“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
Elders are the spiritual shepherds of the church. The Elder Board is responsible for making certain the Mission and Strategy of First Christian is being accomplished in the various ministries. An Elder must be a baptized disciple of Jesus, and meet the qualifications (both skills and character traits) outlined in the New Testament (e.g., see Acts 20:17; 28-31; 1 Timothy 3:2–7; 5:17; Titus 1:6–9; 1 Peter 5:1-2; James 5:14). We praise God for the service of our Elders! Below is the current slate of Elders at FCC. Please commit to praying for them.
Meet our Elders
Sarah Johnson
My daughter, Sydney, and I have been coming to FCC since we moved to Lawrence in 2016. I grew up in a small town called Richmond, then moved to Ottawa when I was in middle school. After graduating high school I spent my college years in Topeka at Washburn University. As soon as I graduated college I met my husband, Brian. We married in 2010 and had our first and only child in 2015. Our fluffy calico cat, Callie, completes our sweet little family.
I was raised with Christian values and my mom made sure that my brother and I were very involved in our tiny church in Princeton, KS. We cleaned the church weekly, helped organize events, began a church library, and even started up a church newsletter that grew from one page with only a few paragraphs to several pages with multiple article submissions from various church members over the years. Once I started a life of my own with a family, I began attending larger churches that actually had children’s ministries and youth groups (talk about a culture shock!) I became involved in the children’s ministry here at FCC shortly after I started attending. It has been a blessing to have somewhere for my daughter to learn about Jesus amongst other children her age, and for me to be a part of that as well. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from the Holy Spirit speaking to me through these children’s ministry classes.
After a couple of years of working with kids, I was offered a position to teach at The Giving Tree Preschool, which is a ministry of FCC. I have been teaching there since 2020, and it is such a blessing to have the opportunity to teach such precious little hearts about Jesus.
My favorite book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes. I can relate strongly to Solomon’s continuous search for meaning, as I have spent most of my life with the same thoughts swirling around in my head. Praise God that not all hope is lost in this earthly life!
I continue to seek God’s guidance each and every day. Sometimes I argue with him, thinking that I know better than God (ha!), but he gently reminds me that his thoughts and ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). It’s not always easy to go where he sends me, but I have discovered time and again that he is faithful, leaving me with a sense of peace that only Jesus can provide, when I choose to follow him.
Hyacinth Self
Hello, I’m Hyacinth Self. I’ve lived in Lawrence and Eudora my whole life and I grew up attending First Christian. My husband Jim and I have seven children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grands. I’m a Certified Pharmacy Technician at our Lawrence Hy-Vee. I enjoy tacos, music, and doing lots of activities outdoors exploring the beauty and wonders of God’s handiwork. Some of my favorite memories serving at FCC are from the many youth group trips we made to Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and more. I’ve traveled to Romania twice for mission work. I really enjoy singing, especially in praise and thanks to God. I love God’s word and have a passion for mining and sharing its truth and wisdom. I was given a small NIV leather-bound Bible as a high school graduation gift that I still have and use. I also keep a copy of the NIV Study Bible next to my keyboard. A few of my favorite passages are found in Deuteronomy 6: 4-9, 1 Samuel 16:7, Job 28, Proverbs 3: 5-6, Micah 6: 8, Habakkuk 3:1-2, John 15, and the book of James. As the Apostle Peter exhorted in his first letter, I’m ready to give an answer to anyone who asks me about the reasons for the hope I have. Like my favorite Bible passages, there are so many!
David
I grew up in a family that regularly went to church. Shortly before high school I began taking more ownership of my faith. Throughout high school and university I was blessed with various friends that challenged me and encouraged me to live a life worthy of the calling we have in Jesus. Following Jesus has been a continual journey of learning to listen to His voice and follow. One of the things that excites me most about the goodness of Jesus is the practical benefit and transformation that Jesus offers in this life here and now for those looking for peace, healing, freedom, etc. It is exciting to see how God is powerfully extending His Kingdom around the world where Jesus is not yet well known. I am eager to continue being part of the Father’s work, seeing people experience flourishing through the power of God in their lives.
Our family has been intentionally pursuing how we can join God in being a blessing to all nations. I am eager to see when and where God takes us to next. For now we are seeking to be used by God in Lawrence, and have been at FCC for 4 years.
Bert Van Foeken
James Saunders
My Wife Melinda and I started attending FCC in 2021 after visiting a few churches in Lawrence. We love the church community, opportunities to serve and the true educational nature of the Sunday sermons. I come from a Christian background and truly devoted my life to Christ in 2006. Through several missions around the world, close friendships after college and the art of worship, I have learned of the great love and power of God. I am thankful for His grace and mercy that is new every day. I look forward to growing with FCC in walking out the mission God has called us to in serving the community and loving His people