About Jeff

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. — Galatians 2:20

About

Faith, growth, and genuine connection.

Jeff Buckner at Barclay-Rex Pipe Shop in Manhattan

A native of southwestern Michigan, I moved to Southern California in the late 1980s. After relocating to San Diego in 2017, my wife, Carole, and I discovered Christ Community Church. Attracted by the welcoming community and the church's proximity to our home, we soon built close friendships and have since become deeply involved in the life of the church.

I put my faith in Jesus Christ at age fifteen. My walk with Christ since then has included seasons of growth and leadership, seasons of difficulty and sorrow, and finally a profound realization of what it means to fully surrender one’s life to the care of God. Today, I have a deep desire to help people overcome strongholds, know Jesus personally, grow as His disciples, and become confident in sharing His love with others.

I am active in discipleship, evangelism, recovery, and teaching ministries at Christ Community Church. I lead the Life Recovery Group, serve in men’s ministry, and, together with my wife, Carole, host the Grateful Saints life group. I also have a heart for local outreach through a ministry that places children’s Bibles in local laundromats, and I spend time in area coffee shops connecting with people and sharing the gospel through what I call my coffee shop ministry. I especially love studying Scripture, writing about the Bible, talking with people about Jesus, and helping believers realize that sharing their faith does not have to be complicated or intimidating.

I believe one of the most powerful ways Christians can share Christ is simply by telling the truth about what Jesus has done in their own lives. In the class I teach, Sharing My Story, my goal is to help believers understand their own testimony, communicate it clearly, and confidently use it to point others to Jesus.

Before devoting much of my time to ministry, I spent more than thirty years leading technology initiatives at Fortune 500 companies. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Spring Arbor University, an Executive Management credential at UCLA, and a Paralegal Certificate from UC San Diego. My professional credentials include Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and postgraduate training in generative artificial intelligence through Purdue University.

Ministries

Serving people. Pointing to Jesus.

These are the places where I am currently serving, learning, teaching, and walking alongside others in faith.

Jeff Buckner with members of Christ Community Church

Pastor, Christ Community Church

Serving as a licensed pastor at Christ Community Church and celebrating my commissioning on August 30.

Read the commissioning update
Men gathering together around a table

Men’s Ministry

A weekly gathering for men who want to know Jesus, grow in His Word, and encourage one another.

View the group
Illustration representing discipleship and spiritual growth

Men’s Discipleship Training

Helping ordinary men grow closer to Jesus and learn to walk alongside others.

Explore the training
Man walking along a road with a Bible

Recovery Ministry

A Christ-centered place to pursue freedom, healing, and steady growth alongside others.

Learn about recovery
Christ Community Church Sunday service times

Sunday Service Operations

Serving the weekly gathering of a Jesus-first, Bible-based, non-denominational church.

Visit Christ Community Church
Jeff Buckner and friends at Jaunt Coffee Roasters in San Diego

Coffee Shop Ministry

Coffee, conversations about life, and the good news about Jesus—most weekday mornings at Jaunt Coffee Roasters.

Read my Jaunt Coffee Roasters review
Jeff Buckner with a fellow disciple in front of a wooden cross

1-on-1 Discipleship

Walking alongside men personally as they grow in faith, Scripture, prayer, and everyday obedience to Jesus.

Start a conversation
Illustration representing the Gospel message

Evangelism

Sharing the good news of God’s love, handing out John’s Gospel booklets by Pocket Testament League, and helping people know Jesus personally.

Learn about PTL
Ministries I'm currently involved in

Christ Community Church, San Diego

Tuesdays · 6:30-8 p.m. · Christ Community Church

Men's Life Group

We call it “Buddies with Bibles”. We like to think we’re a friendly group of guys who love to laugh and learn God’s word together. Not sure about God? Then you’re especially welcome!

More info at gotochrist.com →
Forming now. Every other Saturday 8:30-10 a.m. starting Jan. 9, 2027

Men's Discipleship Training

Intimacy with Jesus is the cornerstone that naturally inspires and fuels true obedience. This free training isn't another program to consume. It’s a way to become a man who walks with Jesus and helps other men do the same.

Explore the training →
Fridays · 6:30–8 P.M. · Buckner residence in Scripps Ranch

Mixed Life Group

All are welcome! We are a group that loves God and loves to study his Word. Whether you’re a seasoned follower of Jesus or just exploring the whole concept of God, we’re sure you’ll love this friendly, Christ-centered group.

More info at gotochrist.com →
Mondays · 6-7 p.m. · Christ Community Church

Life Recovery Group

This is a safe and loving 12-step group where you’ll find freedom from addictions and victory over life’s difficulties through Jesus Christ, the one, true “higher power”. Confidentiality is strictly enforced. All are welcome!

More info at gotochrist.com →
Oct. 20 & 27 · 6:30–8 PM · Christ Community Church

How to Share the Gospel

In this two-session class, I’ll share some ways to easily and confidently share the gospel with family members, friends, and even complete strangers. We call it “sharing my story”. You’ll write your story and practice delivering it.

More info at gotochrist.com →

Personal Ministries & Services

FOR MEN

1-on-1 Discipleship

Open to all men. Whether you’re seeking a deeper relationship with Christ or just curious about God, Jesus, etc. this 1-on-1 discipleship is for you. We’ll use the same curriculum as the men’s discipleship group training but on an individual basis.

Learn more →
As invited

Speaking Engagements

Pulpit supply, men's retreats, and events — expositional teaching that lands on Monday, not just Sunday.

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Ongoing

Kids' Laundromat Bibles

Children's Bibles left where families wait — free, in English and Spanish.

Learn more →
Ongoing

Coffee Shop Evangelism

Gospel conversations with strangers, in the ordinary places of the city.