Staff
Get to know the FAC staff.
Rev. Angel V. Ortiz / Senior Pastor
William Gomez / Pastor of Worship Arts
Angela Ortiz / Executive Assistant for Ministries & Operations
Rev. Angel V. Ortiz / Senior Pastor
Rev. Angel Ortiz was raised in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico where he completed his high school education at Wesleyan Academy. In 1974, he studied engineering at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. While attending LeTourneau, the Lord gave Pastor Angel Psalm 119:73-80 as a call to ministry. After 4 years of engineering studies, he moved to Indiana to study at Fort Wayne Bible College. It was there that he married his wife Michele in 1979 and graduated in 1982 with a B.S.in Biblical Studies. During this time Angel and Michele answered the Lord’s call into full-time ministry. Pastor Angel received his first ministry assignment through The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) to serve as pastor of a newly established Spanish Church in San Diego, California. While serving at the Igelsia Evangelica Hispana Church, he was ordained into vocational ministry under the C&MA. He served at the church until 1991, when he was asked to serve as the District Director for the Spanish churches of the C&MA in the western region of the nation. In 1996, Pastor Angel and Michele moved from California to the east coast. There he would serve as Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students at Nyack College in Nyack, NY. Then in July of 2002, he answered the call to return to pastoral ministry and began pastoring at First Alliance Church in Manhattan. Pastor Angel’s ministry style is best described as “servant leadership”. His passion for genuine relationships and gifts of hospitality make him a positive influence to those in his care. Pastor Angel has come to understand that the best way to instruct others in the ways of the Lord is to walk alongside of them in the same way Jesus did with His disciples. He has committed his life to the belief that spiritual truth is to be both taught and exemplified in daily life. Pastor Angel and Michele have two adult children, Angela and Michael.
Favorite Books/Periodicals
Tale of Three Kings – Gene Edwards, any book that describes the developments of communities, cities, nations, and cultures, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, or any book or magazine that explains how complicated things work.
Favorite NYC Highlights
Street fairs and outdoor concerts
For Fun I Enjoy
Working with his hands, camping and traveling
Favorite Quote
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot loose.” Jim Elliot
Life Scripture
“Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.” – Psalm 119:73-80
William Gomez / Pastor of Worship Arts
William holds a B.A. in music from Nyack College and is a licensed worker with The Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA). Before becoming a part of the staff at First Alliance Church William served in a Spanish congregation for ten years. William’s testimony is that God has been shaping his life and call to ministry through his passion for music. In 1995, at the age of 15 William learned the guitar and began to play with the worship team at his home church. Over the next few years as the Lord began to work in his life through worship, he decided to pursue further training. In 2000 he enrolled in Nyack College to study Music, While pursuing his studies he served part-time as the worship leader at Casa de Oracion Nueva Canaan in Kearny, NJ. During his service at the church William’s experience and understanding of genuine worship began to grow. Then in 2007 the Lord opened an opportunity for William to serve full-time as worship leader for First Alliance Church. Currently he is enrolled in the ordination process with the C&MA. William is married to Arleen and they have a 5 year old daughter, Geneses Marie.
Favorite Books/Periodicals
The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer, The Father’s Embrace – Danilo Montero, Worship Matters – Bob Kauflin, Velvet Elvis – Rob Bell, Boundaries – Cloud & Townsend
Currently Reading:
- The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
- “AND” The Gather AND Scattered Church by Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
- Church 3.0 by Neil Cole
- The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church by Alan Hirsch
Favorite NYC Highlights
Finding any kind of food imaginable in the city
For Fun I Enjoy
Cooking for friends & family, playing music
Favorite Quote
“The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire.” A.W. Tozer
Life Scripture
“Now that we know what we have-Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God-let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all-all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” – Hebrews 4:16 (The Message)
Angela Ortiz / Executive Assistant for Ministries & Operations
Angela has the privilege of overseeing the general operations of the church and its facility. She also serves as the undergirding support for the various ministries happening here at First Alliance. Angela especially enjoys using her creativity and love of typography to design and enhance all church media and publications.Angela is a graduate of Nyack College and holds a bachelor’s degree in Missiology with an Urban Concentration, and is a licensed worker with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA). While at Nyack, God gave her a passion for intercessory prayer, youth ministry, and a desire to see others grow in Christ. The Lord has led her to be involved with youth both in the U.S. and overseas. Angela served with the C&MA at Dakar Christian Academy in Senegal, West Africa. Then prior to coming on staff at First Alliance, she was a Peer Educator for Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School in the Bronx, NY.
Favorite Books/Periodicals
The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer, Red Moon Rising – Pete Greig & Dave Roberts, children’s books (especially Olivia the Pig), books on typography, graphic design, spiritual growth, and Real Simple magazine.
Currently Reading: Life of the Beloved – Henri Nouwen and Servolution – Dino Rizzo
Favorite NYC Highlights
Great Lawn in Central Park (it’s a wonderful backyard), Caracas Arepa Bar & Pomme Frite in the East Village, takin a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry (the view never grows old), and the insane amount of personality you encounter everyday
For Fun I Enjoy
Traveling, the outdoors, art of all sorts, live music or any music for that matter, reading a great book, catching up and dining with good friends
Favorite Quote
“For each age is a dream that is dying, Or one that is coming to birth.” – Arthur O’Shaughnessy
Life Scripture:
“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.” – Isaiah 43:6-7