Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Ingold.
Hi Ken, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I completed my Master of Divinity degree in 1994 in Phoenix, AZ. After interviewing with a few churches (which were not a good fit), we moved to San Diego, as I had accepted a transfer within the Title Insurance company I worked for – Lawyers Title. My wife, Pam, and I began attending The Church at Rancho Bernardo (then The Church at Carmel Mountain). After a couple of years serving as volunteers, Founder and Senior Pastor Harry Kuehl came to us in 1996 about coming on staff. Pam started part-time in October 1996 as the church’s Small Groups Director. I felt I owed Lawyer’s Title a certain amount of time for the investment they had made in me, so I joined the church staff in July 1997 as Executive Pastor.
I ultimately moved from Executive Pastor to Family Pastor, continuing to serve on the Management Team. During that time, we experienced outstanding growth, outgrowing Highland Ranch Elementary School, where we had met since 1992. In 2002, we renovated and moved to the old Dollar Theatre in Rancho Bernardo, which is where we continue to do ministry today. In 1996, Pastor Kuehl turned over the leadership of the church to our new Senior Pastor, Jared Herd. That same year, I was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma, leading to the removal of my right kidney; the cancer, unfortunately, metastasized to my lungs and adrenal glands, which meant chemotherapy (which did not work), then immunotherapy, which did slow down the growth and spreading of the cancer. Shortly thereafter, a tumor was discovered on my spine, which was surgically removed. Fortunately, it was benign. The surgery to remove my right kidney resulted in an abdominal hernia, so surgery was done to repair it. It was not successful, so a second surgery was scheduled. However, due to some horrendous side effects (intense arthritic pain in my joints), we discontinued the immunotherapy treatment and went on Prednisone to relieve the pain. Because of the Prednisone, surgery was no longer possible. After a couple of years, I was able to wean off of the Prednisone and have the second hernia surgery performed. The surgery was successful, but the incision did not heal properly, resulting in two additional surgeries. With those behind me, I was now able to address the tumor that had grown on the remaining kidney. A Cryoablation (a solution injected into the tumor to freeze it) was performed in February 2024.
During this time, I have been fortunate and blessed beyond measure to continue to minister at The Church at Rancho Bernardo. My mantra has always been, “God’s got this.” And He does. 27 years after joining the staff here at the church, I have officiated over 200 weddings and done more memorial services than I care to count. As our staff gets younger, Pam and I now have the privilege of serving as Congregational Care Pastors, including mentoring the next generation.
Here at The Church at Rancho Bernardo, we call ourselves a “Go First” church. We are focused on Creating Moments (especially for the next generation to encounter Jesus Christ in very real ways), Commissioning Leaders (to make a difference both inside and outside the walls of the church), and to Combat Poverty, right here in our community and around the world.
I love being a part of this church and am grateful for the role God has allowed me to play. Even after over 30 years of operation, we believe its best days are ahead.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently one of two Congregational Care Pastors at our church. As the name implies, we “care” for our church people, including volunteers and staff. We provide leadership to groups and counseling, visitation of those shut-in or in the hospital, donor relations, weddings, memorial services, baptism, child dedication and investing in the next generation of leaders.
I/we (my wife and I) are known for being the heart of the church, ministering to our church by meeting people where they are, and using 27+ years of relational equity to handle various ministry challenges.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have had an accountability partner for 24 years. He (Bill Besalski) and I meet every 2-3 weeks to ask the hard questions: – How are you doing personally?
– How is your relationship with Jesus?
– How is your relationship with your wife?
-How is your relationship with the rest of your family (children, parents, etc.)?
-How is your relationship with those with you work (supervisors, associates, employees)?
I am now at the stage of life where I am more mentoring than being mentored. I look for those in the next generation who have a heart of service and exhibit joy in their life. It is those individuals with whom I choose to invest my time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thechurchrb.org
- Instagram: @thechurchrb
- Facebook: The Church at Rancho Bernardo
