Pastors and Staff

 

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.

As Head-of-Staff, I get to partner with other servant leaders First Prez has chosen to oversee the life and mission of our congregation. I am what our movement calls a “Transitional Pastor,” brought on board to help navigate First Prez through this season, concluding with the arrival of your next permanent Senior Pastor.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF

2023

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?

Look to Him.

FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?

I Corinthians 2:1-5 “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?

Born in Santa Monica, CA, raised primarily in southern California, with stints in Texas and Minnesota (Dad was a corporate exec – we got moved around!)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Hacı Abdullah in Istanbul, Turkey

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?

I like to surf, cycle, paint with watercolors, read, visit the country of Turkey, spend time with family and trusted friends.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?

I won the school science fair in 7th grade!

TIM FEARER
Transitional Pastor starting Dec 1, 2023

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
I lead First Prez’s Impact Ministries (local and global missions). I’m involved in adult discipleship, co-leading the Rooted Small Groups ministry, and WAKO (Wednesdays at Koʻolau). I also preach, teach classes, counsel and mentor adults. I work with our candidates seeking ordination in ECO, our denomination.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF
2013

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Equip (a) New Generation

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?

Philippians 2:1-11

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Southern California.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Livestock Tavern

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
Bike riding, skiing, backpacking (in the winter AND summer), hiking, reading, watching movies, travel

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I am an instrument-rated private pilot and have a bareboat charter certification (35’-50’ sailboats).

TIM SHAW
Associate Pastor

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
The Vine, Alpha, Community

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: 2013

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Spread the Gospel.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Philippians 4:6-7

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Born in Lima Peru, raised all over the world (Peru, Guatemala, USA, S. Korea, Lebanon)

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Shabuya

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
Drink flat whites, listen to music, sing karaoke, have a good food with my kids

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I move all the furniture around in my home on a regular basis, just because.

JENNY SUNG
Pastor for The Vine campus

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
I handle all bookkeeping and accounting duties for the church

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF 1994

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT? Assist all people

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?Philippians 4:6 **Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED? Born in Honolulu, raised in Waimanalo and Kailua

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?The Hau Tree Lanai

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO? I love to spend time with my family, especially my granddaughter, I enjoy exercising (HIIT) and hiking with my hubby, and I love to eat

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU? In another lifetime, I was a Polynesian dancer

DEBBIE CARREIRA JOHNSON
Bookkeeper

1) In 3 sentences or fewer, describe your job.

I get to take care of the day-to-day financial duties. Some of my duties include scanning and counting offerings, and reimbursements.

2) What year did you join the First Prez staff?

2022

3) What is your 3-word personal mission statement?

Motivate. Love. Learn.

4) What's your favorite Scripture passage?

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

5) Where were you born and raised?

Born in Honolulu, raised in Kailua.

6) What's your favorite restaurant in Hawaii?

Old Spaghetti Factory

7) What are some fun things you love to do?

I love hanging out with my family, hiking, diving, and fishing.

8) What's a fun fact about you?

The first time I broke a bone, I was only a day old, and it was my collarbone.

KARLEY KIMITSUKA
Finance Administrator


IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
My desire is to equip and support teams with the end goal of pointing kids and parents to love Jesus.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: 2007

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
I love Jesus

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Isaiah 41:13 ““For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, DO NOT FEAR; I WILL HELP YOU!"

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana and moved to Honolulu when I was 14 years old.I married a local boy which has kept me in Hawaii ever since.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Assagio’s, Gen, CPK... I can go on and on.

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
Boogie board (anything beach), travel, read fun books, hang with my grandkids, hike

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU? I like to dance when no one is looking.

KAREN MAKISHIMA
Director of Children and Family Life Ministries

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
I have the privilege of offering administrative support to Pastor Timmy Fearer.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:
2017

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Seek, Surrender, Serve

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Born in California, raised on the Big Island of Hawaii in Ka’u

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I’m happy wherever I can be with friends.

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
Paddling canoe, especially off shore to see whales; FaceTiming with my granddaughter; hanging out with good friends.

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I did the Na Wahine O Ke Kai Molokai-to-Oahu women’s canoe race twice. That’s enough.

KATHY MAKUAKANE
Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Engaging with and visiting the hospitalized, the shut-ins, and those who need God’s hand in their lives. Helping people heal from deep emotional and spiritual pain. Encouraging our senior adults to connect more deeply with God through study, prayer, and fellowship.

