REVEREND COLBY SMITH
Senior Minister
Reverend Colby Smith began serving as our senior minister on August 23rd 2022. Before serving here in Danville, Rev. Smith was a pastor of First Christian Church in Independence Missouri for 6 years, In Muncie Indiana for 8 years, and Marshall Missouri for 7 years. He attended the University of Texas where he majored in physics until his interest in ministry took hold, he enrolled at the seminary of Brite Divinity School T.C.U in Fort Worth.
PATTI WRIGHT
Children's Ministry Director
Ever since the 7th grade, Patti Wright knew she wanted to be a music teacher thanks to a wonderful mentor who took her under her wing and helped her with children’s music during Sunday School. She knew very quickly that she wanted to work with children and was very lucky to get into the Indiana University School of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education in Choral and General Music. For over 20 years, Patti taught music to students in K-5th grade. After retiring from formal education, she worked with younger children and offered professional development for teachers and child care professionals in the area of infants, toddler and preschool children. Patti even helped develop Play & Learn, a school readiness program for children birth-five years old. For many years while teaching, she was heavily involved in directing choirs of all kinds with both children and adults at Central United Methodist Church, her home church, in Evansville, IN. Before moving to Danville, Patti was the administrative assistant at Simpsonville Christian Church where she also directed a Children's Choir and helped with kids K-5th grade. Patti has a son and daughter and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She also has a love for her two cats.
STEPHEN HINKLE
Youth Ministry Director
and Facilities Administrator
Stephen is a retired United States Air Force veteran. In March 2020, he moved to Danville with his wife and two sons. He graduated from Campbellsville University in May 2022 with a degree in Pastoral Ministries. Stephen has a real passion for our youth and feels called to create a safe space that allows them an opportunity to ask deep and thoughtful questions about God, the Bible, and the world. He also oversees the building and property of the church. Stephen enjoys playing with his sons, reading, and an occasional game of golf in his free time.
LARRY DAVIDSON
Director of Music Ministry
Larry joined the church staff in the fall of 2013 and comes to us after a lifetime of experience as a retired High School Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra Director, a Magnet Program Director, and a church choir director. While he is originally from Virginia, before moving to Danville, Larry lived for many years in Miami, Florida. He enjoys directing our Sanctuary Choir and Grace Notes Handbell Choir and always looking for new choir members.
HARRY MERCER
Organist
Born in Laurel, Mississippi, Harry grew up in south Mississippi on a large working farm and attended William Carey University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Church Music majoring in Organ Performance and Conducting and pursued graduate studies at Southern Seminary in Louisville with concentration in Church Music/Organ/Liturgy. His teachers include Donald Winters, Jim Rightmyer, Marilyn Keiser, and Gerre Hancock (improvisation). Since 15 years old, Harry has been a church organist and/or director. He has one daughter, Caty, and two of the world’s greatest grandchildren! He enjoys entertaining, cooking, playing bridge, and of course playing with Jackson, age 9, and Ruthie Cate, age 4. Harry considers himself to be most blessed to have become connected with First Christian Church in his “retirement “. "This body of worshipers and workers is an amazing addition to my life!"
SHERRIE COCANOUGHER
Business Administrator
Since December 2003, Sherrie has been on staff at First Christian as our Business and Financial Administrator. Her duties include payroll accounting, accounts payable, contributions, and ordering of supplies for the church. Sherrie's roots are here in Boyle County, but she recently moved to Florida where she works remotely. She has two grown children and enjoys spending time with her family, especially, her new grandson.