Staff Bios

Reverend Andrea Messinger
Senior Pastor

Andrea is a graduate of the Fuller Theological Seminary (M. Div. 1988.) She has been married to her husband, Rev. Dr. Thomas Messinger for 23 years. They have two wonderful children, Amelia and Tommy. Amelia is off to school as a college junior this year, and Tommy is in college as a freshmen as well. Both kids have been very involved in church activities. Andrea has always been thankful that God has brought her to serve at FPCC, and FPCC is so blessed to have such a Holy Spirit empowered Senior Pastor as Andrea!

Ernie Johnson
Director of Visitation

Ernie is married, has two children and has a Master's degree in Theology and Christian education through Fuller Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. He has completed certificate courses in basic and advanced "Caring for People God's Way" and "Marriage Relationships" and gives biblically based counsel. In conjunction with his pastoral ministry, he has led two grief seminars. He has taught over twenty biblical and relationship courses at the church. He served as a missionary to the Middle East for five years, primarily as a treasurer and controller for a multi-country team. He is hard working, and a blessing to those he cares for, and has a servant's heart in all he does.

Elliot Stava
High School Director

I grew up in Arroyo Grande, a small town next to Pismo Beach, and have spent the last 5 years as a resident of Glendora. I am a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Biblical Studies and a minor in Philosophy. APU was a very eye-opening experience for me and I feel thatit was there that I truly received a heart for ministry. I have a strong passion for many things in my life including; eating, playing guitar, the San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres, L.A. Lakers, and a Goofy Movie. But one of my main passions is to work with the youth and to give them a chance to experience and learn about God in new ways. My favorite verse in the Bible is Luke 18:9-14, which shows what it means to have a true repentant heart and to wholly humble yourself before God. I pray this is the way I lead
these students.

Elliottstava@yahoo.com
(626) 332-6251 ext.35

Justin Hastings
Jr. High Director

My name is Justin Hastings; I was raised in Northern California, in the city of Chico. I come from a family of five and I am the middle child at 25 years old. I have the attention span of a Jr. Higher, so I fit right in. My heart is for the youth, it hurts when I see them hurting! I was called to work with youth when I was working working as a Custodian for my church. I would take my lunch break and go hang out with the Jr. Highers. It was then that I realized that the Lord was calling me to be a mentor and leader for these students. I moved from Chico for a short period to work up at Forest Home ministries and I have stories. That was probably the best part of my life and it taught me to live life as an adventure. John 15:12-13 says “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” This is my goal, to love these students in a way that Christ would have. I’m so excited to see what our great God has for these students!

Justin@firstprescovina.org
(626) 332-6251 ext. 34

Casey Costello Alvarez
Co-Children's Director

Casey is a student at Cal Poly Pomona. She would like to follow God's calling to possibly do missionary work overseas (she has already spent a month working with children in Africa) and in Covina. Casey has lived her whole life in Covina and grew up in the Lord here at FPCC. Casey says that working with the children is such a blessing. Her own personal relationship with God has been so blessed thanks to this wonderful children's ministry.

clcostello@csupomona.edu
(626) 332-625 ext. 26  

Krista Root
Co-Children's Director

I have been so blessed to have grown up in this church, and being able to give back has been the best blessing of all. I believe God has been molding me for this position. Four years ago I was working for Disneyland and really feeling that I wasn’t where God wanted me to be. With some prayer and faithfulness, I have found myself happier than I have ever been.

Before I was the Co-Director of Children’s Ministries I volunteered in the program for four years, and then blessed with the opportunity to serve as co-director in 2007. Watching the children- the future of the church- grow in God has been amazing, and I am so happy to be a significant part of that growth. I know that God has wonderful plans for the children and for me, and I’m so excited to see it all unfold in His timing.

While working for the church I am currently working toward my Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development at Cal-State Fullerton, with the goal of becoming a special education teacher at the junior high school level.

Kroot@csu.fullerton.edu
(626) 332-625 ext. 26

Stephen Pu
Chancel Choir Director

Stephen Pu is a native of Orange County, California, where he studied piano performance and voice with Ming-I Chen. He has won several prizes at regional piano competitions, including top honors at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival. As a pianist, he has appeared in California and Hawaii to warm applause. As a singer, he has sung with many renowned ensembles and appeared on several major stages, including Walt Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl. He is also a noted conductor, serving as Music Director for Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood for over five years, and conducting on such notable stages as UCLA's Royce Hall.

Dr. Neil Stipp
Interim Organist

Neil Stipp is a music teacher, concert organist, author, and award-winning composer.  He also performs for  musicals, weddings, graduations, memorial services, and other events. His teaching includes private instruction in piano and organ. Neil has served as organist at various churches, primarily in the southland, for 38 continuous and uninterrupted years.

Neil received a doctorate in organ performance in June 2003. The schools he graduated from are UCLA (full scholarship), USC, and Biola University.