Meet Our Pastors
Terry Cederblom
Lead Pastor
Pastor Terry is the son of missionaries and grew up in Latin America. After graduating from Vanguard University he entered into full time ministry in 1983 and then married the love of his life, Lynn, in 1986. They began pastoring MCC in 2005 and have loved every minute of it. Pastor Terry enjoys being with his family, playing guitar and trumpet, and riding motorcycles.
Cody Cederblom
Executive Pastor
Pastor Cody grew up as a PK (Pastor's Kid). He graduated from Vanguard University in May of 2012 with a B.A. in Theology and an emphasis in pastoral care and then became the youth pastor here at MCC in August of 2012. He married the love of his life, Carissa, in 2016 and they now have three children; Chloe, Claire, and Caiden. Pastor Cody enjoys sports, movies, video games, and spending time with his family.
Angela Lawson
Administrative Pastor
Pastor Angela graduated from LIFE Pacific University in San Dimas, CA in 2002 with a B.A. in Theology with an emphasis in Pastoral Care. Since that time she has had the opportunity to work in several churches, including being part of a Church plant leadership team for four years. She has been with us at MCC for approximately 15 years, most of those years serving in Kids Ministry, until her most recent position with us. Pastor Angela enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and has an unusual affinity for Apple products, and True Crime documentaries.
Our Mission
Love, Grow, Reach
Love
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus responded in this way: “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)
At Mountain Christian Center we believe that we were put here on this earth to love God and be loved by him. We believe that the primary thing God asks of anyone who truly believes in Christ and receives his spiritual salvation is a devoted love that is expressed with one's entire being.
We also believe that Christians are required to love all people, including their enemies. Why is this so? Because God loves all people. We believe that if we love God completely and love others unselfishly then all of our attitudes and actions will end up aligning with all of the commands, instructions, guidelines and standards of God's Word.
At Mountain Christian Center we believe that we were put here on this earth to love God and be loved by him. We believe that the primary thing God asks of anyone who truly believes in Christ and receives his spiritual salvation is a devoted love that is expressed with one's entire being.
We also believe that Christians are required to love all people, including their enemies. Why is this so? Because God loves all people. We believe that if we love God completely and love others unselfishly then all of our attitudes and actions will end up aligning with all of the commands, instructions, guidelines and standards of God's Word.
Grow
Before ascending into heaven Jesus said this: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
What's a disciple? A disciple is someone who is a follower or student of someone else. Here at MCC, we are all about helping people become disciplined students and followers of Jesus who live by his commands and are continually growing in their relationship with him and growing to become more like him.
What's a disciple? A disciple is someone who is a follower or student of someone else. Here at MCC, we are all about helping people become disciplined students and followers of Jesus who live by his commands and are continually growing in their relationship with him and growing to become more like him.
Reach
While at the home of Zacchaeus, Jesus summed up his entire mission by saying this:
“…the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Then, later on, Jesus gave his disciples this command:
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. Who are the lost? Anyone who is not following Jesus. How can they be saved? By hearing the Good News of who Jesus is and what he has done and deciding to put their faith and trust in him.
Here at Mountain Christian Center we take the command to go and preach the Good News to everyone very seriously. The truth of the matter is that there are many lost people in the world and the only way that they can be saved is through Jesus Christ. It is our goal as a church to reach the lost (here in Oakhurst and all over the world) by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone we possibly can.
“…the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Then, later on, Jesus gave his disciples this command:
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. Who are the lost? Anyone who is not following Jesus. How can they be saved? By hearing the Good News of who Jesus is and what he has done and deciding to put their faith and trust in him.
Here at Mountain Christian Center we take the command to go and preach the Good News to everyone very seriously. The truth of the matter is that there are many lost people in the world and the only way that they can be saved is through Jesus Christ. It is our goal as a church to reach the lost (here in Oakhurst and all over the world) by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone we possibly can.
Our Beliefs
Mountain Christian Center is a Bible-believing, Spirit-led, Christ-centered church that strives to practice traditional Christianity with contemporary relevance for our culture and time in history.
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word to us. The Bible was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error.
6 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
6 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God
We believe that God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are one God.
10 “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be. (Isaiah 43:10)
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
10 “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be. (Isaiah 43:10)
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
Jesus
We believe that Jesus is the virgin-born Son of God. He lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead three days later, thereby conquering sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as king.
22 [Jesus] never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. (1 Peter 2:22)
8 [Jesus] humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11)
22 [Jesus] never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. (1 Peter 2:22)
8 [Jesus] humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11)
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is sent from God to live in all who believe in Jesus and empowers believers to live righteous and holy lives. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit along with its evidences, and the gifts of the Spirit are available to believers today.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
38 “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:38-39)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
38 “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:38-39)
Mankind
We believe that all people are created with dignity and great value in the image of God. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)
23 For the wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23)
27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)
23 For the wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23)
Salvation
We believe that it is only through Jesus Christ that a person can be saved.
We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty.
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty.
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The Church
We believe that the church is comprised of any person, anywhere in the world who puts their faith in Jesus. The church itself is people who are empowered by God’s Spirit to be part of the mission of Jesus here on earth. We believe that the church does not exist for itself, but exists as a community of believers who are here to serve others, as we bring the love and hope of Jesus to the world around us.
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
The Afterlife
We believe that Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally with God is eternal life in Heaven.
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’ (Matthew 25:41)
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3)
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’ (Matthew 25:41)
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3)
The End Times
We believe that one day Jesus will return and show himself to be “King of Kings.” Everyone will be held accountable for the choices of their lives. A permanent, personal relationship with God, without the influence of evil and pain will be established for all who chose Christ. (Heaven)
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3)
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3)
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)