Sean Henschel
Pastor
Sean loves teaching the Word and is passionate about seeing the timeless truths of the Scripture penetrate and transform lives.
Sean's main roles at Branch Church involve Preaching and Pastoring and overseeing Evangelism and Outreach, Men's Ministry and Counseling.
He served the Branch College of Ministry as both the Academic Dean and an instructor from 2015 to 2019. He contributed to program and syllabus development as well as taught theology, Greek language and exegesis courses, focusing his efforts on scriptural analysis and faithful interpretation. In addition, he was a regular teacher for the Branch Church morning and evening services. Previously, Sean served in Christian Education for five years at Horizon Christian Academy, teaching at various high school grade levels while engaging in curriculum development. Sean received his Bachelors Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Horizon College San Diego (now Horizon University) and His Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary San Diego and is currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Exposition from Southern California Seminary.
Sean and his wife Aubrey have been married for four years and are proud parents of their daughter Evelyn.
Sean's main roles at Branch Church involve Preaching and Pastoring and overseeing Evangelism and Outreach, Men's Ministry and Counseling.
He served the Branch College of Ministry as both the Academic Dean and an instructor from 2015 to 2019. He contributed to program and syllabus development as well as taught theology, Greek language and exegesis courses, focusing his efforts on scriptural analysis and faithful interpretation. In addition, he was a regular teacher for the Branch Church morning and evening services. Previously, Sean served in Christian Education for five years at Horizon Christian Academy, teaching at various high school grade levels while engaging in curriculum development. Sean received his Bachelors Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Horizon College San Diego (now Horizon University) and His Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary San Diego and is currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Exposition from Southern California Seminary.
Sean and his wife Aubrey have been married for four years and are proud parents of their daughter Evelyn.
Rick Melenciano
Pastor
Rick’s personal mission is to assist as many as he can in developing an intimate, personal, and “way of life” relationship with God. His spiritual gifts are in administration, counseling, and teaching. He currently serves as the Administrative Pastor leading and managing HR, financial, and organizational elements of the Branch Church.
Rick served in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009. He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree from Azusa Pacific University in Organizational Leadership, followed by a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary. During his educational years he worked in the banking, education, and government industries.
He currently resides in San Diego with his wife Courtney, and their two children Kendrick and Vincent.
Rick served in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009. He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree from Azusa Pacific University in Organizational Leadership, followed by a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary. During his educational years he worked in the banking, education, and government industries.
He currently resides in San Diego with his wife Courtney, and their two children Kendrick and Vincent.
Chuck Allers
Pastor
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Chuck lived his early years in New York City and Northern New Jersey, and after stops in Oklahoma and Colorado he moved to San Diego in 1987. He committed his life to Jesus shortly after moving to California, thereby gaining “true rest,” and upon graduating from the Horizon School of Evangelism in 1990 began serving in a pastoral capacity. He pastored at Horizon North Clairemont from 1994 to 2013, at which time The Branch was formed. Currently he serves the body at the Branch in the areas of teaching, organizational development, counseling, and helping others to fulfill their God-given calling.
Chuck and Greta were married in 1994 and enjoy their home and their dogs. Educationally, Chuck earned his Masters of Divinity in 1994, Doctorate of Ministry in 1999, and Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2011. In 2013 he published a book entitled The Evolution of a Muslim Democrat: The Life of Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim.
Chuck lived his early years in New York City and Northern New Jersey, and after stops in Oklahoma and Colorado he moved to San Diego in 1987. He committed his life to Jesus shortly after moving to California, thereby gaining “true rest,” and upon graduating from the Horizon School of Evangelism in 1990 began serving in a pastoral capacity. He pastored at Horizon North Clairemont from 1994 to 2013, at which time The Branch was formed. Currently he serves the body at the Branch in the areas of teaching, organizational development, counseling, and helping others to fulfill their God-given calling.
Chuck and Greta were married in 1994 and enjoy their home and their dogs. Educationally, Chuck earned his Masters of Divinity in 1994, Doctorate of Ministry in 1999, and Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2011. In 2013 he published a book entitled The Evolution of a Muslim Democrat: The Life of Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim.
Matthew Marzec
Youth Pastor
Matt loves sharing the truth of Christianity with others. At the Branch, he oversees the teaching ministries, from the small groups to various midweek studies. He teaches the Tuesday night class, God and Philosophy, and teaches often in the main service.
Matt’s passion is for teaching. He specializes in the areas of philosophy, apologetics, and culture. He has taught a number of courses at the college level (Apologetics, Intro to Philosophy, & Ethics), as well as classes for the Rock Church (Rock Life and Pastoral Support Training).
Matt was born and raised in Clairemont, San Diego and loves his city and its sports teams.
Matt graduated from BIOLA University with a degree in Business Marketing. He then went on to attain his master’s degree in Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with the highest honors.
Matt’s passion is for teaching. He specializes in the areas of philosophy, apologetics, and culture. He has taught a number of courses at the college level (Apologetics, Intro to Philosophy, & Ethics), as well as classes for the Rock Church (Rock Life and Pastoral Support Training).
Matt was born and raised in Clairemont, San Diego and loves his city and its sports teams.
Matt graduated from BIOLA University with a degree in Business Marketing. He then went on to attain his master’s degree in Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with the highest honors.
Mari Hoffman
Finance
Mari is the CFO of Branch Church. She is also a part of the Leadership Team for Embrace Grace and Living Hope, where she has been so blessed to encourage and support new moms. Mari also enjoys fellowship with Branch Women’s Ministry and Hearts & Hands.
Mari has been married to Dan since December of 1989. They enjoy sharing their lives together and have been blessed with three sons.
Mari is a CPA who earned her B.S. in accounting from San Diego State University.
Mari has been married to Dan since December of 1989. They enjoy sharing their lives together and have been blessed with three sons.
Mari is a CPA who earned her B.S. in accounting from San Diego State University.
Kelsey Carrillo
Children's Director
Kelsey serves as the Children’s Ministry Director. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and teenagers. She has a passion for kids and helping them to develop a strong foundation in Christ.
Kelsey was born and raised in Arlington, Texas and moved to San Diego in 2007 to play volleyball at San Diego State University, as well as pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. She then went on to get her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Kelsey and her husband Mike have been married for three years and are blessed with their little daughter Amelia.
Kelsey was born and raised in Arlington, Texas and moved to San Diego in 2007 to play volleyball at San Diego State University, as well as pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. She then went on to get her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Kelsey and her husband Mike have been married for three years and are blessed with their little daughter Amelia.