OUR LEADERSHIP

Elders

Elders (also known as pastors) are those men whom the congregation chooses to watch over them spiritually, to lead them in the public worship of God, to feed them the Word of God both publicly and privately, to administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and to guard the church from doctrinal or practical dangers. These elders are to be chosen in accordance with the requirements for such an office which are set forth in Scripture (e.g., 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5, etc.). A plurality of elders is not only the Biblical pattern, but also a true blessing from the Lord. These elders may differ from one another in experience and gifts, and one or two may labor more often in the preaching ministry than the others, but they are all equal in authority and title. The Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 4 that pastors and teachers are gifts from the exalted Christ to His church and are therefore to be highly esteemed for their work’s sake.

Pastor/Elder: Antonio Rugnao

Antonio Rugnao born and raised in Bakersfield, CA in 1979. He is the third of four children born to Richard and Mary Rugnao. Antonio was raised in a believing home yet he would consider himself to have been a nominal Christian until the age of 19 when the he was brought to true saving faith in Christ alone. Antonio graduated from California State University Bakersfield with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He is currently earning his MDiv. In 2012 Antonio married his wife Martina and they have been blessed with three children, Nazareth, Selah and Azariah.

Pastor/Elder: Isaiah Rugnao

Isaiah Rugnao was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. Isaiah grew up in a strong Christian home where Gospel truth was both made clear and compellingly modeled. He finally came to saving faith in Christ Jesus in 2012. Immediately following conversion, and with a desire to learn the Bible, he began to read as much as he could about his newly granted faith. After three years of studying various theological disciplines under Pastor Antonio’s instruction and mentor-ship, Isaiah was ordained an elder of Reformation Bible Church in 2015. He is currently finishing his college education with hopes of eventually enrolling in seminary. Isaiah is happily married, and the husband to Lela. They have been blessed with two children, Owen and Malakai.

Deacons

Deacons are those men whom the congregation chooses to watch over the church’s physical and temporal concerns. We find the first deacons being ordained in Acts 6 and for the very specific purpose of relieving the elders from having to deal with the physical needs of the people. This, then, allows for the elders to devote themselves more fully to the ministry of the Word and prayer, without distraction. Deacons, therefore, are a tremendous blessing from the Lord not only to the people, but to the pastors. We see in these two offices of elder and deacon the two-fold care and concern of the Good and Great Shepherd, Jesus. Through the ministry of elders, Jesus cares for His church’s spiritual needs, and through the ministry of deacons, Jesus cares for His church’s temporal needs.

Deacon: Ray Solis Jr.

Ray was born in 1961 and raised in Bakersfield, California. Ray was raised as a Roman Catholic. He believed in the existence of God but did not have true saving faith until, in 1998, he was asked by a friend to attend a small bible teaching church. Ray heard of his sin and his need for a Savior to be saved from the righteous judgment of God. The Lord granted him saving faith on that day and he has graciously preserved him since. Ray has served as deacon at RBC for 3 years.

Deacon: Scott Johnson

Scott was born in 1976 and raised in Bakersfield, California. Scott grew up in the Assemblies of God church. He knew of God, from a very early age, but didn’t come to saving faith until his early 40’s.  By God’s grace and providence, Scott found true forgiveness and peace with God, and fellowship with His body at Reformation Bible Church.  Scott started serving as deacon at RBC in 2023.