I grew up outside of Elizabethton and attended Elizabethton High School where I met my wife Betsy.  We got married in 1995 and served for nine years as part of the staff of Grandview Christian Church here in Johnson City.  While there, I served as the Minister to Youth and Young Adults and Betsy was the Worship Minister.  During that time, we had two boys, Evan and Bryant.
 
I earned an MDiv from Emmanuel Christian Seminary in 2000 and my undergraduate degree is in Mathematics and Religion from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA.  I have extensive experience in ministerial training as the founder and director of the Semester in Ministry program in partnership with Milligan College, where I have also served as an adjunct professor for 6 years.  Both as a teacher and practitioner, I am committed to the preaching and teaching of God’s words as a foundational tool to reach the lost, transform lives and shape community.

Fun Facts:
My family and I love competing over whose turn it is to read the latest fantasy novel, playing in the outdoors, hiking, camping, kayaking and making music in the garage. 

I’m Nikki Hunt and I am the executive minister at FCC-JC. I have also served as Outreach Minister and Children’s Minister. I grew up at FCC-JC, earned my MDiv at Emmanuel School of Religion, and recently received my DMin. My purpose is to equip and encourage the FCC-JC staff members in their purpose as they pursue the purpose of FCC-JC - to love God, love others, and make disciples.

Fun Facts:
1. I can’t wink or whistle
2. My majors in undergrad were Psychology and Spanish
3. Three of my bucket list items are: to serve as a seat filler at the Academy Awards (if I can’t win one), intern with Bono, and travel to Spain

I am the Facilities Director and Media Ministry Assistant at FCC-JC. I taught at the University/College level for 10 years before coming to FCC-JC. I have a BS in Communication and a minor in Bible from Milligan College and an MA in Professional Communication from East Tennessee State University. I am married to Beth McPherson (of the JT and Lucy McPherson family) Arnold and we have the most amazing son ever -Samuel.

Fun Facts:
1. I was a “professional” wrestler for a short time working as one half of the Executioners tag team.
2. I proposed to my wife on the top of Cross Mountain in Carter County and spent three weeks getting over the worst case of poison oak/ivy that I’ve ever had. We’ve been married 18 years. That’s not a bad trade off.
3. My favorite activity as a kid was watching the C130s, C141s, and C5s take off at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina.

I serve as the Lead Counselor & Director of Life Journey – overseeing the FCC-JC Short-Term, Recovery and Care Groups. I have a passion for developing leaders and seeing people find help and hope. Most of my career has been in private practice, including serving as the on-site counselor for churches in MD, FL and TN. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and Sociology/Anthropology from Milligan College. My Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education is from Indiana University (CACREP accredited).

Fun Facts:
1. I feel especially close to God in nature and through music.
2. I value time with family, friends and church family.

Hey there! My name Josh Buckles. I'm originally from Bristol, Virginia, but have lived in Johnson City since January 2017. I'm a graduate of Milligan College where I double majored in Communications and Computer Info. I joined the FCC staff full time in October 2016 as the Worship Technical Director where I oversee all of the audio/visual components for the Worship Center and CLC. 

Fun Facts:
1. I'm a huge baseball fan and I plan on visiting every Major League baseball stadium in my lifetime (my current total is 6 if you count both Atlanta stadiums).
2. I absolutely love Christmas and while I can't choose a favorite Christmas song, my favorite Christmas movie is definitely Elf.
3. I'm very accident prone. That's all that needs to be said about that.

I am Parish Nurse at FCC for around 10 years. I work with the congregation on health issues and set up health programs throughout the year.I am available anytime to help people with any health issues. I visit people in nursing homes, the hospital, and in homes.

My name is Billy Conover! I was born and raised near Clearwater, Florida, but ended up at Milligan College for school and have stayed in the Tri-Cities ever since. My passion and role at FCC-JC is working in our Student Ministry and helping our students to navigate through this phase of their life while discovering and deepening their faith.

Fun Facts:
1. I consider myself a foodie and love trying new foods. I will try anything once!
2. I love music and have been a member of several bands in high school and college.
3. I will talk your ear off about all things sports or Star Wars if you let me!

I was born and raised in East Tennessee and have worked at First Christian Church - Johnson City for a little more than four years now. My role at FCC-JC involves sitting on the Groups Team and serving multiple dimensions of the Groups Ministry, including long term service outlets like West Main Christian Church’s homeless ministry, College Aged Ministry, Young Adults Ministry, Home Groups, and a few others as needed.

