Criston Moore, Worship Pastor

Growing up in Bakersfield, CA, I was blessed to be born into a large, musically talented family. As the ninth child out of ten, I was surrounded by melodies and harmonies from the moment I entered this world. Through this upbringing, I discovered my passion for music and my unwavering love for God and His beloved church. My parents, who embodied a holy and devoted lifestyle, instilled in me the importance of living a life pleasing to God. Their example set the standard in our home, and it was this foundation that led me to accept Jesus as my Savior at a young age. Throughout the journey of life, we all encounter seasons of self-discovery and the search for our purpose on this earth. However, amidst the uncertainties, three constants in my life never wavered: my love for God, my love for my family, and my love for music. These passions became the guiding forces that shaped my path and propelled me toward a life of service in my local church. For many years, I dedicated my time and talents to serving my community and serving my local church. It wasn't until 2017 that I felt called to take a step further and embark on a journey in full-time ministry.

Embarking on the path of ministry has been a breathtaking journey, filled with both mountaintop moments and some valleys. However, through it all, one thing has remained unchanging - the boundless grace and mercy of the Lord. Alongside me throughout this incredible adventure is my beautiful wife, my best friend, Kelsie. We have been blessed to be married for six beautiful years, and our love has been further enriched by the presence of our remarkable three-year-old son, Jacob. In the realm of ministry, we have witnessed the incredible ways God's grace works, transforming lives and bringing hope to the broken. As we continue our journey, we are humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside each other, united in our love for God and our passion for bringing His light to the world. Our family is a testament to the goodness of the Lord, and together, we strive to live out our purpose and make a lasting impact on those we encounter.

Fun fact: I have had the honor and opportunity to travel the world alongside Grammy-winning artist, Israel and New Breed for over seven years. I have sung the National Anthem at multiple NBA games, including Game 1 of the Western Conference NBA Playoffs in 2021. I've had the honor to help lead worship for the National Day of Prayer Gathering held in DC at the Bible Museum.

While I cherish these significant moments throughout my life, there is truly nothing that compares to being firmly rooted in a community of believers and having the privilege to lead congregational worship consistently, week after week. My prayer for The Grove is that God's Will will continue to be done in this region and throughout the world and that we will see even more lives changed, transformed, and minds renewed. The Grove has a solid foundation, and I'm honored to be one of the few chosen to build on top of it.

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