Ministry Team

Desert Springs is a Bible-believing non-denominational Christian church located in the heart of the Coachella Valley.


Church Elders:  Mark Cedar, Pete Donovan, Hal Graham, Mike McAuliffe, Jim Prock, Jerry Wheeler


Board of Directors:  Glenn Bjorklund, David Buehn, Mark Cedar, Hal Graham, Steve Jaros, Ron Marinella, Al Taylor


  • Mark Cedar, Lead Pastor - Mark has served at Desert Springs on the pastoral team since 2003, becoming lead pastor in 2006. He is a fourth generation pastor, having completed his BA in Speech Communication at Cal State University Los Angeles and his MA in Evangelism at Wheaton College, with added theological coursework at Phoenix Seminary. Before pastoring, he and his wife Cheri traveled in full-time evangelistic ministry for many years throughout the U.S. and Canada. They are blessed with two grown children and a future son-in-law.


  • Jim Zeilenga, Pastor to Seniors & Groups - Jim is a seasoned pastor having served faithfully with CRU College ministry, Sierra Madre Congregational Church, Valencia Hills Community Church, and adjunct professor for Azusa Pacific University. Jim is in his fourth year here at Desert Springs. He and his wife Chris have two grown children and a charming granddaughter.


  • Abie Perkins, Director of Worship - With a rich background in music, Abie directs a wide variety of artistry here at Desert Springs, leading main worship services on keyboard with vocals. Abie and his wife Lisa have two children.


  • Collin Kerrigan, Pastor to Youth & Young Adults - Collin leads our middle and high school ministries, having a B.A. in Christian Ministries from San Diego Christian College and a true heart for students. In addition, he oversees young adults here at Desert Springs. Collin and his wife Christina have two sons, Asher and Micah.


  • Lorraine Hart, Pastor of Kids & Families - Lorraine oversees all aspects of Kids Ministries, birth through 5th grade, and leads Sunday morning kids ministries and AWANA Wednesday night programming. In addition, she coordinates special events and opportunities for parents and families, including Family Luncheons, Parents Night Out, and much more. Lorraine has completed her Bible training at California Baptist University and has four children.



  • Cindy Hassett, Early Childhood Ministries - Cindy coordinates a team of loving childcare workers who not only care for the youngest attenders here at the church, but minister to them as well - through Sunday morning puppet and worship time, Bible stories, and activities. Our safe and secure environment features electronic check-in, monitored classrooms, and personal attention to each child. Cindy and her husband Doug have a grown daughter.


  • Terri Griffin, Worship Choir Conductor - As the choir director of Desert Springs, Terri holds a degree in music but most importantly, she loves to worship God. The choir's mix of traditional and contemporary songs provides an exciting worship experience for the congregation. She is a Special Education teacher by day and lives with her two adult children and numerous animals.


  • Michael Gagliardi, Worship Leader for REFRESH


  • Sharon Wren, Office Manager & Asst. to Lead Pastor


  • Laura Keener, Frontline Director & Reception


  • Pam Luerken, Director of Women's Ministries


  • Al Hurt, Director of Men's Ministries


  • Ted Walker, Director of Audio Visual Ministries


  • Sherri Gagliardi, Director of Family Room