Meet the Team

  • Rustin Comer

    LEAD PASTOR

    Pastor Rustin is a third generation pastor. A self described church mut who has found his home in the ELCA. He is passionate about community, theology, the Bible, justice, good wine, and whiskey. Rustin and Heather have two amazing kids Jackson (8) and Hazel (5).

    rustinc@saintmatthew.org

  • Mike Basil

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    Mike is an East Bay native and has served at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church for over 10 years. Originally ordained in the Assemblies of God, Mike transitioned to the ELCA, where he serves with joy, creativity, and passion. He is especially gifted in fostering community, meaningful conversations, and helping people see God's grace in everyday life. Mike loves connecting over shared stories, good meals, and friendly laughter. He and his wife have four children and cherish the adventures of family life. Mike invites you to connect and share your own story. You can easily schedule a time with him through his Calendly page here.

    mikeb@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 x122

  • Tim Philips

    THIRD GEN PASTOR

    Tim is a lifelong Californian and a lifelong Lutheran. He served in full-time ministry for 35 years, and is now joyfully embracing the third stage of life and the opportunity to help others live more fully in this season of life. Tim has two adult daughters and three amazing grandsons.

    timp@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 ×118

  • Tami Gomez

    PASTORAL CARE MINISTER

    Tami has been a part of the Saint Matthew community for over 20 years. Her ministry began a decade ago as a hospice chaplain and now Tami enjoys loving on people in our community at all stages of life as she leads our Community Care Ministry team. When she is not serving our church, you may find her in her daughters' classrooms.

    tamig@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 ×107

  • Sue Burke

    CHILDREN’S MINISTER

    Sue Burke is our fun-loving, coffee-fueled Children's Minister who believes that joy, Jesus, and a little bit of glitter can change the world! As a proud mom of six, she knows a thing or two about wrangling kids, making faith fun, and finding lost sippy cups. She loves connecting with young families, and her passion is helping little hearts grow in their love for Jesus, one Bible story, worship song, and silly game at a time. When she’s not leading one of the many events that fall under the umbrella of Saint Matt's Kids, you’ll find her chasing her own crew, sneaking chocolate, or dreaming up new ways to make church the best hour of a kid’s week.  

    sueb@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 ×120

  • Jason Slagle

    YOUTH PASTOR

    Prior to ministry, Jason served our country in the US Coast Guard. For six years he was stationed throughout California and Virginia. He’s a big sports guy (a Raiders and Dodgers fan), loves camping, fishing, and anything outdoorsy. As a Pastor’s kid, Jason is well-seasoned in ministry and has a heart for seeing students connect with Jesus and each other and believes in creating a space where every student feels welcome and at home in the family of God.

    jasons@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 ×117

  • Billy Roy

    WORSHIP MINISTER | YOUNG ADULTS MINISTER | COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

    Billy is a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union, where he received his M.Div. and M.A, with a focus in Christian Spirituality. Billy is interested in the intersection of theology and social justice and believes the church can and should be a driving force for communal liberation and wholeness. He and his Fiancée, Mari, and their dog, Chester, moved to the Bay Area from South-Central Texas in 2021. Billy loves music, golf, mezcal, good wine, time in the trees, and meaningful conversations. 

    billyr@saintmatthew.org

  • Sarah Street

    PASTORAL INTERN

    Sarah Street is a seminary student at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, joining the Saint Matthew community as a pastoral intern. She and her family moved from Sacramento last year, where she worked in Youth and Family Ministry for the past 6+ years. The transition into work in the church helped affirm and expand her sense of call, leading to enrollment in seminary. Sarah lives in Lathrop with her 6 year old daughter, fully grown spouse, vibrant mother, their geriatric cat and 2 year old puppy.

    sarahs@saintmatthew.org

  • Mandi Slagle

    COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Mandi is a coffee enthusiast, pop culture fan, and proud Swiftie who thinks the church should feel like a space where “it’s golden, like daylight.” A Bible nerd at heart, she earned her Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Biblical Studies from Portland Seminary and is a certified Spiritual Director. Mandi is passionate about creating a church where everyone can “begin again” in a safe and welcoming community that celebrates all people.

    She and her husband Jason love their blended family life with their four kiddos: Caedance (11), Rayce (10), Isaiah (7), and Paislee (2).

    mandis@saintmatthew.org
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  • Ginger Moya

    EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Born and raised in the Bay Area, she grew up Catholic but has since found her home in Protestant Christianity. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Rodel, with 2 kids, Kyla (12) and Aiden (8).

    Ginger loves spending time with her family, reading, baking and often finds herself with unfinished craft projects.

    gingerm@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 ×108

  • Paula Hayase

    DATA AND CONTRIBUTIONS DIRECTOR

    Paula enjoys helping people and, in particular, the people of Saint Matthew! So, if you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact Paula. Contributions and helping our contributors are the most important things Paula does.

    She has a husband, two grown children, and a kitty cat. (She’s a cat person but not a “cat lady!”) Paula enjoys gardening and plants, Wordle, Connections, Cryptoquip, Word Jumble, Strands, Spelling Bee, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and Korean dramas.

    paulah@saintmatthew.org
    925.932.1955 ×113

  • Tom Aragon

    A/V

    Tom loves to go camping with his family and enjoying great food and wine with his friends. He’s instrumental in our men’s ministry and keeps our sound on point.

    toma@saintmatthew.org