Pastor Christian Johnson grew up in various locations on the West Coast of the USA. He sensed a call to ministry while serving as a volunteer outreach ministry leader, which led him to attend Whitworth University. After graduating, he joined Young Life staff. Later, he earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2001 with a concentration in Christian formation and discipleship.
Following seminary, Christian spent ten years as a high school Bible teacher and chaplain. For over a decade, he has served in multiple congregations, including urban, suburban, and rural settings. Currently, he is the president of Hebron, USA, a faith-based humanitarian nonprofit organization that partners with the indigenous people of Chiapas, Mexico, serving them both physically and spiritually.
Christian is passionate about helping a growing circle of followers of Jesus to deepen their faith and practice sacrificial, one-another love. He focuses on fostering catalysts that enable the church family to be strong internally while remaining externally focused in real and tangible ways. People often say he is "solar powered," referring to his love for the outdoors and photography.
Christian met his wife, Kristen, while on a mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico. They have two children, Taidan and Ella.
A violinist, conductor, and teacher from Tucson, Arizona, Bridget was raised in the Presbyterian church, attending St. Mark’s Presbyterian throughout her childhood. She has been an active musician since the age of five, exploring everything from handbell choirs to picking up the string bass on a whim! Bridget recently earned her Bachelor of Music in violin performance from Arizona State University, where she studied under Dr. Katherine McLin and performed with the ASU Symphony Orchestra and Opera. Bridget is no stranger to many in our communities, especially our children and youth. For the last five summers, she has served at Montlure Presbyterian Camp, where her joyful spirit and musical gifts have touched countless young lives. This innovative shared position with Gilbert Presbyterian will allow Bridget to bring her talents and passion for music ministry to both churches, fostering collaboration and enriching our worship experiences together. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and hunting for vintage vinyl records—hobbies that reflect her adventurous and creative spirit.
Dr. Mark Ramsey studied choral music, organ, composition, and music theory while at Arizona State University, earning the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1990. He joined the FPC staff in 1994 and has participated as an organist, recitalist, and co-conductor at the Salzburg Church Music Festival in Salzburg, Austria, the Italian Polychoral Arts Festival in Venice, Italy, and Disney Magic Music Days! He has performed with the Flagstaff Master Chorale and the Phoenix Symphony and has been an instructor of music at Glendale Community College (AZ) and Northern Arizona University. He is a past Dean of the Central Arizona Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society and was a Co-Recipient of the 2004 National Religious Music Week Alliance Award of Distinction. He is married and has two children, two grandchildren, and enjoys bicycling, computing, and working with the FPC staff and congregation to help increase God's kingdom.
Chris moved to Mesa from San Jose, California back in 2019, where he served as the Director of Children and Family Ministries at Westminster Presbyterian Church. He brings his experience in many facets of church life, as well as a seminary education to this role. Chris is excited about sharing with us the many gifts God has given him. Chris and his wife, Heather, have one son, Matthew.
Linda began working part-time at FPC in 2000 and became Office Manager in January of 2005. Keeping up with a very busy office and staff keeps her on her toes. Linda enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Sunday “Happy Hours” are a favorite time. Her family includes Laura Bruening, Dan, Kevin, Jess, Brielle, Everleigh, Declynn, Jason, Amanda, and Owen. Plus, the dogs Rhythm, Jack and Booker!
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