Meet the Board of Directors:        

Paul Zeek – President

With experience as a youth pastor, children's pastor, and executive pastor, Paul brings over 25 years of successful spiritual leadership to his role as an MC board member. In addition to his theological education, Paul holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Foresight. Paul formerly served as Chief of Staff in the California State Assembly. He enjoys family, reading, and walking, and he especially enjoys helping people and organizations experience God's transforming power. Paul has been married to Terriann for over 40 years and loves spending time with her and their six grandchildren.

Greg Christie - Vice President

Born and raised in Modesto, Greg’s mother was a teacher and tutor whose career spanned seven decades, so he understands and values the importance of education. Greg holds a master's degree in management, and he has been selling information technology products and services to large and small businesses for the last 25 years. He has been married to Sharon for 35 years and they have three adult children, including their daughter, Erin, who graduated from MC in 2014. Greg’s calling to serve on the MC Board is to bear witness to the Lord's hand in stirring a revival in every student, family, employee, and board member associated with MC.

Janine Runnels - Treasurer

Janine, an alumna of MC, taught music for 26 years in public and private schools, including 13 years at Modesto Christian. Joining the MC Board in 2022, Janine brings the perspective of a former MC teacher and student, along with the knowledge gained from running her family’s business where she leads 30+ employees and oversees sales and operations. Following Jesus is her joy and passion, and she is thrilled to watch MC students shine brightly as they learn about Jesus and grow in knowledge. Janine is married to Joe, and together they have four children and two precious grandsons.

Cheryl Layman - Secretary

Cheryl has been part of the Modesto Christian family for many years. She is married to Stuart, an MC alumnus, and has two daughters who attended MC from kindergarten through 12th grade. Cheryl has served in many areas on campus, including working in Extended Day Care, volunteering in classrooms, participating in the Crusader Parent Club, and being actively involved in Performing Arts. Having a passion for all things MC, Cheryl joined the Board of Directors in 2022. "Once a Crusader, always a Crusader" certainly rings true for her. She has a heart for Christian education and wants all MC students to understand how much Jesus loves them.

Kyle & Marcia Bethke - Members

Kyle and Marcia are pastors of One Church, where they have served for 13 years. They bring with them almost 25 years of pastoral ministry experience and a passion to see this generation discipled in the Lord. Kyle and Marcia have three children, including Jaxen, an MC 6th-grade student. Serving on the MC Board since 2019, they strongly believe in the mission of MC, which is to develop Christ-centered leaders through excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts – and they love supporting the staff and faculty to that end. 

Terriann Zeek - Member

In 2023, Terriann felt God’s call to join the MC Board of Directors. Along with being a long-time tutor and tutoring business owner, she brings with her 17 years of experience on the Sylvan Union School District Board of Trustees and 25+ years of leadership experience in youth and children’s ministries. She’s passionate about Christ transforming the lives of young people, and she fully embraces the mission of Modesto Christian. Terriann is married to Paul, and together they have three daughters and six adorable grandchildren.