OUR LEADERSHIP
lead pastors
The Rio Grande Valley is the home of Pastors John and Terry Brady and The Family Church. The Brady's moved to McAllen in 1994 and have raised their children in the unique, loving, family oriented culture of South Texas. They enjoy their local favorites such as salsa, breakfast tacos, bow hunting, and the Texas Longhorns.
Family is the heartbeat of TFC and the passion of every staff and church member. Their vision is Building Families, Serving People.
Pastors John and Terry have been in ministry for over 30 years and enjoy teaching families what the bible says about relationships, family, and serving the community. Their joy is to show God's love to the Rio Grande Valley. They are passionate to see lives transformed and to seek the next generation of leaders.
The Brady's love to spend time with their family, including their three grown children, their son-in-laws, and their grandkids.
Philippians 4 is Pastor John's go to chapter of the bible.
WESLACO CAMPUS PASTORS
David and Maricela Mendoza have been attending The Family Church since 2012. As of 2015 David, with the help of his wife, became the Weslaco Campus Pastor. They love the TFC family, and feel honored and priviledged to serve the Weslaco community. They also led our Young Adults group, The Hub which was a fun and challenging experience where they were able to share their love for the next generation. They love to see people transformed by the power of God, and how families and individuals get to know Jesus in a way they never expected to. When people leave all misconceptions of faith aside, they are able to encounter the power and love of Jesus in a very real way. It will transform and change them and their families.
On their down time, they enjoy spending time with their four kids, watching Manchester United (their favorite soccer team), and sharing good meals together with friends and family.
His go to bible verse is Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
"Seek to know Jesus...everything else will fall into place."
- David Mendoza
MCALLEN associate CAMPUS PASTORS
Ricky and Nikki Garcia started working at The Family Church in late 2013 after completing a ministry training program held at the church in 2012. Ricky and Nikki (aka The Ikkys) worked in Ignite Students (currently TFC YTH) helping teens develop a relationship with Christ and a love for the bible for 4 years. They loved to walk their students through every season of life and connected with them outside of church.
Their time outside of work is usually spent enjoying life together and preparing for their new blessing to come. The Ikkys also enjoy eating tacos whenever they get the chance.
Ricky, who is now TFC McAllen's Associate Campus Pastor, is passionate about discipling and equipping people for the ministry. He likes to exercise, play sports, and hunt.
His go to bible verse is James 1:2-4.
"You may be the only version of Jesus some people will ever see." - Ricky Garcia
Pastor Ricky & Nikki Garcia
Pastora Linda & Mario Ortega
MCALLEN associate SPANISH CAMPUS PASTOR
Pastora Linda and Mario Ortega have been part of the Spanish Ministry at The Family Church for 3 years. Linda is originally from Reynosa…Tamaulipas, Mexico and has been in ministry the majority of her life. Mario is an RGV native and is a Supervisor for the Border Patrol.
Together, they have built the Spanish Ministry for what it is today. They have a heart for people and are passionate about what they do.
They have 3 children, Matthew, Katherine, and Tiffany. Together, they continue to passionately lead the McAllen Campus Spanish Ministry.
Pastor Carl & Olivia Farmer
CARE PASTOR
Carl and Olivia Farmer began attending TFC in 2015, all thanks to a bag of M&M's given to them due to a TFC Outreach. They have been in ministry for over 25 years. Carl retired as a Navy Chaplain after 20 years of military service. They were married in Springfield, Missouri in 1990, and through their love have a son, Carl Jr.
Carl has been the Care Pastor at TFC since 2017. He is most passionate about seeing the people at the altar who have responded to the call to give Christ charge of their life. During his time to relax, he chooses to spend time with family and draw.
His go to verse is Philippians 4:13.
"Remember who you are, because the enemy will always try to convince you that you're somebody else."
- Carl Farmer
Olivia has been the Children's Ministry Director since 2017. She loves to meet new families and children. She is passionate about making sure that all children at TFC have an excellent experience in God's house, including their mommies and daddies. During her time off, she likes to play Candy Crush, watch Hallmark Channel, go onto Pinterest, and work with arts & crafts.
Her go to verse is also Philippians 4:13.
"True happiness comes from knowing and serving Jesus!!!" - Olivia Farmer