Leadership
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Leadership
Jaime & Rose Mary Loya
Senior Pastors
Jaime pastors Cross Church, a church in the heart of San Benito that has a passion to serve the city and make an impact in the community. Called to preach the gospel at an early age, Pastor Loya teaches people how to apply God’s truth in every area of their life and encourages them to influence the world around them.
Abram & Rebecca Gomez
Senior Executive Pastors
Abram Gomez is the Senior Executive Pastor at Cross Church. He graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University with Cum Laude Honors and with a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Church Ministries. He also received his master’s degree in Human Services with a specialization in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Abram has served in other various roles such as a Youth Pastor, Church Planter, Pastoral Preaching Team, and Administrator to name a few, and has helped to create church systems and structure to accommodate the growth. At this time, he and his wife, Rebecca Gomez, are the Campus Pastors for the McAllen Campus which we have seen hundreds of people being impacted by the impactful preaching and excellence in leadership. They reside in Harlingen along with their precious daughter Isabella and son Jude.
Eric Garza
Executive Pastor
Eric serves on the executive team of Cross Church as the Operations Director and Campus Pastor for the Brownsville Campus. He is active in his community and serves as a school board member for the Jubilee Academies Rio Grande Valley School District and serves on the Board of Directors of church’s Cross Community Development Corporation. As a businessman, Eric is a consultant with Garza & Polin Strategies, LLC. and works as general manager of Gemstar Homes and Construction. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University, and a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies from Liberty University.
Mary Jo Martinez
Pastoral Care Pastor
Rev. Mary Josephine Martinez is the Pastor over Pastoral Care services which consists of the hospice/home visitation, prayer, and various assimilation classes. She graduated from Valley International Christian College in 2005 and received her ministerial license/ordination through Cross Church. Her husband’s name is Moises Martinez and they have five wonderful children and two grandchildren.
Chris & Lizette Martinez
Raymondville - Campus Pastors
Chris and Lizette Martinez serve as the Campus Pastors at the Raymondville Campus. Chris attended and graduated from the Harlingen District School of Ministry, began in ministry as a Youth Pastor in 2010 and was named the 2011 Youth Pastor of the Year by the Assembly of God, South Texas District. Chris and Lizette have three beautiful children, Abcde, Christopher, and Micah.
David & Zharick Castro
Bay Area - Campus Pastors
David and Zharick Castro serve as the Discipleship Pastors at Cross Church and the campus pastors for the Bay Area Campus. David obtained a master’s in Business Administration and served in the US Army for 6 years. For 35 years he planted over 450 churches in 45 different countries in 4 continents. Discipling, equipping and ordaining over a thousand men into ministry, many who today are Senior Pastors. For over 30 years he had a teaching ministry on various TV and radio networks in 20 different countries. He is the author of several books including, “The Unknown Gospel”, “The Unknown Economy”, “Training the Army of the Kingdom”, and “A Manual for New Testament Church Leadership”. He is a father to David Jr., Rachel, Daniel and grandfather to 5 grandchildren. David and Zharick reside in San Benito, Texas along with their son Samuel and daughter Rebekah.
Ruben & Vanessa Ramirez
Pastors of Administration & Human Resources
Ruben and Vanessa are pastors at Cross Church in San Benito, Texas. Ruben attended Bible School at Latin American Bible Institute and later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Theology, a master’s degree in Christian Counseling and a Doctoral Degree in Theology from Life Christian University. Ruben is currently earning a master’s in Business Administration. He has 25+ years in ministry with experience in the business world working for companies such as HEB, Best Buy and one of the country’s leading software companies in time and attendance, TimeClock Plus. Vanessa has extensive knowledge in Healthcare Administration earning several certifications in various areas in the healthcare field. She attended Bible School at Latin American Bible Institute. Ruben and Vanessa have 4 daughters and are known as “Lolli and Pops” to six grandchildren.
J. Alan & Maria Mendoza
Next Gen Pastors
J. Alan and his wife Maria are the Next Gen Pastors at Cross Church and are both natives of Colorado. J. Alan graduated with a degree in Theological Studies and Church Ministries at Christ Missions College in 2013, soon after embarking on his five-year journey serving as a full-time youth pastor in San Antonio, Texas. His ongoing passion for Jesus and his ability to communicate the Gospel in a creative and powerful way has allowed him the opportunity to speak in the lives of thousands of youth and young adults around the nation. Maria graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical and Theological studies and a minor in Intercultural Studies and serves along side of her husband.
Mario & Edith Cruz
McAllen - Associate Campus Pastors
Mario and Edith Cruz are the associate campus pastors at the McAllen Campus. Mario has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management and a certificate in Human Resources, both from the University of Texas Pan American. Edith has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Texas Pan American, and a certificate in Theology from LUT University. They are continuing to further their education as they both pursue a master’s degree in Divinity from Liberty University. They are owners of multiple businesses located in the Rio Grande Valley. Edith is also a music educator for Edinburg CISD.
Juan & Veronica Barraza
Brownsville - Associate Campus Pastors
Juan & Veronica are the associate campus pastors at Cross Church Brownsville.
