Bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to the
inner city of Phoenix since 1994
Our Pastors
The uniquely-gifted Pastoral Staff at Fire & Water Int'l Church is united to love God and love people. They make up a strong and committed team of workers, geared toward advancing the Kingdom and making FWIC a thriving ministry that will both be a blessing to our surrounding communities, our nation and world! Their passion is to REACH those far from God, BUILD the Church, and CHANGE the world!
Pastor Gus Korkotselos
Senior Pastor / Co-Founder
Pastor Gus Korkotselos is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Fire and Water International Church in the inner-city of Phoenix, Arizona. He is a passionate speaker whose international ministry continues to impact lives using the truth of God’s Word to reach the hurting, the poor, the addicted, the afflicted, and the lost.
The heartbeat of Pastor Gus has never wavered from what God has called him to be which is to see souls saved and lives radically transformed through the power of Jesus Christ. He is seen internationally through the ministry’s television program, “There is an Answer”, that reaches many across the world, including prisons, bringing hope to the hopeless. Pastor Gus is passionate about reaching the inner-city and has partnered with several local community organizations that provide services to those in need. His inspiring leadership and vision for the inner-city unites people across boundaries of race, age, class and culture.
Pastor Gus has also focused on education. During this time, he earned a Bachelor of Ministry Degree in Church Growth and Development; Also, a Master of Ministry Degree in Church Planting and Ministry Outreach from Primus University of Theology. He is a published author of the book “The Ephraim Factor: Finding Fruitfulness in the Midst of Affliction.”
Pastor Gus, his wife Sheila and their daughter Grace reside in Phoenix, Arizona.
Pastor Robert Contreras
Music Ministry Pastor / Co-Founder
Robert was brought up in a Christian home and came to know the Lord at a very young age. As he grew older and strayed away from the truth, yet he knew there was a call of God on his life. In 1991, Robert relocated from California to Arizona and rededicated his life to the Lord at Phoenix First Assembly, while listening to Reinhard Bonnke when he visited the church. In 1995, Robert teamed up with a recently saved co-worker, Gus Korkotselos, to form Fire & Water International Ministries. Pastor Robert has served under many powerful ministries, which have included, Pastor Tommy Barnet & Pastor David Ritter of Phoenix First Assembly of God. Pastor Robert was ordained in 1998.
Today, Pastor Robert is involved in many facets of the ministry at Fire & Water he is a passionate worship leader with an anointing to bring an entire generation into an encounter with God. His heart is to see people transformed by experiencing God’s love and for this generation to see themselves the way God sees them. Robert sincerely believes when that happens, hearts are set free.
Pastor Frank & Bessie Nikolopoulos
(aka Papa Frank & Mama Bessie)
Intercessory Ministry Pastor / Co-Founder
Pastor Gus' Parents, Frank & Bessie, affectionately known, as "Mama & Papa" around the church were both were born in Greece and then moved to Chicago, Illinois in the early 80’s. In 1982 the entire family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Bessie was the first among the family to receive Christ in 1983 and Frank followed about a year later in 1984. These two prayer warriors have become pillars of the church and have been instrumental in helping to advance God's Kingdom here in Phoenix, Arizona. Pastor Frank was ordained in 1998.
Pastor Frank currently assists in many aspects of the day-to-day operations at FWIC and along with his wife, Bessie, head-up the Intercessory Prayer Ministry here within the church.
Pastor Tom & Pastor Sheryl Margherita
Marriage & Couples Pastors
“We have the awesome privilege of serving the couples at Fire & Water to enhance their marriages and build strong marriages on the foundation of God’s Word.” Pastors Tom & Sheryl Margherita
Pastors Tom & Sheryl teach the principle of unconditional love and the power of a covenant marriage - promoting commitment, intimacy and growth in marriage relations. Pastors Tom & Sheryl provide one-on-one ministry to couples whose marriages are in trouble to bring healing, deliverance and restoration. They also provide teaching and training to engaged couples so they have the tools and information they need to have a successful Godly marriage.
After tragedy struck in both of their lives, God brought Pastor Tom & Pastor Sheryl together for a divine purpose. They have a powerful testimony of the redeeming and restoring power of God and how He does work everything out for our good and for His glory!!