Fernando & Elizabeth Villicana
Lead Pastors
Fernando & Elizabeth Villicana are the founding and Lead Pastors of Firehouse Church in Brea CA. In 1991 their family dropped down stakes and established a church that would become one of the most life changing churches the city had ever seen. Now 32 years later they are still going and growing strong, pastoring a passionate, powerful, Spirit led church, teaching believers to love and trust God, live sensibly, while believing God for impossible things. God is continually using Pastor Fernando through his unique ability of being able to break down the bible in a deep yet simple and applicable way that is absolutley relevant to the day and age we are living in.
Pastor Elizabeth Villicana is an explosive preacher passionate worshiper in her own right. Her heart bleeds through everything she does with a genuine and authentic love for God and his people. Her influence goes far beyond words, showing the love of Christ through her "on the platform" influence but most importantly through the life she leads.
Together they Pastor Firehouse Church with one goal and one purpose...
WIN souls for Christ
BUILD strong disciples for the Kingdom of God
RELEASE well equipped and called people into the ministry they are called to.
Richard & Maria Knudtson
Pastors
Rich and Maria met at Firehouse Church (formerly Praise Chapel Fullerton) and were married in January 1999. Both were discipled and mentored under the leadership of Pastors Fernando and Elizabeth Villicana. They have three adults sons and one beautiful daughter-in-law. Over the years Rich and Maria have served in and led multiple ministries. Today they continue to serve as a help and support to their Pastors and to all who are in the church. With a heart to see people's lives changed and transformed by the power of Christ. With over three decades of ministry experience and dedication here at Firehouse Church, Rich and Maria are a gold mine of information, dedication, and guidance. To those who seek to know Jesus in a more personal and intimate way, they are here to lead you.
Erik & Amanda Rodarte
Assistant Pastors
Erik Rodarte’s life was radically changed at the age of 18 at Firehouse church when his girlfriend Mandi brought him to a youth event. Mandi was born into the church but started going independently since the age of 14. After Erik Rodarte encountered Jesus, his life was never the same. Erik and Mandi lead the youth as directors at Firehouse Church when there was a need. Pastor Fernando and Liz saw the potential, and this couple simply said “Yes” to wherever God wanted them to serve. After 7 years of dating, and 3 years of serving in ministry together, they were married in 2021. Erik has also served faithfully in the audio visual and broadcasting team since joining the church. Erik also ministers over the pulpit as a preacher of the word, while Mandi serves on the worship team.
After a year of trusting God serving as young adult directors, Erik and Mandi accepted the position as Assistant Pastors in 2022. Their heart for God and for serving the people of the church lead them to say “Yes” to this position. With humble hearts and willingness to be used by God, they give God all of the glory for their ability to lead at the capacity they do. Now Erik and Mandi oversee the Young Adults, Youth, Social media, Audio Visual, Broadcasting, and Special Events.
David & Gina Mendoza
Assistant Pastors
David and Gina are both graduates of Christian Recovery Homes. David became a drug addict at a young age and gave his life to Jesus in rehab in 2000 where he was dramatically changed. In 2006 after a long battle with addiction and various traumas, Gina fully surrendered her life to the Lord and has never been he same! David and Gina met in church in 2006 and have now been married for 14 years, and have two beautiful daughters who love God! They are forever grateful to the Lord for dramatically changing their lives. They continue to place an emphasis on helping hurting people as they serve alongside our pastors and congregation, and love to see lives transformed by the power and love of God!
Jesse & Laila Peraza
Youth Pastors
Jesse and Laila are dedicated Youth Pastors at our church, bringing years of commitment and faith to their ministry. Jesse's journey with church began at the age of 7, rooted in the Praise Chapel Fullerton youth programs that shaped his spiritual path. Jesse introduced Laila to church when they were both 15 years old.
In 2016, they exchanged vows and were married at Firehouse Church. Since then, Jesse and Laila, with their two sons, Jesse Jr. and Lukas, have remained steadfast members of our congregation.
Their journey of service began in the Children's Ministry, where their love for nurturing young hearts first blossomed. In 2020, they were called to lead the Youth Ministry, a role they embraced with passion and purpose. Their mission is clear: to support and encourage our Youth with the boundless love of God.
As Youth Pastors, Jesse and Laila continue to inspire and guide our young members with God's word and prayer, pouring their hearts into each interaction and providing steadfast guidance through their faith journey.
In 2016, they exchanged vows and were married at Firehouse Church. Since then, Jesse and Laila, with their two sons, Jesse Jr. and Lukas, have remained steadfast members of our congregation.
Their journey of service began in the Children's Ministry, where their love for nurturing young hearts first blossomed. In 2020, they were called to lead the Youth Ministry, a role they embraced with passion and purpose. Their mission is clear: to support and encourage our Youth with the boundless love of God.
As Youth Pastors, Jesse and Laila continue to inspire and guide our young members with God's word and prayer, pouring their hearts into each interaction and providing steadfast guidance through their faith journey.