First Free Staff & Leadership

The staff and leadership at First Free are here to serve the church. Many of them are volunteers that serve in addition to their other employment. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out:  email us (office at firstfreebrooklyn.org) or call the church office to speak with them (718-745-7775).

  • Chris Hooper

    Pastor

    Chris has served at First Free since early 2014.  He previously served a small urban church in Denver, Colorado as their Executive Pastor.  He studied at Denver Seminary after working for a few years in the computer industry.  Chris married his High School sweetheart Holly.  Photo from 2019.

  • Dr. Zephaniah Seung

    Associate Pastor

    Zephaniah is married to Hester and has two children. He has served in pastoral roles in Texas and in New York, joining First Free in 2024. He has graduate degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and enjoys reading, basketball, and music. 

  • Johnny Weng

    Youth Director

    Johnny has grown up in the neighborhood and has been a part of First Free, Dorcas Ministries, and Summer Splash since elementary school. Through his college years, he has served on the youth group leadership team and now leads youth group which includes our Jr. High and High School students. Johnny graduated from college in June of 2020 and has a Masters degree in Physics.

  • Tony Cruz

    Building Manager

    Tony has served the church in many roles for almost two decades and continues to serve as a Trustee and Treasurer as well as overseeing day to day building management. Tony and his wife Emily are native New Yorkers and their children and grandchildren live near the city.

  • Bernadette Terzano

    Administrative Assistant

    Bernadette has been a member at First Free for several years.  Her husband, Paul, and sons, Paul Andrew and David are all native New Yorkers. Bernadette joined our administrative staff in 2016. 


    Contact any of our staff by emailing office at firstfreebrooklyn.org or call our office at (718) 745-7775.  Please leave a message if we are not able to answer immediately.

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Our Ministry Partners

At First Free, we value both our local independence and our global interdependence. We benefit from the autonomy and ability to serve our community as we are led by the Holy Spirit. We also benefit from the accountability and relationships formed in our district and national associations.  These affiliations help us serve Jesus effectively and encourage us to stay rooted in God's Word.