Meet Our Staff

Inspired by Faith, Powered by Commitment

	Mike Claypool Preaching Minister Mike Claypool is our preaching minister. He has served in Newburgh since 1992. His passion is to preach the Word of God and watch the Spirit of the Lord infuse the Word into the hearts of people. Prior to this ministry he served as the Minister of Worship in Scottsburg, Indiana. Mike and his wife, Cindy, were married August 2, 1975. They have been blessed with two children. Their son CJ, was born May 8, 1982 and is now happily married to Alisha. Their daughter Jessica, was born August 3, 1989, and is a joy and delight. Mike loves to preach, but when not doing that he is happy with a fishing pole in his hand! You can read Mike's blog here.
	Brad Ferris Executive Pastor Joining our staff in October, 1999, Brad served as our Adults Pastor and our Preaching Associate before serving as our Executive Pastor. Brad is a member of our preaching team, while also being responsible for the day-to-day operations of our staff, which includes encouraging and mentoring each staff member, implementing various team-building opportunities, and providing a spiritual emphasis to all staff members. He and his wife, Mary Ann, have three children: Neil, born in 1997, Madeline in 2001, and Sarah in 2005. In his spare time he loves to spend time with his family and his favorite hobby...fishing.
	Phill Foust Worship Minister Phill and his wife Jennifer joined FCC in 2005. Prior to First Christian, Phill was an intern in Kokomo, Indiana, and Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating from Kentucky Christian College in 2000, he and Jennifer had a five-year worship ministry in Greenford Ohio. Phil and Jennifer have three children: Nathan was born in 2005 and Luke in 2007 and Alyssa in 2009. When not playing or writing music, he enjoys hiking, biking, video games, and spending time with his small group. More than anything else, he loves to sing and worship God. As Phill says, "There is nothing else I would rather do than spend my days leading and being led in worship." For Phill's Worship Ministry blog, click here.
	Rick Riley Adult Minister Rick has been on staff at First Christian Church since August 30, 2004. He and his wife Rhonda have 3 daughters who are attending Murray State University in Kentucky. While Rick carves wildfowl decoys and plays a Gibson J-100 acoustic guitar in his spare time, his passion is to see men come alive in Christ, to help men discover who God made them to be. Iraeneus said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." Rick wants God to be glorified as we come fully alive.
	Fritz Kaufman Children's Minister Fritz Kaufman joined the staff of First Christian Church as Children's Minister in April 1997. For ten years, Fritz served in churches in Ohio and Kentucky in youth ministry. Fritz grew up at First Christian Church, having been present when the first services were held at the old Newburgh Cinema in 1979. In addition to an interest in classic cars, Fritz enjoys skiing, classic TV & movies.


	Nerissa Foor Nursery Coordinator Nerissa was born and raised in Bedford, Pennsylvania, but after many moves, God led her and her family here in July 2004. She joined the staff of FCC in May of 2007 as Nursery Coordinator. Nerissa and her husband Michael were married in May 1997 and have two children, Shirah and Elias.
	Penny Kaluza Early Childhood Director Penny Kaluza joined our staff as the Early Childhood Director in August 2003. Penny and her husband, Matt, were married in 1995 and have two children: Aaron was born in 1996, and Jordan was born in 1999. Penny graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 1991 with a degree in Elementary Education and is responsible for all the programs for the SONkids (3 years old through Kindergarten).
	Susy Dayvolt Noah's Ark Pre-School Director Susy was born and raised in Evansville, IN and moved to Newburgh 33 years ago when she married Terry. They have been members of First Christian Church of Newburgh since 2002. Their children are: Amanda, married and living in Evansville with husband Rhett and children Anna & Ethan; Adam, who works and lives in Indianapolis; and Alex, a student at Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL. Susy enjoy crafts, sewing and doing anything with her family. She particularly enjoys working with kids, especially 3 & 4 year olds.
	Holly Gillespie Women's Ministries Director Holly Gillespie joined the staff in January 2004 as the Director of Women's Ministries. She and her husband Chris were married in 1997 and they have two sons, Thomas and Joseph. Holly grew up in Newburgh and Chris is from Griffith, Indiana. They met at Kentucky Christian Univerisity where Holly majored in Middle School Education and Bible. She also has a Master's Degree in Biblical Counseling and is certified by the IABC.
	Lynn Drew Administrative Assistant Lynn and her husband, Jessee, have been married since 1989 and have one daughter, Jasmine, born in 1994. In her spare time, Lynn enjoys reading and singing on a Praise Team here at FCCN.
	Melinda Scheller Administrative Assistant Melinda has been an administrative assistant with the Church since August of 2000. She and her husband Ken have two children, Jessica and Zachary. In her spare time, Melinda loves to camp, read, and sing in the choir!
	Guy Hall Media Director Guy Hall joined the staff as Media Director in March of 2006. Guy's professional career has included work on broadcast and corporate video production, audio-visual equipment rental, and production of a wide variety of live events. Guy, his wife Nancy and 2 children, Daniel and Emily, have attended FCC since 1990. Guy's volunteer roles have included sound and video technician, teacher, song leader, choir director, deacon and Elder.
	Gary Hopwood Facilities Manager Gary joined the staff of First Christian in April, 2006 and brought with him seven years' experience as Facilities Manager, as well as a real desire and passion to make sure God's House is well maintained and cared for. He brings an equal dedication to ensuring that the ministry staff is equipped with all the resources necessary for ministry. Gary and his wife Connie have two sons, Bill and David. Shari Carr Receptionist Shari joined the staff as receptionist in July 2008. She and her husband Jim have been worshiping at First Christian Newburgh since December 1995, and have volunteered in several ministries. They have two children, Julie and Kevin, plus two grandsons. In her free time, Shari likes to read as well as research genealogy records for several family trees.

Adam Colter web.jpg Adam Colter
Senior High and College Minister

A graduate of Johnson Bible College, Adam has been serving as a student minister since 1998 and joined FCC in 2008. Adam is energized for student ministry by watching God work in and through the lives of young people. His wonderfule wife Sara and two boys, Kal Justus (2004) and Kamden (2006), light up his life even more than doing student ministry. Adam likes to read, drink Starbucks and watch Carolina Basketball, preferably at the same time.

Nathan Logsdon, originally from Owensboro, Ky, has been on staff since January of 2009. A graduate of Johnson Bible College 2009 he has a heart for providing a Christ-like atmosphere for teenagers in the community. He has enjoyed providing some extra energy and excitement to the Student Ministries and the church. Nathan was born in 1987 and married his high school sweetheart, Andrea, in July 2007. Nathan enjoys playing and watching any type of sports and follows UK sports. He fills his free time with being with his wife, family, and friends.