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Ministerial Staff

 

 

 

John J. Yonker, Senior Minister, a native of St. Louis, received his Bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, the Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, Texas, and the Doctor of Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. After serving congregations in Cameron, North Kansas City and St. Charles, he began his ministry at First Christian Church in September, 1992.

Jimmy Spear, Associate Minister, has served First Christian Church as Associate Minister since November of 2007.  Rev. Spear received his B.A. in History/Political Science from Culver-Stockton College, Canton, Missouri in 1996.  He then went on to receive a Master of Divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky in 2000.  In that same year Jimmy was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into fulltime professional ministry at his home church, First Christian Church, Festus, MO.  While having grown up in Kirkwood, MO he has in recent years served the First Christian Church in three communities: Louisiana, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Rev. Spear is active in the community and in denominational affiliations.  He  is active in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the area, regional, and national levels.  Jimmy yearly directs summer church camp, serves on several regional task forces, and has served as a member of the General Board of the Christian Church (DOC) in the USA.

While theater, music and art are key interests they only hold a candle to his unending fascination with automobiles, his 1968 Chevy Malibu Coupe being his pride and joy.  The rest of Jimmy's free time centers around boating on the Mississippi River at Louisiana, MO.  His family has spent summers in Louisiana and boated there his entire life.  Most summer days off you can find him at the sandbar just north of town.  

Full Time Support Staff

Kay Beissenherz, Administrative Assistant, came to First Christian in May, 2003, after working 19 years with what is now the University Outreach and Extension office with the University of Missouri.  She and her husband Bill live north of Columbia.  
Fred Mottaz - Business Manager, a life long member of First Christian began working at the church September 2005, after over 25 years of banking.  His hope springs eternal as a Mizzou football and basketball fan.  

Keith Picker, Custodian began his work at First Christian July 2008.

 

Part Time and Specialized Ministries

Mary Bancroft - Organist and Director of Music

Cheryl Nichols - Choir Director

Cynthia Williams - Early Service Pianist & Children's Choir Director

Vitaly Ahmedov - Summer Ministry Intern

Tracy Westhoff - Mother's Day Out Director