staff and ministry Leadership

For every protestant congregation, it should be stated clearly that Christ Jesus is the head of the church (Col 1:17-18), the primary authority in the church (Matt. 28:18-20), and even beyond this - the King of all creation (Rev 1:5). And therefore, everyone in the church - at every recognized capacity is joyfuling submitting to the direction and instruction given to us by Christ in His word.

Further - we understand God's instruction in His word is such that every covenant church member is responsible to care for every other church member (Eph 4:1-6, Heb12:15). Through the sacrifice and righteousness of Jesus, we are all members of God’s family (Romans 8:15).

We also understand the Scriptures to teach that a healthy, local congregation is ordered and organized according to three covenant affirming groups - each with its own set of complementary responsibilities. These three groups include members, deacons, and pastors.

MEMBERS

All members are responsible for practicing the “one-another” commands of Scripture to all other members.

DEACONS

Deacons have not only the privilege and responsibility in their scriptural duties as members, but the additional responsibility according to its office (1 Tim 3:8-13) to serve in specific tasks that help to preserve the unity of the church amid its glorious diversity.

PASTORS

Pastors—also called elders (note - a plurality is ideal) —serve a local congregation as those who are primarily charged with leading and loving by preaching, praying (Acts 6:4) and equipping members to serve one another, so the whole church matures in proclaiming and obeying the truth in love (Ephesians 4).

Background:
Nick first trusted in Jesus after being involved in AWANA children’s ministry and seeing the gospel at work in the lives of his grandparents. Nick completed his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from California Polytechnic University in 2000 and was also involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at that school. After serving for 3 years as the Pastor of Youth at Granada Baptist Church in Livermore, Nick was ordained as a minister of the gospel. He served as pastor of student ministries at First Family Church from 2005 to 2012. In 2006 Nick graduated with a Master’s of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Nick shares the blessing of ministry with his wife Missie and their five boys, Adam, Samuel, Henry, Justus, Benjamin and one daughter - Rosie.

Background:
Paul comes out of a cultural Roman Catholic background, but due to the Lord's providential working - he was an atheist at a very young age. In 2003, he was invited to an evangelistic outreach at FFC and later that evening - the Lord revealed Himself to Paul and changed his whole life around. Paul received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a History Option from California State East Bay in 2012, and graduated witha Masters of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in 2016. He has been serving in pastoral ministry at FFC since 2009

Paul met his bride Anna at FFC and got to know her while serving at the church with her over her summer break. They have 6 children - Silas, Oliver, Eleanor, Madeline, Josephine, and Elizabeth.

Background:
Shawn grew up in a family that had a belief in God, but he was never taught that faith in Christ was more than mere belief. Through a life altering car accident, he was driven to the realization that he could not control his life. The knowledge that there was a God and that he was sinful and that he needed him, struck him hard. In that moment, he dropped to his knees and cried out to God in repentance and submission to his authority. Ever since then, Shawn has been active in the life of the church, as well as in his personal walk with Christ.

Shawn and Eileen have been married for over 30 years. They have four adult children who are all married and have 5 grandchildren and counting!