Ministry Team
Maria Caruana | Pastor | Email
Maria was raised in Brooklyn, New York. She remained an atheist until her relationship with Jesus began in 1986. At that time, God delivered her from a life of alcohol and drugs to live life in abundance in Him. Following God’s call into pastoral service, Maria graduated from Christ Evangelical Bible Institute in 1994 and moved from Phoenix to San Francisco in order to share a life together with her spouse, Terrie. With compassion, mercy, and honesty, it is Maria’s heart to tell everyone about God’s love and the relationship He wants to have with us through Jesus as well as to encourage all to be the individuals God has created them to be.
Favorite Music:
Maria is a fan of music from the 70's, especially Billy Joel, as well as contemporary Christian music, particularly Hillsong artists. Anything by Tina Turner is a big hit with her!
Favorite Books:
“And You Invited Me In” by Cheryl Moss Tyler, “The Left Behind Series” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, and of course the Bible is her favorite read.
Favorite Movies:
The Godfather, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, An American President, Toy Story, The Lion King, and To Kill a Mockingbird
Odd Facts:
Maria loves pigs and owned a pot-bellied pig named Gertrude when she lived in Phoenix.
Life Scripture:
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV), “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Warren McCarthey | SF Bible Study Leader | Email
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Warren has lived in the SF Bay Area since 1986 at which time he moved here to attend Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Graduating in 1989 with a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Urban Missions, Warren moved into the Tenderloin District of San Francisco where, until 1997, he remained Director of the inner-city ministry known then as “Harvest.” Having served in various capacities at FIC including usher and deacon, Warren has been a member of FIC since early 1997. Presently, Warren serves as Co-Interim Minister of Outreach as well as SF Cell Group Facilitator.
Favorite Music:
“Heart of Glass” by Blondie, “E Por Amor” by Alexander Pires, “Go Where You Wanna Go” by The Mamas and Papas, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and “Um Anjo Veio Me Fala” by Rouge.
Favorite Books:
“I Say a Little Prayer,” “Basketball Jones,” and anything else by E. Lynn Harris.
Favorite Movies:
Era Uma Vez, Big Eden, Possible Lives, Young Frankenstein, Europa Europa.
Odd Facts:
Warren was offered a job at Halliburton but turned it down to become a Geophysicist at Gulf Oil.
Life Scripture:
John 21:15-20 (NIV) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Brian Johnson | Secretary | Email
Brian discovered Freedom In Christ Church during a visit to the Bay Area in 2005. He moved from North Carolina to the SF Bay Area in 2006 at which time FIC became his home church. Having been saved in a Southern Baptist Church in Washington State at age 10, he was raised in church and active in various ministries through college. Brian has been FIC’s Treasurer since 2007. He and his partner host some church events in the East Bay at their home in Fremont.
Favorite Music: Praise and Worship, Contemporary Christian, and Stryper (the hardrock Christian band from the 80s.)Favorite
Books: Nonfiction concerning history and economics.
Favorite Movies: The Lion in Winter (1968), Office Space (1999)
Odd Facts: Brian eats at Wendy’s fast food restaurant every day
Life Scripture: John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Carl Smith | Minister of Music & Pastoral Assistant | Email
Carl began attending FIC in December of 2003 and has been involved in ministry off and on since that time. He presently serves as the intermin Minister of Music. He is originally from Atlanta, GA. He has traveled the country leading in worship, and ministering to adults, youth, and children.
Favorite Music: Worship Music (Kari Jobe, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Israel & New Breed, and way too many more to list), Country Music, Dance/Electronica, Bluegrass, Cheesy Light Rock.
Favorite Books: "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey
Favorite Movies: The Kite Runner, Steel Magnolias, The Social Network, Beautiful Thing
Life Scripture: Galatians 6:2 (New Living Translation) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Favorite Music: Worship Music (Kari Jobe, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Israel & New Breed, and way too many more to list), Country Music, Dance/Electronica, Bluegrass, Cheesy Light Rock.
Favorite Books: "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey
Favorite Movies: The Kite Runner, Steel Magnolias, The Social Network, Beautiful Thing
Life Scripture: Galatians 6:2 (New Living Translation) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
