Transformational Leaders

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

Marvin and Karla Smith are dedicated servant leaders committed to teaching, preparing, and guiding others in leadership. As a husband-and-wife team, they embrace their calling to fulfill the fivefold ministry described in (Ephesians 4:11). Marvin serves as an apostle, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, while Karla serves as a prophet, pastor, and teacher.

In 1996, they founded Fired-Up!, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to equipping and preparing leaders. The Fired-Up! Organization has a New Testament church that meets in their home, serving as a hub for spiritual growth and leadership development. Fired-Up! operates under the full fivefold ministry and operates in the spiritual gifts described in (1 Corinthians 12). Fired-Up! is dedicated to teaching, equipping, and sending leaders to pursue their God-given purpose.

Marvin and Karla have trained and mentored hundreds of emerging leaders, many of whom now lead ministries, nonprofits, and community organizations across the nation. Their teaching blends spiritual insight with practical leadership strategies, empowering individuals to excel in their calling.

In addition to their work with Fired-Up!, Marvin and Karla are actively involved in the National Presidential Prayer Breakfast, a 70-year tradition that unites delegates from over 180 nations. They have played key roles in organizing and facilitating prayer gatherings, fostering meaningful connections between leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Their community impact extends to education reform, where they have partnered with local schools to provide mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and support for underserved youth. Marvin and Karla are also committed advocates for social justice, collaborating with organizations that address poverty, inequality, and family restoration.

Their dedication has earned them recognition as influential voices in both faith-based and civic spaces. They continue to inspire others through speaking engagements, and their steadfast commitment to empowering leaders who drive meaningful change.

Marvin and Karla are devoted to fulfilling God’s call on their lives. Their confidence in their purpose drives their unwavering commitment to inspire and empower others to do the same.

Marvin and Karla are the parents of six and the grandparents (Big Daddy & Ma’Maw) of nine.

Marvin, Karla and the Fired-Up! motto is… If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?

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 of Arts degree in Business with an emphasis on Organizational Management and Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and a Certificate of Marketing from the University of Southern California.

Marvin’s background also includes a professional football career with the Los Angeles Rams and Oakland Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). He remains active with the National Football League Former Players Association and played a key role in developing the first independent study on traumatic brain injury among former players. This study contributed to one of the largest class-action lawsuits in U.S. history and led to significant reforms in professional football safety protocols.

For 14 years, Marvin served as a chaplain for Major League Baseball while also acting as the West Coast Director of Athletes International Ministries. His dedication to educational equity drove him and his wife, Karla, to create a state-authorized public charter school in 2005, designed to support and empower disenfranchised students.

Karla Smith

Karla was ordained in 2005. She is a passionate worshiper and a 21st-century messenger devoted to seeking God in spirit and truth. Karla operates in the spiritual gifts as shared in (1 Corinthians 12), word of wisdom, word of knowledge, gifts of healings, prophecy, discerning of spirits, interpretation of tongues, and administration. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her corporate background, where she worked as a top-level executive administrator for Fortune 500 companies after completing her studies at Sawyer Business College. Karla also partnered with her husband to create a state-authorized public charter school in 2005, designed to support and empower disenfranchised students.

Karla has always known she was not born to be average. One of her mottos is, “If not us, who? If not now, when?” She is a woman of her word—committed to integrity in both her actions and her speech. While preparing to fulfill the office of the prophet, Karla’s dedication to learning how to hear and follow the Holy Spirit has developed a profound sensitivity that allows her to minister personally, intimately, and powerfully.

Beyond her ministry, Karla enjoys reading and writing, taking walks through her community and on the beach, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Evangelist Tiffany Coleman

Tiffany has served with Fired-Up! Ministries since 2011. In November 2021, she was officially ordained to the office of evangelist. Tiffany is dedicated to fulfilling God’s call on her life with excellence, driven by a deep desire to see the lost build a true relationship with Jesus Christ.

In the marketplace, Tiffany serves as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Riverside.

Tiffany is a passionate advocate for the voiceless and a source of encouragement for those in need of hope. Deeply family-oriented, she cherishes her roles as a daughter, sister, and niece. Her guiding principle is to remain ready—both in and out of season—to say “yes” to whatever God asks of her, ensuring He receives the glory in all she does.

Pastor Bryen Myricks

Pastor Bryen is a man after God’s own heart, a loving and devoted husband, and a father of two. He serves wholeheartedly and believes there is room at the table for everyone. Pastor Bryen operates in word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, prophecy, discerning of spirits, and interpretation of tongues, spiritual gifts described in (1 Corinthians 12).

With a deep love for God’s greatest treasure—people—Pastor Bryen consistently seeks God’s best for those he serves. He is an intercessor, and prayer has been one of his foundational pillars since childhood. In addition to his ministry, Pastor Bryen works as a management consultant for a global financial institution, bringing his leadership skills to both spiritual and professional spheres.

Lead Intercessor Jasmine Coleman

Ms. Jasmine Coleman has been part of Fired-Up! Ministries since 2011 and currently serves as the Intercessory Prayer Leader. Jasmine is passionate about the Lord and devoted to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ while faithfully serving God’s people. She believes that true leadership begins with learning to serve, as inspired by (Matthew 20:26).

Through her time with Fired-Up! Ministries, Jasmine has grown as a transformational leader, committed to living set apart for the glory of God and building His Kingdom.

Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Social Work degree 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