Our Staff

All extensions can be reached by dialing the church office at 812.379.4491.

Ministerial Staff

Justin White - Senior Minister
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Sunday morning preaching, Leads staff, Vision casting

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always anticipated the Sunday morning worship gathering. There’s something thrilling that takes place when God’s people come together to offer our best to the Lord in praise, in fellowship, and in study. One of the most powerful parts of the worship service is when we open the Scriptures together to hear from God Himself. I feel humbled to stand and deliver messages from the Bible; it’s a role that I don’t take lightly, but am so thankful for the opportunity. By nature, I’m a teacher/preacher. I love the Scriptures, and I desire to help others grow in their understanding of its pages as well. My goal at the end of every sermon is not that the congregation remembers a joke, a story, or a particular phrase; my goal is for us all to come to know Christ in a clearer, fuller way.

One of my favorite word-pictures for the church is found in 1 Corinthians 12:12 when Paul writes, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body…” I believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the church…the rest of us form the body. Out of this teaching, I believe the best way to lead is by serving together as a team. I believe God has given me the gift to preach and communicate His Word, but that gift is not any more important than any other gift of the Spirit. As every part of the body plays a significant role, so every person in the church is significant as well.

If you are new to the area or simply new to our church, I’d love to get to know you. I think you’ll find FCC a warm, welcoming place to connect with God and with others. Since arriving in Columbus in May of 2011, my wife, Michelle, and I have been so blessed and encouraged by such a loving and growing group of believers. We have three children—Leyton, Lance, and Lila, and a Yorkie we’ve named Leo (had to stick with the ‘L’ theme!). We love to travel, hike, play sports, eat!, and share life with others. We are also die-hard fans of the Colts, Reds, and Indiana Hoosiers!

If there is a way I can help you along your spiritual journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We’d love to walk with you!

DJ Butcher - Associate Youth Minister
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Leads Preteen (5th & 6th grade) and Middle School (7th & 8th grade) Ministries

I’ve been the Middle school minister here at FCC since July of 2011 and I believe that I have the best job in the world! Where else can you hang out with preteen and Jr. high students, have fun and learn more about Jesus? I believe that all people are ‘called to ministry’, but I remember exactly the day and place where I knew that God wanted me to work with teenagers. I was 16 years old worshipping in a high school student conference and it hit me. I wanted to make an eternal difference in the lives of young people and help train them up to become lifelong followers of Jesus! It’s simply a joy to have a part in doing that here at FCC with an amazing team of volunteers! It’s amazing to be in a small group of students and to hear them talk and ask questions about Jesus and our faith!

I grew up in sunny and wonderful southwest Florida and shortly after High school graduation, found myself moving 800 miles away to the great state of Tennessee! I graduated from Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College) in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2005. I came to southern Indiana in the fall of 2005 and met my beautiful wife to be, Carrie, just 3 months after moving here. We were married in 2007 and we have 2 boys, Tyler and Andrew, who bring us unspeakable joy!

On my off days, you’ll find me reading, playing video games, catching up on some of my favorite TV shows and playing with my boys! I’m a huge science fiction fan and enjoy Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who! I find it a privilege to serve here at FCC and look forward to many more years here!

Stephen Gadwah - Music Minister
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Leads Contempory Worship Service

I grew up with parents who taught me to have a rich love for music. Not only was it music, but it was music that was centered on the gospel of Jesus. And because of this, I grew up loving worship music. During my senior year in high school I felt a call to into full time ministry, and led to go to Cincinnati Christian University to study worship ministry. During my time there, I grew not only in appreciation of worship, but of God’s holy word. He began to pour into me that worship ministry is more than simply music, but instead a genuine outpouring of hearts. My desire is for all to understand that our spiritual act of worship is offering our lives daily for the glory of the one true God.

I’m originally from Louisville, KY and love my hometown, but have come to love Columbus and the people here. I enjoy playing basketball and football, jammin’ with other musicians, hiking, and just enjoying the company of other people with my free time. If you’re a musician and want to use your talents for the glory of God, let me know! We would love to have you join us.

Nancy Lewis - Director of Women's Ministry
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Leads Women's, Prayer, and Involvement Ministries

After 20 years in public school teaching and administration, God called me to fulltime ministry at First Christian Church beginning in the summer of 2007. It is quite a blessing to serve in my home church where I grew up, learned to love God, know Jesus, and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I am "officially" director of women's ministry and the ministry coordinator involved with the prayer ministry, special needs ministry, involvement, church wide belonging events and overseeing the office staff. In reality, I do whatever is needed, I have a heart for God and for people and I have a passion to connect people to Christ, to each other, and to service in their God-giving giftedness.