YEAR JOINED FPC STAFF:
2013

3-WORD MISSION STATEMENT:
Bring God’s healing.

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:
John 10:10 "The thief comes to rob, steal and destroy. I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."

BORN & RAISED IN:
Evansville, Indiana

FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
I don’t have a particular favorite restaurant. It’s not what I eat that matters. It’s with whom I’m eating that matters most to me.

MARIANNA MEACHEN
Chaplain and Director of Care Ministries

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB
I provide administrative support and other services for The Vine, Alpha, and Gen X Ministry.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF
2022

WHAT IS YOUR 3-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Never give up!

FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE
Romans 8:28

WHERE YOU WERE BORN AND RAISED
Maui and the island of Hawai‘i

FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Restaurants with gluten-free options. If you know of any, let me know!

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO
I love photography and the performing arts (music, dance, and theatre). Most of all, I love spending time with my nieces.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I love photographing anything and everything, but my favorite subjects are performing artists, children, pets, and Hawaiian monk seal pups.

CAROL NAKAMOTO
Administrative Assistant

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
Executive Director: responsible for managing and running the church, including finances, human resources, facilities, and long-range planning.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF
2014

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Thy Kingdom Come

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Psalm 27, Judges 3:12-30, 1 Kings 20:35-43

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
New Haven, Connecticut

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I love the oxtail soup at Aiea Bowl, the ahi tataki at Ethel's, the burgers at Burgers on Bishop, and the croissant donut and poi donut at Liliha Bakery.

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
I love spending time with my wife and kids, stand-up paddle boarding, and watching movies.


WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?

I’m a New York Mets fan. It’s not that fun.

CHRISTOPHER PAN
Executive Director


CHRISTIAN SCHROPPEL
High School Director

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
To lead middle schoolers to Christ with love, and nurture their spiritual development. Also to create fun and hard games!

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: 2020

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Fail Laugh Succeed

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?

Jeremiah 1:7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Honolulu, HI

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Ocean Taste

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
Send really funny TikToks to Shai Makishima; rock climbing; video games

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?

I have a koala named JoJo.

LUKE SHIN
Middle School Coordinator

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
Responsible for the managing, messaging, and disseminating of various forms of communication that goes to the church and from the church.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF
2001

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT
Communicate To Inspire

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
John 3:30 “He must increase. I must decrease.”

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Manila, Philippines

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
California Pizza Kitchen and Ruscello

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
I absolutely love brain teasers and word games!

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I raise monarch butterflies.

ROSELLA SHISHIDO
Communications Coordinator

EUNICE SIM
Associate Director of Worship

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
I am the Director of Prayer Ministry. I lead, train, and equip people in the area of prayer.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: 2010

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Live To Serve

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE
Philippians 4:13

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?Singapore

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?Sushi Izakaya Gaku

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?Walking, playing computer games

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I love Hello Kitty.

GARY TOH
Director of Prayer


IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
My job is to care for a community of worship leaders and cultivate worship, especially through music, serving our church family who attend the 10 AM service or The Vine.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: I rejoined the FPC staff in 2021 (after 7 years of serving a church in Washington, DC).

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
It's Gonnabe Okay

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Isaiah 12

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Honolulu, HI

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Deanʻs Drive-In (always ahi cakes)

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
I LOVE to thoughtfully, carefully prank people I love- it’s the Lord’s favorite way to work through me to draw people closer to Him.

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
Kelli and I have 3 boys: Beckett, Brighton, and Bastian. Also a dog who is a boy. And a cat who is a boy. All boys!! It’s all fun… and noisy.

CHEVAS WONG
Director of Worship, Production, & Communications

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
To help create a welcoming and friendly environment where people can experience Christ. Work with the Executive Director to oversee and manage the church finances. Care for and support the staff team through policies and processes that promote personal development and healthy staff relationships.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: I rejoined the FPC staff in 2021 (after 7 years of serving a church in Washington, DC).

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Lead By Example

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Hebrews 12:1-3

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Honolulu, HI

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
I love spending time with my family and teaching my boys how to do new things.

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
I’m mom to the Killer B’s (Beckett, Brighton, and Bastian)

KELLI WONG
Director of Hospitality, Finance, and Human Resources