On Feb. 8, 2022, the Northern California Conference (NCC) Executive Committee selected Rudolph (Rudy) Peters to lead four NCC ministries. He now serves as the African American ministries coordinator, urban ministries director, men’s ministries coordinator, and prison ministries coordinator.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve our pastors, churches, and communities,” said Peters. “I look forward to coming alongside people to help them engage in effective ministry that will impact the lives of all those who live within our territory.”
During his 17 years in the NCC, Peters served as pastor of the Valley Community church, the Richmond Beacon Light church, the Stockton Mayfair church, and the Rancho Cordova church. Many know him due to his leadership in the Adult II division at Redwood Camp Meeting.
I look forward to coming alongside people to help them engage in effective ministry that will impact the lives of all those who live within our territory.
A native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an island in the Caribbean, Peters has been a pastor since 1991. He led churches on the islands of St. Vincent, Dominica, and St. Lucia, as well as in New York and Connecticut— where he planted the Bridgeport Tabernacle church.
Ordained in 2000, Peters holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Andrews University, a master’s degree in urban management from Connecticut State University, and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
As he begins his new roles, Peters is focusing on
his personal ministry mission. “I want to be a leader, teacher, bridge builder, advocate, and coach for people to successfully navigate spiritual, social, economic, educational, and political challenges,” he said.
He is considering new ways to bring about church revitalization and church growth. "We need to reimagine our churches—especially coming out of the pandemic—to make them vital and relevant,” he said. “I’m mindful of the unique challenges that are facing African Americans and how we need to present the gospel in a way that will resonate with them.”
Peters takes over the position formerly held by Willie Johnson Jr., who retired at the end of 2021. “Elder Johnson was an amazing leader—one who was not afraid to share his leadership with others,” said Peters. “One of the beautiful things he did was advocate for pastors.”
Peters has been married to Valentine, whom he sees as his greatest gift and blessing, for 29 years. The couple have two children: Theon, a biochemistry graduate of the University of California, Davis, and Ethan, a middle school student. In his spare time, Peters enjoys listening to audio books, lifting weights, and playing racquetball and pickleball.
President Marc Woodson looks forward to seeing the many ways the Lord will work through Peters in the coming years. “Leading four ministries is no easy task,” he said. “So we are grateful for Rudy’s breadth of experience, his education, his leadership skills—and especially his passion for winning souls and growing disciples.”
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By Julie Lorenz
