Joseph Salajan

Pastor Joe was born in Romania where he started his education. He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology. He continued his academic formation with a master program offered by Andrews University (Master of Arts in Religion), followed by a Doctor of Ministry program in Preaching (2020) at the same university. (Topic: Training, Equipping, and Developing Teenagers for Preaching with a Prophetic Emphasis). 

Before accepting a call to the Southeastern California Conference as Lead Pastor of the Laguna Niguel SDA Church, he worked as a pastor of the North-Transylvania Conference and the Florida Conference. He served as Director of the Education Department and coordinator of the Music Department of the North-Transylvania Conference, where, besides pastoral and administrative responsibilities, he also worked as a high school teacher. He currently teaches a class of Biblical Hermeneutics at the University of Montemorelos.  

Pastor Joe is a dynamic communicator, with some background in radio and TV production, committed to dedicate his rhetorical abilities, passion for exegesis, and fascination for linguistics to the service of the Word. His multicultural and multi-linguistic communication skills have been catalysts in creating bridges among diverse cultural and social backgrounds. He is committed to be an excellent preacher, deeply rooted in Christ Jesus, who brings the Word to life and brings about divine solutions for the challenges of postmodern and metamodern life. His goal is to model ministry to the point where leaders and members of the church are not only empowered, but also ready to empower other people and tap into their potential.

One of the hobbies that have added flavor and color to Pastor Joe’s ministry is music. He sings and plays several instruments. In the past, he founded and conducted choirs, string orchestras and brass bands, created musical arrangements and wrote original music (including lyrics). Another hobby that has enhanced the quality of his ministry is languages. He is a passionate polyglot that had the privilege to preach in 7 languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Romanian and Hungarian. 

Along with his wonderfully gifted musical wife and ministry partner, Anda, who is a composer and professional piano and flute player, and their beautiful and talented children, Alessandra (6) and Bryan (3), he aims to proclaim God’s irresistibly attractive saving grace. His motto: “All I have is gift; all I am is grace!”