New PUC Pastoral Team at PUC Church

Pacific Union College is thrilled to announce that Nate Furness, Arturo Lopez, Garrison Chaffee, and Lem Garcia are the college’s pastoral team.

If you were to ask each pastor what one of their favorite things about PUC is, one word is always said: community. They all love the campus community that makes the college so beautiful. Besides the miles of nature, mountains, and stunning views of Napa Valley- the people make PUC home. 

PUC Lead Pastor Nate Furness has a passion for Adventist education, which led him to accept this position last school year. “I want to be part of preparing young adults to serve Jesus in their context,” said Furness. “We want to prepare nurses, psychologists, filmmakers, teachers, pastors, and others to share the love of Jesus with everyone they encounter.” His goal is to prepare young people to be missionaries in their professional context, to disciple and mentor young people, and to demonstrate that life is joyful and that we are better in the community. 

Youth and Associate Pastor Garrison Chaffee graduated from PUC in 1999 with a bachelor's in fitness management and a teaching credential. He joined the pastoral team this summer and is honored to have the opportunity to speak into another person's life. Pastor Chaffee’s goals for the church and community are to follow God’s lead in building closer relationships across the students, faculty, staff, and community and to grow closer to God as they serve Him. 

Campus Chaplain Pastor Arturo Lopez is another PUC alum. Growing up in Napa Valley and working for the Napa Valley Register at a young age, Pastor Lopez graduated from PUC in 2014 with a B.A. in theology. His focus will be on spiritual life and programming- but his influence and efforts will also help in other campus areas as he instills a passion for leadership in students, following the example of Jesus. The energetic and enthusiastic personality Pastor Lopez brings to the team makes him a great fit for the college as he engages and mentors young adults. 

When Associate Pastor for Worship & Administration Pastor Lem Garcia received the opportunity to minister at PUC, he could not pass it up. Since last October, Pastor Garcia has been the associate pastor for worship and administration and feels blessed to be a part of an amazing pastoral team. He appreciates the energy and creativity that the students bring to life of the college and church. 

These pastors understand their roles require a lot of hard work, commitment, and presence to accomplish the tasks of ministering on a college campus. Through prayer and collaboration, they strive to advance the mission of PUC and believe they can make a meaningful impact on the spiritual life of the campus and the wider community.