Tarik El-Ansary
tarik@realitysf.com
Pastor/Elder
Executive Pastor
Tarik grew up outside of Washington D.C. in the suburbs of Bethesda, MD. A first generation American, both of his parents are native Egyptians. Growing up in a non-practicing Muslim home, he always remembered believing in a God but never really knew who he was. The first time he heard that Jesus was the Son of God was in the fourth grade. His response was "God doesn't have any kids!"
At the age of 13, seemingly dissatisfied with the prospect of studying hard, going to college and establishing a career, Tarik began experimenting with drugs and quickly began to rebel against anyone that expected anything from him. His behavior often found himself at odds with his parents, teachers, and local law enforcement. His drug use eventually lead to distribution and at 24, Tarik became a student of the State Courts in Florida, North and South Carolina. Although he was arrested three consecutive years for drugs or drug related cases, he avoided prosecution by being bailed out through a combination of technicalities, loving parents and savvy State attorneys.
In 1998, Tarik graduated to the Federal Courts and was indicted on Federal conspiracy drug charges for marijuana and ecstasy. He was sentenced to 37 months in Federal prison and three years of supervised release. It was the first time he ever suffered any consequences for his actions but he remained determined to get himself out of his situation on his own terms. After serving his time, it wasn't long before he was back before the Federal Judge. One and a half years into his Federal supervision, Tarik faced returning back to prison for violating the terms of his probation. He asked the Judge if he could go to rehab for the very first time--a Christian drug and alcohol program--Calvary Ranch, in Lakeside, CA. As he walked up the steps to his entrance interview into the 30-day program, he asked Jesus, "If you're really the Son of God then show me." Wondering if this was all his life was meant to be, that day he finally surrendered his life to Jesus and prayed a simple prayer with one one of the Elders asking Jesus to put his life back together.
A few days later Tarik was baptized. Not knowing any Christians outside of the ranch he asked to stay after completing his program. A few months later he came on staff and continued his discipleship at the ranch until he moved to Santa Barbara in 2004 and began attending Reality Carpinteria. Living his life as a Christian for the very first time out of rehab, his life began to flourish. After obtaining his real estate license, earning the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation, completing his Bachelor's and Master's, he thought that Santa Barbara was his final destination--but God had different plans.
He met Dave a few years later during a summer internship at the church and felt called to come alongside him and pray. Ironically, when Dave invited him to the very first SF prayer meeting, Tarik uncharacteristically didn't show up or even call. As Tarik began to sense a call to SF, he realized that he was holding onto his own accomplishments, Reality Carpinteria and Santa Barbara rather than following Jesus. Soon afterwards, he met his future bride, Erika in a community group. They were married on December 4, 2010 at the historic Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco.
Tarik serves as the Executive Pastor at Reality SF. He and his wife Erika live in the Ashbury Heights district of San Francisco.
