Eric Opton

Eric Opton started serving as Monterey’s Youth Minister in 1991 after working as an intern for two summers. He is married to his “much smarter half,” Laura, and they have two children together- Ryan and Masen. Ryan is a recent graduate of Pepperdine University and currently lives in Los Angeles. Masen is a basketball and baseball loving high schooler. They also have two dogs, but if you add them together, they are actually about the size of one really small dog. Eric acquired his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Before working at Monterey, Eric waited tables to pay for college, worked for a summer installing sprinkler systems, and even worked in a video store (that is a place that people used to have to physically visit to rent movies to watch at home). Eric loves anything sports and active, and especially enjoys playing, coaching, and watching basketball. A fun fact about Eric is that he received his first technical foul ever in 2020 for explaining a rule to the ref - and yes, he is embarrassed. Eric also loves mint tea, which is heaven sent (believe it!). His favorite verse is John 10:10, which says, “Jesus came to give us a life that is more!” Other staff members say his spiritual gifts are giving, wisdom, and compassion.