From left to right: Senior Pastor Rob Brooks, Ministry Leader Rebecca Brooks, Office Administrator Jane Qualey and Pastoral Assistant Bryan Moselle.
We are blessed to be on staff at UBC! We are grateful to God for our roles here, enjoy working together as a team, and love serving alongside the numerous UBC volunteers. There are so many of them, and they give so much!
Senior Pastor Rob Brooks
Senior Pastor Rob Brooks
Rob grew up on the East Coast and never thought he would become a pastor; it didn’t even make the list of expected careers. But, as a teenager he personally trusted in Jesus Christ for the first time. Over a couple years, through the influence of a youth pastor, his own desire to help others understand the reality of Jesus, experiences in service, and the people around him, he realized God’s call to serve Him.
He became the pastor of University Bible Church in 2009. His background includes serving as an associate pastor and college pastor at two different evangelical churches in Southern California. Like UBC’s founding pastor, he is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div). He has been married to Rebecca, a fellow PTS graduate, since 1999, who is an amazing wife, ministry partner, and best friend. They have four sons: Daniel, Ryan, Jason and Jonathan. He loves being with his family, books, movies, basketball, surfing, and the beach. Rob and Rebecca thoroughly enjoy living in Los Angeles, and love the community of Westwood.
How did you become a Christian?
I grew up in a church but I believed religion/God was not for me; it was a distant thing and not relevant to my life. But in my teenage years, through a couple of older men and through reading a devotional book, I realized that Jesus was alive, He is God and this fact is incredibly relevant to my life – it actually changes everything about life. It was in the late summer of 1990 that I realized the reality of Jesus Christ and committed my life to Him.
What brought you to UBC?
I was the assistant pastor at a church about an hour away, and God had spoken to my heart, showing me that I would not be there much longer. It was as if the calling to that church lifted off my heart. This was a surprise, since it was a great church and the senior pastor and I got along very well. Soon after I felt that, a speaker from Jews for Jesus (and now a good friend), Tuvya Zaretsky, came to speak at that church and afterward we had a long talk about the future. He happened to be on the pastoral search committee here at UBC, which had been without a pastor for 2 years. Rebecca and I prayed and visited the church, and through the search process we sensed God’s leading to come here.
What are your favorite kind of books?
This is a tough question. I have almost no time to read novels any more, so I don’t. Besides the Bible, theology and apologetics books, I enjoy well-written biographies and historical books. Edmund Morris’ trilogy on Theodore Roosevelt is probably the best biography series I’ve ever read. Eric Metaxas’ Bonhoeffer is a great read. I really like Henry Cloud’s work on leadership and psychology. Dallas Willard. C.S. Lewis. Charles Spurgeon.
What is your favorite classic movie?
The ‘80s and ‘90s are “classic” for me! I’m not really into old black and whites. Some of my all time favorites include Lord of the Rings, original Star Wars, Indiana Jones, A Few Good Men, Hunt for Red October, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Good superhero and legal movies are fun too.
Snow or beach?
I’ll take the beach 10 times out of 10.
Least favorite subject in school?
Chemistry
Starbucks, Coffee Bean or Peet’s?
I would say Peet’s, with Starbucks in second place. Coffee Been has some great drinks other than their drip coffee which just tastes bland to me.
Things you miss about living in other places?
Lack of traffic, of course. The peace and quiet without constant noise. But that’s about it – the weather here makes up for a lot!
Office Administrator Jane Qualey
Office Administrator Jane Qualey
I grew up here in Los Angeles as a native. I rededicated my life to Christ in May of 1985 after attending University Bible church with my soon-to-be husband Pat. I’ve been attending and worshiping here for all those years since. I raised my children in this church and consider the people here to be my family. I enjoy helping people, meeting new people, and feeding people. I took the job of church secretary in 2009, and have taken on many other jobs in the church since then. I enjoy serving the Lord here and plan on doing so as long as I am able!
What is your favorite classic movie?
Chinatown.
What is one of your hobbies?
I like to cook and I have my own catering business.
Snow or beach?
This would be a very close tie but I guess the beach would win out.
Where is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?
Tahiti, on my honeymoon – it was beautiful!
What’s the most fun thing you’ve done in LA?
One of the most fun things I have done is to ride in a helicopter over to Catalina Island.
Ministry Leader Rebecca Brooks
Ministry Leader Rebecca Brooks
I’ve spent many years in ministry and am blessed to now be serving with UBC. I grew up in Seattle, WA and became a Christian late in high school. After four years of playing NCAA golf at Pepperdine, I graduated with my B.A. in Religion. I spent two summers working at a Christian Camp (Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp) and felt that I was made for camp! Still not feeling equipped to enter paid ministry, I went on to Princeton Theological Seminary to acquire more education and ministerial experience. While acquiring my M.Div., I interned as a youth pastor and interned as a chaplain at a men’s medium security prison. I also met this awesome guy – a fellow Princeton Seminary student. (My definition of “awesome” at the time: kind, gentlemen, genuine, athletic, super smart, committed Christian, and good-looking. ) We married during our third year and moved to southern California after graduation to begin ministry together. I first worked as a youth pastor (I love teens!), then worked for a non-profit organization traveling around the country speaking on youth and marital relationships, took some time off to have four rambunctious boys, and then began the UBC Mom’s Group. I am currently serving as the Interim Children’s Director and absolutely LOVE serving with the kids and our incredible UBC Kids Church teachers and ministry leaders. Our Kids Church ROCKS! (We basically host a VBS every Sunday!) I love spending time with my still awesome husband, our still rambunctious four boys, and our church family. I also enjoy playing sports, games, Christian camp craziness, puzzles, organizing, serving alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ, and anything with the words “fun,” “loud,” and “fast” in it. I do it all for the Kingdom of Christ, and am so grateful that Jesus blesses me so much along the way. God is so good!
