Wellspring Community Church: Building Faith Through Shared Leadership

MILPITAS, Calif. — In a small church nestled in Silicon Valley's affluent tech corridor, something unique is happening. Wellspring Community Seventh-day Adventist Church has thrived for 22 years without a pastor, instead embracing a lay-led model that empowers every member to participate in ministry.

“We wanted everyone involved,” said Head Elder Glenn Quiñones, who has served in the role for 10 years. “When there’s a dedicated pastor, members and leaders can grow too comfortable and step aside. We decided the whole church family should stay engaged.”

A Church Planted from Necessity

Wellspring began in 2003 as a church plant from San Jose Filipino Church, now known as Evergreen church. The founding members, many of whom had worshipped together for nearly 40 years, sought a different approach to ministry — one that would engage every believer in active service.

"It has been rewarding and challenging," Quinones acknowledged. "Sometimes we have very strong leadership, and there can be conflict because some want to do one thing while others prefer another approach. But we always pray, and God leads us to make the right decisions."

Despite members traveling significant distances — some from as far as Lathrop, 65 miles away — attendance remains consistent. The congregation draws from Elk Grove, Hayward, Santa Clara, and surrounding communities, creating a diverse fellowship that transcends geographic boundaries.

Ministry Through Many Hands

Wellspring is a lay-led congregation where members often serve in multiple ministries. Each leader shoulders a specific area of church life—and the entire church rallies behind them.

Marilyn Goldenberg leads the deaconess ministry, sending daily prayers and scripture verses to members while organizing food assistance for those in need. Sue Alefosio heads the homeless outreach program, continuing work that began under previous leadership. Renee Koerner directs literature distribution efforts, including door-to-door evangelism with "The Great Controversy" in their assigned territory.

"Whatever hat someone is wearing, we support them," said Rachel Rivera, a longtime member. "If I'm wearing a different hat, everybody supports me. We work together."

The church’s music ministries remain vibrant: a ladies chorus and Tone Chimes ensemble now share the stage with the newly formed Angklung ensemble, which performs at senior facilities. Prayer ministry leader Florence Quinones coordinates weekly intercessions for families and individuals and manages a rapid-response network for urgent requests.

Behind the scenes, Wellspring runs a surprisingly robust A/V production and live-streaming operation for a church its size. Led by Matt Koerner, the team produces weekly services and special programs that reach homebound members and former Bay Area residents who retain membership from afar. Koerner is training three young people to assist him, and his latest report shows Wellspring’s broadcasts have been viewed in 101 countries.

Reaching an Affluent Community

Milpitas presents unique evangelistic challenges. The area's economic prosperity can create spiritual complacency, leaders noted.

"People tend to be comfortable materially but not spiritually," Quinones explained. "We have to be creative in reaching them."

The predominantly Buddhist and Hindu community requires patient, persistent outreach. While some literature ends up discarded, the church continues systematic door-to-door work in their assigned territory, trusting God to work in hearts.

Facing Modern Challenges

Like many churches, Wellspring struggles with youth retention. Young people graduate, attend college and often relocate, sometimes losing connection with their home church.

"We just lost one more," Rachel noted sadly. "Some transfer to churches offering tuition assistance. We keep praying for them. Prayer is the only thing that will bring them back."

The congregation, now showing its age after more than two decades, faces physical limitations as well. Some previously active members are now homebound, requiring increased support from remaining healthy members.

Community-Centered Approach

The name "Wellspring Community Church" reflects intentional inclusivity. While maintaining Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and Saturday worship, the church welcomes seekers from various backgrounds.

"Not everybody is an Adventist," Rachel explained. "We have people who are Catholic, Methodist — they're looking for something. In the past, we had homeless people come in. We maintain our potluck because sometimes homeless people come, and that's another way of serving them."

Looking Forward

Currently, Wellspring is preparing for Pentecost 2025, mobilizing the entire congregation for evangelistic outreach. Plans include a letter-writing campaign to reconnect with distant members and families who have moved but maintained membership ties.

After 22 years of lay leadership, Wellspring Community Church demonstrates that ministry effectiveness doesn't require professional clergy — committed believers willing to serve wherever needed.

"I think it's a blessing in disguise," Rachel reflected. "Nobody can sit down. Even our children are doing something. They do crafts for homebound members. Everyone is involved."

Written by Justin Kim