Meet the men and women on our leadership team

Sam Villalta

Lead Pastor of The Falls Church

Born and raised in Southern California, Sam is a first-generation American with Central American heritage. His journey to ministry was unconventional, starting with an aspiring pursuit of a career in the music industry as a drummer and later transitioning to the business world. After completing his Master's Degree in Business, Sam worked as a Marketing Representative for some of America's largest financial institutions.

Despite his success in business, Sam always felt called to ministry. He became involved in local and international missions, and during one of these trips, he felt led by the Holy Spirit to pursue vocational ministry. Sam went on to graduate from the School of Pastoral Ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and served as a Pastoral intern for a local Orange County church plant. Following his training, Sam worked for an international Christian ministry, leading a children's choir from Uganda on a national tour across the United States.

After a year of touring, Sam and his wife Kapri were called to help revitalize a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) ministry in Fort Worth, Texas. For over six years, Sam served as the Outreach, Missions, and Evangelism Pastor in Texas. During this time, he helped establish healthy church structures, assisted in expository preaching, and engaged with the local community.

Continuing his education, Sam was accepted into Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is currently completing his Master's in Theological Studies with an emphasis on Cross-Cultural Missions. Sam reflects on his journey: "I've been fortunate to have an authentic discipleship training experience under high-capacity, relationally intentional, and Gospel-led leaders and ministries.

It has been an honor to have their endorsement as God has led me through each phase of pastoral ministry. "Today, Sam shares his life and ministry with his wife Kapri and their three children: Selah, Uriah, and Ava. Their family's mission is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and welcome everyone in His love. Sam's vision is for The Falls Church to become a place where people "Pursue Christ Together."
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