Rev J. Alexander Biography
J. Alexander is the Interim Senior Minister at First Christian Church. He was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Mesquite, Texas where he went to North Mesquite High School. He also attended Eastfield Community College in Mesquite where he received his Associates Degree. He holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas, M. Div. from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University and a M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from East Texas State University. He also holds specialized training in Interim Ministry from the Interim Ministry Network. He is married to Donna DiPaolo Alexander and they just recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They have a daughter, Jill Levario, son-in-law Alex Levario and grandson, Alex Johnson. J. & Donna also have two furry children; their cats Katnip Everdeen & Angel. J. has been an avid choral musician for most of his life and has sung with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Jacksonville (Florida) Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He also collects stamps and coins and loves to read. His favorite foods are chicken fried steak and brisket. What he loves most about First Christian Church is the beautiful sanctuary but most of all loves his fellow staff members who are incredibly talented, hard-working and amazing people. He also appreciates the love the church members have for the church and its members and mostly their heart for service.
Rev Jacob Miller Biography
Jacob Miller is the Associate Minister, primarily leading in the areas of music and worship and assisting in pastoral care. He was born in Lufkin, Texas, but grew up in Cleveland, Texas. Jacob loves to garden, watch movies and is involved in the local arts scene. As with our Youth Director, Jacob loves tacos and can eat them pretty much any day, any meal! He loves to travel, having visited many states, but his favorite places are Santa Fe, Louisville, Nashville and Austin. Jacob has been involved with the Disciples of Christ denomination from his early 20s, having grown up in the Baptist tradition. Attending Baylor University, Jacob earned both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in church music and he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from Texas Tech University. He has been a commissioned minister in the denomination since 2010. Jacob is drawn to First Christian Church because of the amazing hearts for Jesus and the sincere desire to help those in our community in as many ways as possible.
Tye Jackson Biography
Tye Jackson is the Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Director here at First Christian Church. He was born in Liberal, Kansas, but has lived in Amarillo since the age of 10. Tye is married to the love of his life, Courtney, and they have two beautiful children, a son, Gavin, and a daughter, Cora. Tye enjoys everything to do with the outdoors including mountain climbing, rafting, golf, cycling and playing catch with his children. His favorite food is any and all Mexican food with tacos being at the top of the list. Tye’s favorite place to travel is New York City. He has taken many vacations there as well as a couple of mission trips. His favorite NYC trip was in 2004 when he and Courtney were married near Bow Bridge in Central Park. Tye has a rich history with First Christian from his baptism at the age of 17 in our beautiful sanctuary, helping with the youth program for 6 years in his early 20’s to returning as a staff member in 2018. Tye’s favorite thing about FCC is the amazing people and the opportunity to serve Christ alongside each and every one of them!
Kelley Farris Biography
Kelley Farris is the Director of Membership and Education. She has worked at FCC since 2001. Kelley was born and raised in Amarillo, TX. She is married to her highschool sweetheart, Brandon. They have a 12-year-old son, Slade. Slade loves to play football and enjoys all outdoor activities. They have a dog who they adore, Yuri, a Black Russian Terrier. Kelley enjoys anything with her family. Their favorite thing to do is go to the beach! Kelley enjoys eating out, her favorite restaurant is La Compana–it is kind of a hole in the wall, but it is delicious she says! Kelley’s favorite part of FCC is the congregation. She truly feels that each member of FCC is a friend who she loves. Kelley has always said that FCC Amarillo is a great place to be!!
Stacy Davis Biography
Stacy joined FCC in 2018. She was born and raised in Amarillo, TX. She’s married to her wonderful husband, Stuart Davis. They have been married for 19 years. They have one amazing son, Miles, who is 17. They love their 3 dogs, Max who is 14, Jasmine who is 9, and a new puppy, Patton, who is 5 months. Stacy enjoys watching her son and husband ride motorcycles. She also enjoys spending time with family and reading. Her favorite food is Mexican. Stacy’s favorite part of FCC is the people. The congregation and staff are like family. FCC have made her feel welcome!
Charlina Contreras Biography
Charlina Contreras was born in Amarillo, Texas and has lived here ever since! She started working for FCC in 2011. She has two daughters, Anisha and Alexia and one wonderful granddaughter, Emery. She recently became a pet owner for the first time and his name is Dante. Her favorite food is a steak! Her main love is cooking for others. Charlina’s favorite part of FCC is being able to interact with members of the church and be able to offer a helping hand where needed.
Patricia Gomez Biography
Patricia was born in Ballinger, Texas and came to Amarillo in 1989. She has three sons, Kevin, Frankie and Efrain, and one daughter, Amirah. Patricia is a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren! She has loves to travel, her favorite places being Forth Worth, Plainview and Washington state. In her free time, she likes to watch Lifetime and Hallmark movies, goes to her church and attends a bible study. Her favorite food is enchiladas and pistachio salad. She began working at FCC in 2001. Patricia likes most about working at FCC is serving in the Lord’s house and helping to serve our sweet members. She feels beyond blessed to work at First Christian.
Jennifer Akins Biography
Jennifer Akins is the pianist at First Christian Church. She was born in Hereford, TX and raised in Amarillo, where she graduated from Amarillo High School. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas A&M University and taught elementary school music for 18 years in Dumas, TX. She is married to Mike Akins, has a daughter, Kate, a son-in-law, Bobby, three bonus kids, Emily, Andrew, and Aaron, and a daughter-in-law, Ashley. She is also an avid animal lover with 3 cats, Fuzzy Wuzzy, Gracie, and Ms. Coriander McWhiskerton, a hamster named Pip, and an aquarium of tropical fish. She also loves to cook but doesn’t enjoy cleaning up as much. Coming from a musical family, Jennifer started taking piano lessons in 2nd grade. She has always sung in church choirs and was a member of the Texas All-State Choir in 1992. She has been involved in many praise bands, both in Amarillo and Dumas, and is currently the Music Director at Amarillo Little Theatre. What Jennifer loves most about First Christian Church is the outreach to the community provided by the church members. FCC is the most active church she’s ever been a part of; they see a need and act accordingly.