Pastoral Staff

RICK DARDEN

lead pastor

I have lived in the North Orange County area since I was 10 years old. I graduated from CSU Long Beach with a degree in biology and Azusa Pacific University with a Master's Degree in Divinity. I was planning on teaching high school science and coaching wrestling until God called me into the ministry in 1990. I love His church and the opportunity to invest in building the Kingdom of God.

Lani and I got married in 1990 and have greatly enjoyed serving God and the church together. We have three sons, three daughters-in-law, and 6 grandkids (so far!).

FUN FACT: When Rick was a kid, he wanted to work at a fish hatchery.

CHRIS GRATTAN

Associate Pastor

Chris and his wife Barbara have adult twin girls, Christina and Catherine. They have lived in San Clemente since 2022. Chris has been involved in ministry since he graduated from Faith Tech International Bible School in 1997. Chris previously served in ministry with Christian Services for the Blind, Church of the Good Shepherd, and Cornerstone UMC.

FUN FACT: When Chris was a kid he wanted to be a pro football player.

Eddy Vera

pastor

Missions & NextGen

Eddy and his wife Amanda have been part of the FCC family since 2021. Eddy is passionate about seeing people respond to God's calling on their life. God has called all of us to participate in the work of His Kingdom; whether He is calling you to do that locally or globally we have an opportunity for you to respond. In addition to that, he loves sports and reading.

FUN FACT: Eddy has never had a cup of coffee in his life.

RICK ELLIS

pastor

High School Ministry

Rick and his wife, Monica, have been married since 1982. They have two daughters, Becky and Amanda, married to Jonny, and a grandson, William. Rick has been involved in youth ministry for almost 30 years, working for various Friends Churches including a stint at Quaker Meadow Christian Camp. Rick retired recently as a Regional Director for an upscale grocery chain after 45 years in the grocery industry. Rick graduated from Azusa Pacific University with an M.A. in Christian Education with an emphasis in youth ministry. He loves Jesus and His Church with a deep desire to serve others and to demonstrate how to live like Christ.

FUN FACT: Rick is planning on doing youth ministry until he is 80 years old!

Travis Morrill

Pastor

Online Ministry & Operations

Travis has attended Friends Community Church since he was in third grade. He has a BA in Communication: Cinema Arts from Vanguard University and an MDiv from Azusa Pacific University seminary. He and his wife, Kaylie, reside locally with their dogs, Millie and Murph. Travis loves talking about God, and anyone is invited to join him in a good-natured and loving theological dialogue any time (no topic is off limits).

FUN FACT: Travis is known as the “fun fact guy” around the office and spends way too much time on Wikipedia.

Cierra Sweet

Pastor

Worship Arts & Children’s Ministry

Cierra lives locally, and is a passionate leader with a heart for ministry and community. She graduated from Hope International University with a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and recently earned her Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Azusa Pacific University. Since 2016, Cierra has faithfully served at FCC in both Children’s and Worship Ministry roles, bringing creativity, care, and energy to every area she leads. Outside of church life, Cierra loves singing, going to concerts, and spending quality time with friends.

FUN FACT: Cierra also loves to rock climb!

Allie Dillon

Pastor

Middle School Ministry

As an alumni of Biola University and graduate student at Fuller Theological Seminary, Allie has a passion for discipling the next generation of students by helping them develop a strong faith of their own. She loves chocolate, music, dogs, and reading! To connect with Allie, you can email her at allie@fccbrea.org.

FUN FACT: Allie sings and plays five different instruments.