How long have you been a part of UBC?
Since February 2009.
How did you become a Christian?
Largely through the prayers of my paternal grandmother. She was a devout Christian and a prayer warrior! I went to a Jesuit Preparatory High School (Bellarmine Prep) and began to learn a lot about the Bible and the Christian faith. The teachers really emphasized a personal relationship with Jesus. After a lot of questioning, I first concluded that there was a God, and then, while reading through the Gospel of Matthew on our Senior Encounter, I was struck by the humility, love, faithfulness, and graciousness of Jesus during his trial and crucifixion and realized that Jesus was truly the Son of God. Then when I turned the page and read that he rose from the dead – that was all the proof I needed! I then lived a life for a couple years believing in Jesus, but dedicated to living the life the way I wanted to live it. While a sophomore in college, I came to the realization that living a life without having given it to Jesus was as foolish as could be. I was baptized on September 19, 1997. It was then that I gave Jesus my life and have tried my best to follow him ever since.
How has your spiritual practice helped in your home life?
I wouldn’t have a home life without my dependence upon Jesus! Without his help and guidance, my marriage would be a wreck and I would yell at my children all the time! It is only by his teaching through the Bible and by his grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit, that I am able to be loving, kind, gentle, and patient with my husband and children. (And I am still not that way all the time because I’m not always listening to God!!!) I am so grateful for Jesus’ grace to me and for the Holy Spirit’s help throughout every moment of every day.
What clubs or groups are you involved with at UBC?
Right now I head up Sunday Morning Kids Church and Sunday Night Kids Church, I lead the Mom’s Group, and I oversee the Teen Ministry. In the past, I have overseen the College Group and 20/30 Ministry, and spent a year as a member of the worship team (singing, playing some guitar, and playing bass). When we first came to UBC, I started up a senior high girls Bible Study and led that study for 2 1/2 years. I then began the Sunday Night Youth Group and led that for two years. I also taught the 9:00 am Teen Sunday School for a year (which is now at 10:00 am). Last summer I co-taught the adult Sunday night summer series with Pastor Rob. And I love serving with UBC’s UCLA Study Spot!
What are your favorite places in Los Angeles?
My home, UBC, the beach, Si Laa (an amazingly delicious Thai restaurant in Pico/Robertson – it’s my absolute favorite food. Very expensive, but sooooooooooooo delicious!!!), Burke Williams Day Spa (I first learned of this from the UBC Mom’s Group who generously gifted me with a gift certificate. I rarely get there, but oh my goodness – it is dreamy! When I go, I spend the entire day in the women’s Quiet Room where I nap, read, and pray. It’s amazing!!!), and definitely Diddy Reese. (I thought I made the best cookies ever until I experienced Diddy Reese. Their white chocolate chip cookies – without nuts! – are tooooooo yummy!!! And seriously, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches??!! Ah! Now I want one! I’m convinced there will be a Diddy Reese in heaven.)
What are your favorite books?
The Bible. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters, all by C.S. Lewis. I’ve pretty much only read parenting books for the past 10 years, but I used to love snuggling up with a good book. I remember really enjoying the Mitford Series by Jan Karon and Francine Rivers books, and I absolutely love the Laura Ingalls Wilder series and Anne of Green Gables.
Do you have any creative outlets?
I’m not very artistic, but I’m creative with ideas. I love brainstorming solutions to problems and trying them out. I love improving things. I LOVE organizing, which I consider to be very creative!
Pastoral Assistant Bryan Moselle
Pastoral Assistant Bryan Moselle
A third generation Angeleno, Bryan Moselle joined the pastoral ministry team at University Bible church in February 2016. Bryan came to faith in Jesus Christ at a young age through conviction that the Bible he was reading was the truth. Since 2006 he has held various ministry and managerial positions in local churches and overseas with Samaritan’s Purse International Relief. He has nearly a decade of experience working in international missions in 11 countries in Africa and was a former Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He met his Kenyan wife Anne while working in ministry in Nairobi, Kenya, and together they are blessed with four children: Joshua, Imani, Hannah, and Richard. Bryan is a graduate of the University of Pretoria (Ph.D.), and Talbot School of Theology, Biola University (Th.M., M.Div.). He loves spending time with his family, wrestling with his kids, surfing, and Tito’s Tacos.
What brought you to UBC?
What I love about UBC is the faithful teaching of the Scriptures and the fun and friendly family atmosphere that our church creates.
Favorite classic movie?
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Snow or beach?
Beach
Being in Los Angeles, have you ever had a celebrity encounter?
David Beckham at Coffee Bean on Beverly Glen and Santa Monica Blvd.
Least favorite subject in school?
Math
Starbucks, Coffee Bean or Peet’s?
Peet’s but Starbucks Kenya AA roast is hard to beat
Things you miss about living in other places?
The Kenyan coast, surfing in Cape Town, South Africa, Biltong, and my wife’s family in Nairobi.
What are your favorite books or authors?
There are 66 of “favorite books” and 40 or so authors.