I am blessed to be the mother of Lauren and Austin and the wife of Greg Lewis.

Outside of church I enjoy spending time with family, reading, hiking and napping (especially on a Sunday afternoon).

Jenny Lowry - Director of Children's Ministry
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Leads Birth to 4th Grade ministries, Sidewalk Sunday School, Ministry liaison for Preschool

I’ve been the Director of Children’s Ministry at FCC since May 2004. Craig and I moved from Indianapolis where we were members of E. 91st Street Christian Church, and I enjoyed 12 years of being on staff at E. 91 as a director of a weekday preschool outreach program. While in Indianapolis, we raised 3 wonderful daughters who love the Lord, and are now blessed with 3 equally wonderful sons-in-laws and 6 grandchildren. Having been called to ministry from a non-traditional path, I am delighted to minister to children and families at FCC and the community. It is the greatest privilege to guide volunteers and program choices that shape and influence a child’s world-view. I also enjoy helping parents to incorporate biblical principles into the opportunities and challenges of family life. In my own experience as a mom I know the truth of Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

My interests include reading, Celtic music, cooking, nature walks, and as a graduate of Butler University, watching Bulldog basketball. The best time of day for me is sunrise, and my unfulfilled pursuit is to just once drive an 18-wheeler! And if I had to be somewhere else other than Columbus, I’d choose the Grand Canyon.

Philippians 4:6-7 is my life verse; “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Through this verse God has spoken hope and encouragement into my life, proving over and over that He cares for me and that I can trust Him.

Wade Thompson - Youth Minister
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Leads Middle and High School Ministries, including Sunday morning programming, small groups, special events and trips.

I’ve been the Youth Minister since December of 2010.

I love working with adolescents. I find them endlessly fascinating and a joy to be around. I mostly enjoy watching what Jesus does in the life of our youth; how He gets into a young person’s life and changes everything. I believe that the students of today will be the world changers of tomorrow. My greatest enjoyment from ministry is seeing students who are now adults serving Jesus all over this country and the world.

I most recently served in youth ministries in Rockford, IL and in Plano, IL. I am married to my first wife, Kim. We have two children. Prior to being in youth ministry, I worked in the Kane County Jail helping to provide mental health services for the inmates. I’ve also worked in mental health treatment in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.

Dan Wallace - Worship Minister, Senior Adults, Extreme Hope Makeover
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Coordinates Traditional Service, Leads Seniors Ministry, Extreme Hope Makeovers, Choir, Orchestra

I am the minister that oversees Worship Ministry, our Senior Adult ministry, and Extreme Hope Makeover projects. My passion is to introduce people to God and help people worship Him with all that they are, whether that's through music, "green-up" experiences, or shepherding seniors. The greatest part of my job is being able to partner with all generations.

I became a Christian on April 9, 1967 when I was baptized my Dad, who is a minister. My hobbies include biking, basketball, photography and volunteer marketing for the Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation. My home town is Colonial Williamsburg and my dream vacation would be to give you a tour of my home town. An interesting thing about me that most people don't know is that I majored in Marketing Management and worked at Bank of America in Norfolk, VA for five years.

My favorite verse is Daniel 6:26-27:
‘For He is the living God and He endures forever; His Kingdom will never end. He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’

Al White - Associate Minister
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Sunday morning preaching, Leads Men’s Ministry, Discipleship, Missions

I’m the associate minister with primary responsibilities in the areas of Discipleship, Men’s Ministries and Missions. I’m married to Pam, and we have 4 children, Candace, Leslie, Alynn and Nathan. Pam and I are the proud pet-grandparents of Little Bear and Cole, two black cats that live with us now.

I have dedicated my life to loving my bride and The Bride of Christ, the Church. I describe myself as an emerging urban missiologist, recognizing that the church is designed to bring the whole gospel to the whole community producing whole people in Jesus Christ. Transformation into Christ-likeness begins with friendships and addresses felt needs. That paves the way to connect people with God through Christ’s love.

On nice days, you’ll find me (and maybe Pam) riding our motorcycle around town as we enjoy life together in the great town of Columbus.

Administrative/Support Staff

Office-Staff

Linda Barringer - Finance Officer
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Christy Farrell - Administrative Assistant
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Kathie Hannum - Secretary
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Marilyn Kandel, Receptionist
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Brock Pickett - Director of Communication
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Facilities Staff

Facilities

Rick Herman - Facility Manager
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Craig Lowry - Custodian

Monte Hofmeister - Custodian

Preschool Staff

Preschool

Laura Cox - Co-Director
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Tammy Hendricks - Co-Director
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