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 11 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 a lost and hurting world.

    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.