PATTERSON — At Family Christian Center, a multicultural congregation in the heart of Patterson, Lead Pastor Rev. Dr. Israel “Izzy” Ulibarri says his path to ministry began long before he ever stepped behind a pulpit. Raised in a family of pastors, faith was part of daily life — but he recalls a moment when it shifted from tradition to personal conviction.
“I grew up in church, so faith has always been a part of my life,” he said. “But like many people, there came a point when I had to decide whether it was going to be my parents’ faith or my own.”
That decision set him on a decades‑long journey through worship leadership, bilingual ministry, chaplaincy and coaching. At 18, he first expressed a call to ministry, later serving with Promise Keepers’ national Prayer and Worship division, helping lead worship for men’s conferences across the country. His career took him to South Texas as a senior associate pastor and eventually to Colorado, where he stepped into his first lead pastor role in 2002. He has since pastored four churches across Colorado and California.
When Family Christian Center began searching for a pastor, Ulibarri said the connection felt immediate.
“What drew me here was the opportunity to build on that foundation while helping the church prepare for the future,” he said. “FCC is very multicultural and has a heart for the community. Our spiritual DNA matched.”
He describes the church culture in one word: family. The congregation spans generations and backgrounds, united by a mission he summarizes simply — “Love God. Love People.”
Ulibarri’s ministry extends well beyond Sunday services. His week includes counseling, leadership development and community outreach, along with two roles that keep him closely connected to Patterson residents: serving as a hospice chaplain and coaching cross country and track at Patterson High School.
“People don’t always need perfect answers,” he said of his chaplaincy work. “They need someone willing to sit with them, pray with them, and remind them they aren’t walking alone.”
Coaching, he added, allows him to invest in youth and teach perseverance, dedication and discipline.
His wife, Anna, serves as the church administrator, helping manage daily operations and supporting the ministry behind the scenes. Outside of work, Ulibarri enjoys day trips to the beach, golfing — “I am horrible, but it does bring me joy,” he joked — and restoring his 1964 Chevy C10 truck.
In his office, one item stands out: a mosaic image gifted by the congregation, made up of small photos of church members. He said it reflects the heart of Family Christian Center.
“We are a bunch of broken pieces that no one saw as of value except for God,” he said. “He grabbed each of these broken pieces and formed a masterpiece we call Family Christian Center. The masterpiece is still not done.”
As the church looks ahead, Ulibarri said the mission remains grounded in service, hope and community.
“Our goal is to show up, love well and serve with open arms,” he said.
