Our Leadership
About Us
Elders
Sammy Barton
Teaching Pastor, Elder
Sammy grew up at NorthCreek Church where he came to know the Lord as a freshman in high school. After college, Sammy married his high-school crush, Kori, and came on staff at NorthCreek as the Assistant Director of Jr. High. Sammy had the privilege of serving the students and families of NorthCreek for ten years as Jr. High Director and High School Director while earning his M.Div from The Master's Seminary.
Sammy has a strong conviction that the Church is the greatest enterprise on planet earth, a conviction that comes from his study of God’s Word and the huge role that the local church has played in his own life. So, when NorthCreek started to talk about planting new local churches in 2021, Sammy and Kori decided to pursue the opportunity and see where the Lord would lead. In January of 2023, the NorthCreek elders decided to send Sammy to plant a new church in Livermore.
Sammy and Kori have now been married for over ten years and have two children. Together they write children’s books about East Bay cities and share a passion for helping kids in the foster system.
Joe bailey
Staff Member & Elder Candidate
Joe grew up in Martinez, CA and was raised in a Christian household. Yet, saving faith did not take root in his heart until the age of 24 when God intervened in a dramatic way leading him to read Romans 5:8 which says, “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” At that moment, Joe was regenerated and immediately exchanged a life of sin for a life of service to Christ. Joe has a heart for evangelism, preaching, and biblical counseling. From the time of his conversion, he has aspired to be a pastor and set out to prepare for the ministry.
Joe served at NorthCreek Church in Walnut Creek, CA for eleven years in various capacities including biblical counseling, discipleship, teaching, preaching, leading small groups. He is currently enrolled in The Master’s Seminary and is set to graduate with his M. Div. in spring 2025. Joe and his wonderful wife, Liz, have been happily married since 2017 and have three young children. They love to meet with and serve people in their home together.
Matt Gurrola
Elder Candidate
Mathew Gurrola, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, experienced his conversion at the age of twelve and was baptized at thirteen. He has been involved in various ministries, including parenting, teaching, and leading home Bible Studies. Serving God has been a lifelong commitment for Mathew, and he intends to continue this service for as long as God allows. Now semi-retired, Mathew previously worked in Quality Management within the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. He and his wife, Carol, reside in Pleasanton, CA, and have two grown children—a son and a daughter.