Joel Larson
Pastor and Head of Staff
Joel Larson has been serving FPC Monrovia since February 2022. Joel is passionate about building intergenerational relationships, equipping the people of FPC Monrovia for ministry, and our call to make flourishing disciples of Jesus Christ. Joel envisions a thriving intergenerational church growing as followers of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reaching the people and neighborhoods of Monrovia and surrounding San Gabriel Valley with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel has been serving in church ministry for over 25 years serving congregations in Northwest Ohio, the Los Angeles area, and as the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for 8 1/2 years. He has a communications degree from Bowling Green State University and an MDiv from Fuller Seminary. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry in Leading Congregational and Organizational Change at Fuller Seminary.
Joel and his wife Elisha have been married for 20 years and have three children, Claire, Will, and Finn. Joel enjoys the varied California landscape and loves getting outdoors to surf, bike, and hike. He is always up for sharing a cup of coffee and some conversation.
Joel has been serving in church ministry for over 25 years serving congregations in Northwest Ohio, the Los Angeles area, and as the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for 8 1/2 years. He has a communications degree from Bowling Green State University and an MDiv from Fuller Seminary. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry in Leading Congregational and Organizational Change at Fuller Seminary.
Joel and his wife Elisha have been married for 20 years and have three children, Claire, Will, and Finn. Joel enjoys the varied California landscape and loves getting outdoors to surf, bike, and hike. He is always up for sharing a cup of coffee and some conversation.
Elisha Larson
Children and Family Ministries
Elisha's heart is for the new and upcoming chapter of the church is to build on the foundation established over one hundred and twenty-five years ago, to be a Christ-centered multi-generational family of faith that blesses and shares the Gospel with the Monrovia community and beyond. She is passionate about discipleship for all ages from birth through the third-third of life. As the church becomes Monrovia Community Church this September 2025 her prayer is that every child nurtured in the community and every family supported on the discipleship journey develops deep roots of faith that will last a lifetime!
Fawn Zappia
Director of Tiny Treasures Preschool
Along with her husband and two daughters, Fawn has been attending FPC Monrovia since 1999. In the fall of 2022 she re-opened our beloved preschool in the Monrovia community and became the Director of Tiny Treasures. Fawn has completed her Certification in Early Childhood Education at UCLA and is currently working towards another Certification in Advanced Early Childhood Education. Her desire is for every child to know the amazing love of God in his or her life, and enjoys partnering with parents to help their children form an important foundation for their relationship with Jesus Christ.