First Church of God of Fresno started from a tent gathering in 1898 to building a church in 1961 where we currently sit.
FCOG has a rich heritage of long-time congregants. Many raised their families in the church and still remain. We are multi-cultural, multi-generational, loving, and welcoming.
What We Believe.
» Salvation comes through JESUS alone. We recognize Jesus as the Son of God.
» GOD is the Father and Creator of all, who sent His Son to die for our sins… and upon believing in Jesus and His sacrifice… we receive the HOLY SPIRIT as a gift, to guide us through life until we meet Him again.
» We believe the BIBLE is God-inspired by people of faith to document history. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by the will of God to bring us exactly what we need to live this life. It is truth from beginning to end, to be read in-context and with discernment.
» We believe the local CHURCH is an extension of many churches of the same faith, no matter the denomination or style. We are meant to do life in community with one another; to grow individually and together.
Our Team.
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Gabe Hernandez
LEAD PASTOR
Gabe leads with a heart for authentic faith and community transformation ever since he encountered Jesus in his late 20s. Radically changed and shaped by the Gospel, he seeks to lead others to find their true purpose serving God.He holds a degree in Bible and Theology from California Christian College. He previously served as FCOG Youth Pastor and Interim Pastor between 2010-2013. Gabe has worked to engage youth and broken communities, partnering with other like-minded organizations.
Gabe, a Fresno native, and his wife, Kimberly, recently returned home in May 2025 after spending the previous 10 years in Colorado.
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Matt & Robin Phanco
WORSHIP PASTORS
Matt and Robin consider it a privilege to use their talents to usher others into His presence. They believe we were made to worship Him and as we grow in worship, the more we fall deeper in love and knowledge of His love for us.They met in the youth choir at Cross Church in Fresno when they were 15 years old, and were married at First Church of God, Fresno eight years later, where they have served in leading others to worship for 37 years.
Both Fresno State Graduates, Matt is an elementary school principal and Robin is a graphic designer. They have a 19-year-old daughter, Maggie and 14-year-old son, Marcus.
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Eric & Andrea Morris
COMMUNITY MINISTERIAL TEAM
Eric and Andrea carry a deep passion for serving others – especially in strengthening marriages, relationships, and families – to see people encounter Jesus and thrive in healthy, Christ-centered homes.Andrea holds a master’s degree in nursing and worked for 25 years as an ICU nurse. Eric spent two years serving at Cove Church in Eugene, Oregon before they moved to Fresno in 2024 to become missionaries with One Collective.
They have three children: Iverson, Brayden (Brady), and Hadley. Brady and Hadley serve alongside them here in Fresno, while Iverson is currently in Arizona.
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Joan Wilhelm
OFFICE ADMIN
Joan’s deep roots in Fresno are intertwined with a commitment to local missions, reflecting values that resonate within our community. She brings a wealth of experience and a genuine love for the city she has called home her entire life.She has been a member of the First Church of God community since 2012 and is currently serving as the Office Administrator.
Proud mother of two adult children, grandmother to four, and great-grandmother to one, Joan points to her thirty-seven years of marriage to her late husband, Mike, as the key driver for her dedication to inspire those around her.