Fun Facts:
1. I have been a weightlifting fanatic for 15 years.
2. I used to do TV commercials and be a dance instructor.
3. I am writing a fantasy book series and have invented my own language for it.

I was born in Charlotte, NC but have spent most of my life on the other side of the mountain here in Johnson City. I am a junior at East Tennessee State University pursuing a B.S. in Media & Communications with a concentration in Advertising/Public Relations and a minor in Marketing (graduating in 2020). Here at FCC-JC, I am a communications assistant helping our creative teams make some really cool things while also getting to make some cool things myself.

Fun Facts:
1. My left eye is half blue & half brown.
2. I used to be a dancer & ballet teacher to pre-ballet & ballet basics students.
3. I can stretch my thumb down to touch the wrist that it's attached to.

I’m Pam DeVore. I am the Office Manager & Executive Assistant to Ethan Magness (Senior Minister) & Nikki Hunt (Executive Minister). I manage the general office needs and assist Ethan & Nikki, as well as the Elders.

Fun facts:
1. I am a lip-sync extraordinaire.
2. I have my amateur radio (Ham) license
3. I like going on adventures like flying in a hot air balloon, taking red-eye bus trips to NYC, etc.

I am a Colorado native, but after graduating from Woodland Park High School, I moved to Joplin, Missouri to attend Ozark Christian College. There I received a B.A. in Christian Ministries and met my lovely wife, Joy. We moved here in January of 2016 so that I could attend Emmanuel Christian Seminary. As a Family Ministry administrator, I aid the youth and children's teams to ensure that those ministries are as successful as possible.

Fun Facts:
1. I home roast coffee and brew my own kombucha.
2. My favorite movie is Top Gun. Tom Cruise at his finest.
3. I'm legally blind in my left eye.

I work with the Welcome and Groups teams at FCC-JC to welcome new faces and connect people. With Groups I’m focusing on Women’s and Affinity groups.
 
Fun Facts:
1. My first half marathon was on the Great Wall of China.
2. I have a twin sister.
3. I snuggled with a tiger in Thailand.

I grew up in KY and attended college at Kentucky Christian University. I have been in Children’s Ministry for a little over 6 years now. Here at First Christian Church, I am the Early Childhood Minister which means I oversee Nursery and Preschool Ministries. My husband and I have 2 dogs (Padme and Lexi).

Fun Facts:
1. I can’t whistle.
2. I love rollercoasters! The higher the better!
3. I enjoy roadtrips!

Hello friends! I’m Brittany. I love to welcome people into the church and help them connect to discipling community. That is why I serve with our Welcome and Connections teams at FCC-JC. My husband and I enjoy serving the church and our community together and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come! If you have any questions about getting connected to what God is doing at FCC-JC I am here to help!

Fun Facts:
1. I memorize song lyrics instantly. It’s just too bad that I don’t sing very well.
2. I get very emotional when I see animals. The other day I saw a horse pass by and I cried for 20 minutes. My coworkers enjoy testing this with videos of baby animals.
3. I have hundreds of children. Just kidding- I serve first and second graders in our city as a Site Director for one of our area non-profits in the afternoons. I love them like they are my own, though.

Hello there! I am married to an amazing woman named Meg Greer, and we have two little girls! I work with our welcome and involvement teams! I love to create environments where people experience the tangible love of God! We do this through helping people belong and take their next step in following Jesus!

Fun facts:
1. I played tennis in college.
2. I once traveled to a village in Zimbabwe by myself! It was terrifying.
3. I am an aspiring ambassador to a foreign country.

I am the Administrative Assistant to the Hospitality and Events and Welcome Teams. I also manage FCC-JC’s Facility Calendar, which includes working with the Facilities Team to schedule church reservations and events.
Facts:
1. I was a college athlete. I played on the first-ever Women’s Golf Team at Milligan College from 2010-2014.
2. I have a dog named Mollie. She is a coonhound/pointer mix and is spoiled rotten.
3. I am currently attending Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan College and will be graduating in May 2018 with my Masters in Religion with an emphasis in Historical Theology.

I am a graduate of East Tennessee State University, and am in my 7th year of full time Children’s Ministry. My Children's Ministry philosophy is "there is always room at the table for you," because I believe it's important for every kid to know that they belong and are loved. My husband, Aaron, and I have two daughters--Abby who is 12, and Anna Grace who is 11--and a spoiled-rotten Yorkie named Toby.

