This is part of an ongoing series introducing the leaders, teachers, and staff who make St. Paul a special place.
Kent Christensen serves on St. Paul’s Mission and Ministry Board, bringing decades of public service experience and deep roots in both the Merced community and St. Paul congregation. Baptized and confirmed at St. Paul, he now helps guide the church and school through the challenging work of faithful stewardship.
Born and raised in Merced on a small dairy and beef cattle ranch, Kent attended local schools and graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Dairy Science.
After graduation, Kent took an unexpected career path, joining the Merced County Assessor’s Office to appraise farm property. He worked for Merced County for 35.5 years in increasingly responsible positions. He was elected Assessor in 2006, appointed Clerk-Recorder in 2009, and appointed Registrar of Voters in 2011 before retiring in 2012.
Kent’s commitment to community service extends beyond his profession. He’s been a member of Lions Clubs for 43 years, currently serving with the Merced Breakfast Lions. He served as District Governor in 2014-15, leading service efforts throughout the region.
In his spare time, Kent tends a productive garden and delights in sharing the harvest with the St. Paul congregation. Throughout the summer months, he supplies squash along with other vegetables to fellow church members — a tangible expression of care for his church family.
Kent’s connection to St. Paul runs deep. Baptized and confirmed here, he now serves on the Mission and Ministry Board. He compares it to running any business — trying to stay within a budget while meeting needs. “Being on the board is taking the responsibility of maintaining everything so that members can enjoy their worship here,” he explains.
When asked about St. Paul’s greatest strengths, Kent points to the warmth of the community. “I see the friendliness of the people who belong to the school and church. Both the school and church are open to people who attend.”
Kent’s Favorite St. Paul Traditions
“Communion and the Christmas Eve service are my favorite traditions. I always feel closer to God after communion and the Christmas Eve service is so emotional. These sacred moments remind me of why we gather as a church family and what truly matters in our faith journey.”
Kent’s Prayer Request
“Please pray for wisdom in making the right decisions regarding the church and school. The responsibility of stewardship weighs heavily, and I want to ensure that every decision we make as a board honors God and serves our community well.”
