Christopher Spolar
Lead Pastor
Christopher and his wife, Jenna, have always called the San Gabriel Valley home. Growing up in a Christian household with five siblings, Christopher’s faith journey truly deepened in college where he felt he began to follow Jesus as a disciple. It was on his college debate team, running a “Jesus ethics” argument, that he first discovered his passion for sharing the transformative way of Jesus with others.
After earning his M.Div. from Fuller Seminary, Christopher served for over eight years in the English ministry at a predominantly Chinese-immigrant church. During that time, he successfully launched and led the church’s youth and young adult ministries, while cultivating local inter-church partnership. His heart for the gospel and the Kingdom has been a defining theme throughout his ministry.
Following a season of deep discernment and prayer, and with the blessing of his former church, Christopher and his family embarked on a new chapter—planting a church in partnership with the Free Methodist Church.
Christopher and Jenna live in Alhambra with their three children, excited for the next steps in their faith journey together.
After earning his M.Div. from Fuller Seminary, Christopher served for over eight years in the English ministry at a predominantly Chinese-immigrant church. During that time, he successfully launched and led the church’s youth and young adult ministries, while cultivating local inter-church partnership. His heart for the gospel and the Kingdom has been a defining theme throughout his ministry.
Following a season of deep discernment and prayer, and with the blessing of his former church, Christopher and his family embarked on a new chapter—planting a church in partnership with the Free Methodist Church.
Christopher and Jenna live in Alhambra with their three children, excited for the next steps in their faith journey together.
James "J. Mike" O'Neal
Worship Director
J.Michael O’Neal is a Los Angeles-based pianist, worship leader, and producer whose musical style spans jazz, gospel, and pop with a soulfully authentic and imaginative touch. Known for his ability to blend intricate harmonies with urban rhythmic grooves, J. Mike brings a unique voice to worship that is both musically rich and spiritually grounded.
He lives in Arcadia with his wife, Rebecca, his son, Isaiah, and has two adult children, Kaylyn and Jayden.
Melinda Helscher
Executive Administrator
Melinda is the Executive Administrator to our pastoral & core teams here at Expression Church. After working for 17 years in the IT / Commercial Real Estate sector she moved into the work of the church 10 years ago. Melinda enjoys project managing, organizing, hosting others and believes in supporting the local community. Melinda was fortunate to be born in a Christian home & was baptized in college. She also enjoys quilting, book club, cooking, wine, whiskey, dogs, driving fast, and traveling.