Fun Facts:
1. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
2. My favorite thing to do is jet-skiing, and second favorite is anything that goes fast.
3. In high school I was on the drama and dance teams, and competed in concert piano.

I am a Worship Minister at FCC-JC. I lead our upstairs worship venue services, as well as directing choir, orchestra, and special events throughout the year. I am married to Susan (our Weekday Preschool Director) and we have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Fun Facts:
1. Susan and I enjoy hiking National Parks and have visited 23 to date.
2. We started dating while playing Guinevere and Lancelot in high school. I successfully defeated the enemies of Camelot and won the girl all single-handedly.
3. I enjoy photography.

I’m the director of FCC Weekday Preschool. My passion is early childhood education and this preschool is my ministry! 

Fun Facts:
1.I love to hike and discover our National Parks with my husband, Mike! (23 Nat'l Parks and counting!)
2. NEVER ask me to bungee jump!
3. I have 2 beautiful grandchildren, Miles Afton and Juniper Harlan!

Hi I’m Michael! I was born and raised in Johnson City, but moved to Hampton during high school and consider it my hometown. I also have attended and served at First Christian pretty much my whole life. I make videos and motion graphics, and I also help to make sure both service locations are prepared for Sunday services.

Fun Facts:
1. I like to play video games… A lot.
2. I try to produce music in my free time with the key word being “try.”
3. I love spending time in the outdoors.

I am a junior designer in the Communications department working with social media as well as assisting in the world of video. I am a senior at Milligan College studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media. Upon graduation I hope to continue using media to further the mission of the church!

Fun Facts:
1. I am a former Mountain intern (spring 2016).
2. I can solve a Rubik's cube in 45 seconds or less.
3. I know how to ride a unicycle, but my little brother has competed both nationally
and internationally in unicycling and placed in several categories within his age group.

I work as the Administrative assistant for the Groups team at FCC.  This means I help manage attendance, update Groups information, and overall support our Small Groups/Sunday School classes. 
 
Fun Facts:
1. I like sci-fi and am a huge Star Trek fan. 
2. My favorite color is Orange, just not UT Orange.
3. I am a Gym Nerd.

I grew up down the road in Elizabethton, Tennessee (Go Cyclones!) and graduated from Milligan College and Emmanuel Christian Seminary. I’ve served in some capacity of worship and creative arts ministry for over 20 years in 3 different churches and now have the privilege of serving alongside FCC-JC’s Worship and Communications staff. I spend my days collaborating with artists, musicians, pastors and techies and then drive home to do the same with my wonderful husband Ethan, two terrific kids Evan and Bryant and neurotic border collies Dallas and Bravo.

Fun Facts:
1. My brilliant, sassy Taiwanese mother taught herself to speak English by watching TV, so my namesakes are Elizabeth Taylor and a character from the daytime soap opera "As the World Turns."
2. I’ve recently taken up Mountain biking at the behest of my children. 
3. I’ve never broken a bone, but fun fact #2 may change the status of fun fact #3

I am Sharon and I am the Business Manager. I am a graduate of East Tennessee State University , and the Johnson City area has been my life-long home. 

Fun Facts:
1. My favorite activity is reading historical fiction, especially while sitting on a beach, and dreaming that someday I can retire to Hilton Head Island. 
2. My favorite food is bakery cake with LOTS of icing
3. My favorite travel spot is St Thomas.

I'm from Norfolk, VA, currently a student at Emmanuel Christian Seminary studying for a Masters of Divinity. I work at First Christian on the Facilities Team. 

Fun Facts: 
1. I still have some baby teeth. 
2. I've built a PC. 
3. I am a published poet. 

Hello good friends! My focus is holistic Pastoral Care. This entails, shepherding, outreach and nurturing through teaching, mentoring, discipling, relationship development, prayer and visitations in all settings including: homes, clinical care spaces, correctional spaces, etc. I embrace the dictum popularized by one of the Early Church Fathers, Gregory of Nazianzus which says, “Pastors are physicians of the soul.” I graduated from Emmanuel Christian Seminary with the MDiv (2008) and DMin (2013) degrees. I am a fellow of the Clinical Pastoral Education program (CPE 2010) through Mountain States Health Alliance. As followers of Jesus at FCC, we are stronger as community. If you need or know of anyone who needs a visit, a prayer, a word of encouragement or comfort, please give us a call.

