Our Staff

  • Rev. Tawni Garcia

    Lead Pastor

    I'm Pastor Tawni Garcia, and I am thrilled to offer you a glimpse into my story. I hold a Master of Divinity Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and bring 12 years of diverse ministry experience to our wonderful church.

    My vocational path has taken me from the role of Community Life Pastor to Executive Pastor, and now, I am honored to serve as the Lead Pastor of this incredible congregation. My heartbeat aligns with the all-encompassing love of God, driven by a deep passion for sharing that love with others.

    I firmly believe that the local church is the hope of the world, and I express my faith through radical welcome and hospitality. Initially starting my ministry journey in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, my family and I embraced a new chapter in Arizona three years ago.


    I relish the opportunity to walk alongside each of you in the unfolding of a fresh chapter in the life of our church. Together, let's nurture a community where love, connection, and the grace of God flourish.

  • John Marlatt

    Administrative Volunteer


    John Marlatt is an essential member of First Christian Church of Mesa, having been a dedicated part of our congregation his entire life. Beyond his commitment to the church, John is a devoted grandfather to six (6) beloved grandchildren, embodying the values of love and family that are central to our community. 

    When John isn't volunteering his time at the church, he enjoys the companionship of his cherished Labrador Retriever, Molly. In his role as administrative volunteer, John plays a crucial part in shaping our worship experience by carefully selecting the music for our service each week, inspiring others in their spiritual journey, and signing up to be the Worship Leader whenever needed. His unwavering dedication to the church, whether through administration, leading, or offering assistance when needed, is a testament to his selflessness and commitment to helping our church grow and thrive. 

    We are deeply grateful for John's contributions and are privileged to have him as an integral part of our team. 


  • Kevin Carpenter

    Praise Band Leader

    Kevin Carpenter brings over 40 years of musical experience to our praise team at FCC Mesa. A versatile musician, Kevin plays 6 and 12-string guitars, harmonica, and drums, in addition to leading our congregation in heartfelt worship. With a passion for both modern and classic praise music, Kevin blends contemporary worship songs with timeless hymns, creating an inclusive and uplifting worship experience for all. His gift for connecting with the congregation through music invites everyone to join in, whether singing along to a favorite worship song or discovering new ones. Kevin’s dedication to God through music enlivens our services and helps us draw closer to the Lord each week. In his free time, Kevin enjoys camping, swimming, and spending quality time with his two dogs. 

  • Joy Elaine

    Pianist

    Joy Elaine brings a wealth of musical talent and experience to FCC Mesa. With a background in Music Ministry and proficiency in piano, flute, clarinet, and harp, Joy enriches our worship services with her diverse musical abilities. Her passion for worship and dedication to her craft allow her to seamlessly blend traditional hymns on the piano with the deep, melodious sound of the organ, creating an inclusive and uplifting experience for our entire congregation. Throughout her career, Joy has served in various roles, including Music Leader and Choir Director, and she is also a dedicated music instructor, offering private lessons in theory, technique, and method. Whether leading a hymn or accompanying the congregation, Joy’s music fosters a worshipful atmosphere, drawing us closer to God.