GETTING to KNOW The Rev. Erik Khoobyarian
BY MIKE CONKLIN In a move both enthusiastically and
credentials, Rev. Khoobyarian brings
Interdisciplinary Studies. Following,
unanimously approved by Pinnacle
this distinctive background to the
he enrolled at Santa Clara University
leaders, following a year-long search
Pinnacle pulpit: For more than a
School of Law and, upon graduation
Rev. Erik Khoobyarian has been
decade, he practiced law before
in 2003, began his career as a lawyer.
named the new executive associate
enrolling in theological seminary. “I
pastor.
find definite parallels between these
In his legal practice, he represented
two callings,” he said.
clients in all stages of dispute resolution
“Our Pastoral Search Committee
including
negotiations,
worked very hard to determine the
Erik was raised in the San Jose area in
mediations, and litigation leading up
most effective way to find and vet top
California, in what is well known as
to, and including, courtroom trials.
candidates,” said Fred Brown, Elder
Silicon Valley, and, as a youth, he was
for Ministry Group. “Their work gave
extremely active in the Presbyterian
“I was able in my law practice to see
us both an extraordinary individual
Church of Los Gatos. This included
people and hear their stories in some
and addition to our church.”
attending camps, work trips, advisor/
of the most difficult times of their
leadership roles, and, as early as
lives,” he said. “I saw myself as being
Senior Pastor Rev. Wesley Avram,
12 years old, served on all-church
both a serious attorney and counselor
speaking in a letter to the congregation,
committees. He was a head usher
who builds a case. I continue to see
said: “Erik will help us make progress
before graduating from high school.
that role as a pastor.”
we’ve been eager to work on for some
He enrolled at American University in
At the same time, he served important
time, but time has not allowed.”
Washington D.C., where he received
lay roles at his Los Gatos church,
a Bachelor degree in 1998 with a
Synod of the Pacific and with the
double major in Political Science and
Presbytery of San Jose. This included
in areas of ministry development
In addition to outstanding pastoral
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Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022