Fun Facts:
1. I am married to Maud, a seminarian and passionate prayer warrior and we have three sons, a daughter and daughter-in-law.
2. As a second-generation product of overseas missions, I am passionate about and involved in missions.
3. I am originally from Zimbabwe where I studied law at both the Zimbabwe Judicial College and the University of Zimbabwe and was admitted as a registered attorney. I worked for over 16 years in various sectors of the legal community.

Hi I’m Peter! I’m a designer and filmmaker at FCC-JC. I love doing things with excellence and taking an idea from good to great. The best part of my job is when I get to communicate simple ideas and concepts in new ways through (hopefully) compelling art.

Fun facts:
1. I love to travel! I recently took a solo trip to Iceland with no plan. I even spent the night in a sketchy mountain hut by myself.
2. The way to my heart is anything pine scented.
3. You’ll be hard pressed to find a bigger fan of Pal's cheddar rounds.

I grew up in Harford County, Maryland. After graduating with my B.A. from Messiah College in 2015, I moved to Johnson City and am now completing my M.Div. at Emmanuel Christian Seminary. On staff at FCC, I am part of the worship ministry, and work particularly with programming and production.

Fun Facts:
1. I play the drums. 
2. I played collegiate ultimate frisbee.
3. I have a hard time coming up with fun facts. 

I am the Student Minister at FCC-JC. I spend most of my time with middle school students, but enjoy any opportunity to work with students from birth through high school. I am a pretty big fan of soccer, traveling, the outdoors, reading, and writing. I also feel lucky to have such an awesome wife (Allison) and two dogs (Oliver and Emmet).

Fun Facts:
1. I want to visit all 7 continents in my lifetime.
2. When I grow up I wants to be a pilot.
3. I think it would be awesome to live in a treehouse.

I am originally from Lebanon, Virginia but have been a resident of Johnson City for 26 years.  I am married to Rick and have three children:  Justin, Hannah, and Meaghan.  I have a Business Degree with a major in Accounting from East Tennessee State University, and I serve in the Finance Department as the Finance Clerk.
 
Fun Facts:
1. I love to crochet!
2. My daughters are twins
3. Favorite place I have visited – Northern England

I am the Director of Community Outreach. It is such a privilege to help our congregation get involved in serving our community in many ways. My husband Steve and I have been members of FCC-JC since 1984 and have taught about every age group here at FCC-JC while raising our 2 daughters.  Now empty nesters, we enjoy spending time with our family and friends, especially our granddaughter, Sunnie, who lives in Knoxville.

Fun Facts:
1. I was the buffalo mascot at Milligan College back in the day.

Hello, I’m Jan Spencer. I am a child of God who loves to create, dig in dirt (can never have too many flowers) and serve our Lord. I am the Hospitality & Events director at FCC- JC. I Have been on staff for 2 years and absolutely LOVE my job. I have been married for 30 years to my wonderful husband, Charlie and have 2 children – Harrison & Maria and Blessed to have a fantastic Son-n-Law – Matt Kosh.
 
Fun Facts:
1. I ‘m a lefty (meaning  left handed).
2. Love to make cards.
3. I have 6 granddogs.

I am the Media Minister with primarily overseeing the Television Ministry. We produce programming that runs on two cable television systems in our area. Also we upload all of our programming to YouTube. I assist in meeting the Audio/Visual needs throughout the building, and also am assisting in ministering to the Adult seniors of our congregation. This is my home church as I grew up here and have been involved with this ministry since I was in the 7th grade. I have served as a youth sponsor, deacon, and elder over the years here at FCC-JC.

Fun Facts:
1. I enjoy going to aviations museums.
2. I am UT football fan.
3. I like fixing things!

My name is Isaac Williams! I was born and raised in the Pacific North West (Portland, Oregon), went to school at Boise Bible College in Boise, ID to study worship ministry and intercultural studies, and am currently a student at Emmanuel Christian Seminary working on my MDiv. I am on staff here at FCC-JC using my gifts to develop others to serve Jesus through music ministry the best that I am able.
 
Fun Facts:
1. I like to talk to animals, and deep down I hope and believe that they understand me…somehow...And I’m not talking dogs, and cats, but like worms, birds, and spiders…I know it’s weird, but hey, it’s who I am!
2. I like to drive in silence because it helps me meditate on the world around me.
3. I had a 50% chance of being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa which is a total blindness in the retina, but instead of being blind, I have 20/13 vision! God is good!