Our Mission
Excellence That Opens Doors
Jesus Rules Ministries exists to spread the Gospel through professional athletic excellence. We believe Christians are called to be in the world — not hiding from it, but competing at the highest level, earning credibility, and using that platform to share the truth of Christ.
Jesus didn't call us to retreat from the world — He sent us into it. For us, that means competing at the highest level of professional beach volleyball, building genuine relationships with players and fans, and sharing the good news of Christ wherever the tour takes us.
When you compete at the top, people listen. They want to know what drives you. And when they ask, you don't need a megaphone — you just need the truth.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
— Matthew 28:19
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
— 1 Peter 3:15
~20
Pro tournaments per year
2–3x
Weekly discipleship sessions
6+
Countries reached
Head Coach & Director
Michael Clark
In 2020, while the world was shutting down, Michael felt God calling him back to Southern California with a specific vision: start a discipleship group that trains guys to be great at the game and great in the Word. Not just put a Jesus sticker on volleyball — actually develop complete players.
He and his family moved to Irvine, and when he discovered the Great Park volleyball courts, he knew. Before any group existed, Michael and his son Caleb would run around those courts and pray over them. In the fall of 2021, he sent a text to every competitive player he knew: show up if you want to be serious about the game and serious about the Bible.
What started with just a few faithful guys has grown to 12–16. Michael sets the vision, leads discipleship, coaches the team, and travels to every tournament. He's the one people come to — players, refs, strangers on the beach — because he meets everyone where they are. When it comes to where this ministry goes and how it gets there, Michael is the one steering the ship.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17
Athlete & President
Diego Perez
A year or two out of high school, Diego wanted to play professional beach volleyball but had no direction. Then he got a random text from a guy named Mike: “I'm doing a discipleship training group — show up at the Great Park.” He showed up. That decision changed everything.
Under Michael's coaching, Diego qualified for the AVP his first year and finished ninth in Denver. But somewhere along the way, he printed a batch of shirts — big cross on the front, “Jesus Rules” in bold on the back — and what started as a simple statement became a ministry.
Today Diego is a nationally ranked professional competing on the AVP and FIVB tours with his sights set on the 2028 LA Olympics. Off the court, he's the one who builds and runs everything behind the scenes — the website, merchandise, content production, finances, and day-to-day operations. Michael points the direction; Diego makes sure there's a road to get there.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
— Colossians 3:23
Governance
Board & Transparency
Jesus Rules Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to transparency and accountability.
EIN
33-3630279
Status
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt
Board of Directors
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses professional beach volleyball to spread the Gospel worldwide. Founded in 2021 and based in Southern California.
Diego Perez (President) and Michael Clark (Head Coach & Director). Diego is a professional beach volleyball player ranked in the top 40 nationally, pursuing the 2028 LA Olympics with partner Dave Wieczorek.
Through tax-deductible donations, merchandise sales, and partnerships. 100% of contributions go toward tournament travel, outreach events, and discipleship training.
Yes, it’s a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 33-3630279). All donations are tax-deductible.
On the AVP League, Heritage Majors, Heritage Contenders, and international Beach Pro Tour circuits across the United States and internationally.