On April 9, 2021, at the age of 55, our founding pastor Chuck Ryor went to be with his Heavenly Father after a tragic highway accident. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to so many. Chuck was born June 3, 1965, in Battle Creek, MI, to John E. and Carol Ryor. He was the fifth of six children and the only son.

Chuck founded and served as the pastor of The Chapel at Pasadena in Pasadena, CA. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Communications at Providence Christian College in Pasadena. Pastor Chuck received his Ph.D. from Florida State University, where his research interest was religious rhetoric. He grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and attended West Virginia University, graduating with a B.S. degree in Journalism. After working for several years in Christian radio and founding the Christian station that became Way-FM Tallahassee, Chuck attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL, and entered pastoral ministry full-time. He served for eight years as the Pastor to Students at Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL. Subsequently, Chuck founded Center Point Church in Tallahassee, where he served as the senior minister for five years there before moving to California. He has two published books: The Narrow Trail: The Wanderer's Guide to Finding Jesus and Three Tips for Campus Survival: Holding Onto Your Faith Through Your College Experience.

Chuck left an incalculable legacy at the Chapel. As the founding pastor, he shaped the early vision and mission of the church. It was his passion that the Chapel would be a home for the wounded and burned out on religion. His warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit is still reflected in the culture of the Chapel.