master of Arts in English from Cal State , Northridge, a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Seminary, and a Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies from Pacific Lutheran Seminary.
Pastor Jen grew up in Fillmore, CA and has resided in SoCal most her her life. Her mother, and two sisters and their families, also reside in Southern California. She enjoys showering her nephews and nieces with love, writing poetry and reading fiction and non-fiction, hiking local trails, a wide range of films and shows, and her work in ministry at St. John’s. She is passionate about sharing the good news of life in Jesus Christ – communicating the Triune God made, loves, redeemed, and will restore the world. She is grateful to be doing so at St. John’s.
Pastor Jen is also currently a member of the Pacifica Synod Council, Dean of the Big Bear Conference, and Trainer for the Rocky Mountain Synod Excellence in Leadership program.
Pastor Emily Baynton
Pastor Emily began as St John’s associate minister in September of 2023. She joins us after graduating from Wartburg Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. She holds a B.A. in Psychology as well as in Theology and Christian Leadership from California Lutheran University.
Pastor Emily is from the San Diego area spending her adolescence in Encinitas, CA. Growing up, her family moved frequently as both her parents were pastors. These moves included Colorado, Washington State, and Northern California; finally landing in Southern California. Pastor Emily’s mom still serves in Encinitas and her dad is now teaching computer science in North Dakota. Her younger sister, Linnaea, resides in San Francisco. Pastor Emily is married to John Baynton who she met in seminary and is a Deacon in the ELCA. She enjoys walks in nature, photography, and is a big Sci-Fi fan.
Pastor Emily has a passion for the care of the neighbor and building trusting communities. She is driven by the power of the Holy Spirit who has given her gifts in pastoral care, administration, and worship. Rooted in the gospel, Pastor Emily will utilize all of this in her role as associate minister with a focus on family ministry.