Transformational Leaders

IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

Marvin & Karla Smith

Founders, Fired-Up!

Marvin and Karla Smith are devoted servant leaders committed to teaching, equipping, and inspiring others to live out their God-given purpose. Together, they fulfill the fivefold ministry described in Ephesians 4:11—Marvin serving as apostle, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, and Karla as prophet, pastor, and teacher.

In 1996, they founded Fired-Up!, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and empowering servant leaders. The ministry includes a New Testament church that meets in their home, serving as a center for spiritual growth and leadership training. Operating in the gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, Fired-Up! equips and sends leaders to impact their communities for Christ.

Over the years, Marvin and Karla have trained and mentored hundreds of emerging leaders who now lead ministries, nonprofits, and community initiatives across the nation. Their teaching blends spiritual insight with practical leadership strategies that help individuals grow in purpose and influence.

They are also active participants in the National Presidential Prayer Breakfast, a 70-year tradition that unites delegates from over 180 nations. Through their involvement, they help organize prayer gatherings that foster connection and unity among leaders of diverse backgrounds.

Their community work extends to education and social impact—partnering with local schools to provide mentorship, leadership development, and support for underserved youth. They also collaborate with organizations addressing poverty, inequality, and family restoration.

Recognized as influential voices in both faith-based and civic spaces, Marvin and Karla continue to inspire others through teaching, mentoring, and speaking. Their unwavering commitment to God’s call fuels their mission to raise up leaders who bring meaningful change.

Proud parents of six and “Big Daddy & Ma’Maw” to nine grandchildren, Marvin and Karla live by the Fired-Up! motto:
“If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?”

Pastor Marvin Smith

Marvin Smith

Marvin was ordained in 1987 and is a certified Human Behavioral Specialist with a master-level certification in Emotional Intelligence. He holds a Master’s in Business (Organizational Management and Leadership), a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and a Certificate in Marketing from the University of Southern California.

A former NFL player with the Los Angeles Rams and Oakland Raiders, Marvin remains active with the NFL Former Players Association. He helped pioneer the first independent study on traumatic brain injury among former players—research that contributed to major safety reforms and one of the largest class-action settlements in U.S. history.

For 14 years, Marvin served as a chaplain for Major League Baseball and as West Coast Director of Athletes International Ministries. His commitment to educational equity also led him and his wife, Karla, to establish a state-authorized public charter school in 2005, empowering disenfranchised students to succeed.

Pastor Karla Smith

Karla Smith

Karla was ordained in 2005 and is a passionate worshiper and 21st-century messenger devoted to seeking God in spirit and truth. Operating in the gifts of 1 Corinthians 12—including wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, discernment, interpretation of tongues, and administration—she ministers with depth and authenticity.

Her commitment to excellence is also reflected in her professional background, having served as a top executive administrator for Fortune 500 companies after completing her studies at Sawyer Business College. In 2005, she and her husband, Marvin, founded a state-authorized public charter school designed to empower and uplift disenfranchised students.

Known for her motto, “If not us, who? If not now, when?” Karla strives to live with integrity and purpose. Her prophetic calling is rooted in a deep sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, allowing her to minister with personal, intimate, and transformative impact.

Outside of ministry, Karla enjoys reading, writing, walking in her community and on the beach, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Evangelist Tiffany Coleman

Tiffany has served with Fired-Up! Ministries since 2011 and was ordained as an evangelist in November 2021. She is devoted to fulfilling God’s call on her life with excellence and has a deep passion for helping the lost develop a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.

In her professional life, Tiffany is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Riverside.

A strong advocate for the voiceless, Tiffany brings hope and encouragement to those in need. Deeply family-oriented, she treasures her roles as daughter, sister, and niece. Her guiding principle is to stay ready—in and out of season—to say “yes” to whatever God calls her to do, ensuring He receives all the glory.

Pastor Bryen Myricks

Pastor Bryen Myricks

Pastor Bryen is a man after God’s own heart—a devoted husband, father of three, and servant leader who believes there’s room at the table for everyone. He operates in the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, and interpretation of tongues.

With a deep love for God’s greatest treasure—people—Pastor Bryen continually seeks God’s best for those he serves. A dedicated intercessor, prayer has been a cornerstone of his life since childhood. Alongside his ministry, he serves as a management consultant for a global financial institution, applying his leadership skills to both spiritual and professional sphere

Lead Intercessor Jasmine Coleman

Lead Intercessor Jasmine Coleman

Ms. Jasmine Coleman has served with Fired-Up! Ministries since 2011 and currently leads the Intercessory Prayer Team. Passionate about the Lord and devoted to sharing the Gospel, Jasmine faithfully serves God’s people and believes true leadership begins with a servant’s heart, as taught in Matthew 20:26.

Throughout her time with Fired-Up!, Jasmine has grown as a transformational leader—living set apart for God’s glory and committed to building His Kingdom.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Social Work from California Baptist University in Riverside, California.

Transformational leadership is about using your actions to elevate others and put them on their path to greatness.

― Terina Allen