Theological Identity
In an age of certainties and divisions, Eric Smith writes and preaches from the spacious middle—where faith is alive, questions are holy, and grace is always unfinished. He belongs to a stream of Christian thought that treasures Scripture as a living witness, not a locked vault, and understands revelation as something that unfolds—incrementally—in lives attentive to love’s transforming work.
Smith’s theology is Christ-centered but never tribal. He speaks of Jesus not as a boundary to defend but as a presence to encounter—one whose compassion, courage, and clarity reveal the divine heart at the center of all things. The gospel he proclaims is not a weapon in a culture war, but a mirror in which we see our shared humanity illumined by mercy.
His writing draws deeply from the contemplative and sacramental traditions. In his world, the kitchen table becomes an altar, stories become sacred windows, and even the quiet moonlight carries a whisper of divine intent. Everyday life—relationships, work, laughter, loss—is where grace does its wakening work.
Politically and pastorally, Smith’s vision leans toward the center of the wide circle. He resists ideology in favor of compassion, believing that the true test of faith is not correctness but kindness. His voice speaks to those weary of polarization—the ones who still believe that goodness has a future, that hope can hang on, and that God’s grace keeps expanding the circle until all are included.
His ministry might best be described as sacramental humanist—faithful to the story of Jesus, open to the wisdom of the world, and rooted in the conviction that love is stronger than fear. Through his theological model of Wakening Grace, Eric Smith invites his congregation and readers to recognize their own unfolding story within God’s, and to find, in the midst of ordinary life, the extraordinary light of divine presence.
Our Pastors
Our Pastors
The founding pastor of the Coronado Community Church was the Reverend Dr. Thomas P. Warmer. Tom was a beloved healer and powerful in the pulpit. He started the Church in 1996 and served until 2005. Tom passed away in 2021… may his memory be blessed.
In 2005 Reverend Stephen J. Mather took on the pastorate of the CCC. A native of Coronado, Steve is an ordained Presbyterian minister who is a graduate of Princeton Theology Seminary. He brought his brilliant intellect and insightful commentary to the pulpit each week. Pastor Steve served the CCC for 16 years until 2021.
In 2021 the Reverend Dr. Eric Smith became our current pastor. Eric grew up in Coronado, graduating from CHS in 1972. His seminary education took place at the Claremont School of Theology.
His church background is filled with highlights. He was pastor at the Holliston Church in Pasadena for 12 years. The Rose Parade passed by each year, so the church constructed grandstands for the parade to host 1,000 people. “It was like an urban barn raising every year,” he said.
He also recalled hosting movie shoots on church property. “It wasn’t uncommon to have stars like Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, John Travolta and Robert Stack on site, either in the church, or in the courtyard. Stack used our facility backdrop to introduce episodes of his TV show, Unsolved Mysteries.”
Smith also worked with Prison Ministry for several years. “Going inside the prison to spend time with men who are incarcerated, with little reason for hope, often serving life sentences, was a powerful experience of the grace of God. It has had a profound effect on me.”
As his life and ministry come full circle, Pastor Eric is always quick to share a memory of his youth growing up in Coronado. Anyone who was here during those car-carrying ferryboat years, can’t help but sit spellbound listening to his stories.
“Coronado is my home,” said the tall preacher, with a wide smile on his face. He stands well over six feet. “Coronado is the ground of my being. I was raised, loved, and nurtured on this island.
“I was given so much, by so many, that it has always been my dream to return and offer something back to this community. When I was approached by the Coronado Community Church, there was a wholeness in it that struck me immediately.”
Ironically, Pastor Tom Warmer, the first pastor of Coronado Community Church, was Smith’s mentor in ministry all those years ago. “What a gift to anticipate pastoring the church he founded,” said Smith. “This is a new and exciting chapter of ministry in my life. Pastoring this church is a joy to imagine.”
The Pastor Eric Smith is married to Karen, his partner in life and ministry; she is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Equity Actors Union. The Smiths have four grown children and five grandchildren.
