Graduate Profile: Joey Lopez

I am a wretched sinner who deserves the depths of eternal flame. Yet, by God’s grace, I have been redeemed, given new life, and called to proclaim the grace that saved me. That thought melts the depths of my being. My heart echoes the words of Zinzendorf: “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.”

I was born and raised in Riverside, California, where I still reside with my wife, Erika. I came to saving faith in 2012 and have been a member of the Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside (RBCR) since 2015. I served as a pastoral intern from 2018 until my ordination into the diaconate in 2022. I love—and have been deeply loved by—the saints at RBCR, and it is one of my life’s greatest privileges to serve them. Each member is dear to my heart and continually motivates me to grow in faith and service, which ultimately led me to pursue further theological training at Reformed Baptist Seminary.

At the age of 12, the Lord drew me to Himself. My family had been fractured by a brutal divorce, and both of my parents fell away from the faith. I was left in a broken home with a broken heart and a mind full of questions—the first being, “If my parents aren’t saved, how do I know I am?”

By God’s providence, two faithful evangelists—my grandparents—stepped in. Through their Scripture-filled counsel, comforting presence, and Christ-like love, they led me to the Savior I so desperately needed. The Lord removed my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh. Ever since that day, I’ve been blessed to attend RBCR alongside them. In 2019, the Lord saved my mother, who is now a member of our church as well.

I vividly remember sitting under the faithful preaching of Pastor Robert Elliott—my mentor and spiritual father—when I first sensed the Lord placing a burden on my heart to preach. That was ten years ago, and the flame has only grown stronger with time. Over the past two years, the Reformed Baptist Seminary has deepened my understanding of Scripture and strengthened my ability to serve the church I love.

I am deeply grateful for the stabilizing and empowering love of my wife; rigorous biblical instruction from professors like Greg Nichols; the faithful leadership of Dr. Gonzalez, Vadim, and the RBS board; the guidance and care of Pastor Robert; and the continual prayers and support of my local church. It is my earnest hope that the Lord will continue to open doors for me to serve—whether in preaching, counseling, diaconal or pastoral ministry—for the good of His people and the glory of His name.

May my brief life bear witness to the grace God can show to the vilest of sinners and may all I do bring Him much glory and do His people much good.

Until Christ Calls or Comes,

Joey Lopez