John grew up in Indiana and received a bachelor’s of science in public affairs from Indiana University. Though he grew up in the church, it wasn’t until the age of 26 when he repented and believed in Christ and became born again. Four years later John moved to Los Angeles to attend The Master’s Seminary and received his Masters of Divinity. He has done additional graduate work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Before attending seminary John was in law enforcement both at a local and a federal level. He has been in full time pastoral ministry since 2003. John is married to Rachel and they have six children: Grant, Nathan, Caleb, Seth, Ashley, and Levi.

Rick Fasino was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and is the youngest of six children. He graduated from LeMoyne College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and has spent most of his career in the technology industry. Rick came to Vertical Life Church in 2015 when he moved his family from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX, and was appointed an Elder in 2018. Rick currently lives in Tomball with his wife, Diane. Together they have three grown children, daughters Morgan, Skylar, and Carly. 

Ted Rice has served as an elder at VLC for 10 years. He is a graduate of a Bible college in the Dallas area. He met his wife, Rita, 42 years ago while on staff at another Houston area church. Together they own and manage a printing and marketing business. They have two grown children, Krista and Justin, and three grandchildren. 

Ray became a follower of Jesus Christ in 1971 during the beginnings of the Jesus Movement which was sweeping through the US and Europe. In school, Ray’s studies were in Physics, but his heart is studying and teaching the Word of God. His passion is how the Torah and the Prophets illuminate the New Testament and how the New Testament explains God’s revelation about Himself in the Old. Ray joined VLC back in its first year when it was called Harvest of Grace. He is married to Brenda, and they have two grown daughters, Amanda and Lisa.

Debbie grew up in a Christian household and thought she knew all she needed to know about being a Christian. Yet, she was missing one important and very vital component in her Christian life. She had lived a very religious, self-centered life which led to a very worldly and a very “me first” frame of mind. It wasn’t until September of 2011 that she couldn’t take it anymore and felt like there had to be more to being a Christian than what she had experienced. She was longing for a deep personal relationship with Jesus and in February of 2012 she finally invited Christ into her heart during an altar call one Wednesday evening at church. Debbie has 11 years of Christian preschool experience, two years as an Executive Director of Grace Symphony Orchestra and countless hours of sweat and tears in raising four children with her husband and best friend, Miguel Garcia.

Jonathan Brown is the Worship Leader here at Vertical Life Church. He is a husband and father of two beautiful children. Jonathan has served in various ministries, primarily worship ministries, his entire life.  He grew up in a military family headed by his father who was a pastor. Jonathan's primary passion is using his gifts to serve the local body and communicating God's story of good news to every person who attends services here at VLC.  He also leads with the video production and live production ministries at the church.

Alex and Alyssa Alvarez have been married for two years and love serving alongside one another at Vertical Life Church. Alex works as an intake specialist at a law firm and in his free time loves reading any book he can get his hands on. Alyssa works as a sign language interpreter at an elementary school and couldn’t be happier to be married to her best friend. They are committed to growing in their relationship with the Lord and want to be obedient to wherever He leads them.

A member since 2007, Jennifer joined the staff in August 2015. She and her husband, Ric, have been married since 2000.  Ric serves on the worship team.  They have four adult children and eight grandchildren and live in Magnolia, Texas.

Bob has served as a member of VLC for six years.  He joined the staff in 2017 to oversee the facility and property.  He has a heart for people and enjoys greeting and welcoming new people to VLC.  Bob and Jean have been married for 51 years, have two children and two grandchildren.