Meet First Christian's Staff
Brent Nidiffer-Senior Minister
Brent began his ministry here in February, 2004. He and his wife, Juanita, have three wonderful children, Amos, Emilee, and Audrey. This family shares a passion for God and compassion for people. Hospitality is a family gift and is shared often with others. Brent enjoys golfing, camping, and Mexican food.Brent's sermons are available through tapes, or copies of First Sermons.
Winston Oxendine, Jr-Associate/Youth Minister
Winston began his ministry here in January, ´05. He and his wife, Juli, have two fun-loving sons, Gabe and Lukas. You will often find this family entertaining the youth of the church. Winston is active in the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention and local Carter County Teen C³. He enjoys golfing in his free time. Carole Ringley-Children's Director
Carole began serving here in January, ´06. She and her husband Josh (who is our Choir Director), have one energetic son, Mitchell. Carole is always planning fun, Christian-oriented activities for the children of the church. She and her family enjoy camping in their spare time.Josh Ringley-Music Minister
Our Worship Leader/Choir Director, Josh Ringley, was born in Johnson City, TN and has lived in East Tennessee all his life. He directed music at Bunker Hill Christian Church, Bluff City, TN voluntarily for five years before coming to FCC. He is employed by Bristol Metals where he is responsible for Production Control and Scheduling.
He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2002 with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He and his wife, Carole, have one child, Mitchell. He and Carole were married in June of 2000. Josh stays busy between church, work, and family but in his spare time enjoys camping with Carole and Mitchell and likes to hang out with his friends.
He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2002 with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He and his wife, Carole, have one child, Mitchell. He and Carole were married in June of 2000. Josh stays busy between church, work, and family but in his spare time enjoys camping with Carole and Mitchell and likes to hang out with his friends.
Nancy Campbell-Office Administrator
A native of Hawkins County, Nancy has lived in Carter County off and on for 15 years. She and her husband, Jeff, live in west Elizabethton with their daughter, Kaci. They have two other children… Mrs. Michael (Wrendi) Rushinsky of Johnson City, and Jeff (J.J.) Campbell, Jr. of Cumming, GA. They have two grandsons, Austin, 16 yr. and Jacob, 2 yr. old. The Campbells have ministered with several churches/ministries in the area. Presently they are serving at Locust Street Church of Christ in Johnson City. Currently, Nancy serves as our Office Administrator, and Assistant Angel Food Coordinator. She is chairman of the scholarships for Carter County Christian Women’s Fellowship and advocate for Appalachian Family Outreach, Inc. (formerly Christian Children’s Homes of Tennessee), where Jeff is a counselor and director of church relations.
Her interests are varied…being a ‘jack of all trades’, she has served as nurse, pre-school teacher, secretary and financial director of various organizations. Church activities have been from church organist, teacher of any age, Women’s Program coordinator, after-school programs and speaker for various retreats, banquets, etc.
Gene Estep-Organist
Gene Estep, organist, is a native of Elizabethton, TN and has been an active part of First Christian all of his life. He has served as organist since 1974 (32 years) and was the assistant organist five years prior. Over the years, he has served as deacon and was also the organist/choir director for approximately 10 years in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Children's Choirs and yearly VBS music director were also part of his musical ministry here.Gene holds a BA degree in music and education from Milligan College with an applied area in organ. While at Milligan, he was part of the Milligan College Concert Choir and served as their organist for three years. He was also part of the Milligan College Chamber Singers and performed in the annual Madrigal Dinners for four years. Gene also served as President of the student chapters of the American Guild of Organists and Music Educators National Conference.
After graduation, Gene married Carolyn Corbin in 1978 and they were blessed with two children Cara (1981) and Craig (1986).Over the years, he has taught choral/general music at John Sevier Middle School in Kingsport, TN, (1979-1982) but retired from Bosch Braking Systems in 2006 after 22 years of service. The Esteps live in Elizabethton with their children and two cock-a-poos, Abby and Maggie.
Carolyn Estep-Pianist
Carolyn (Corbin) Estep was born in Martinsville, Indiana and raised in Greenwood, Indiana. She was a member of the Bluff Creek Christian Church in her youth, and graduated in 1969 from Center Grove High School. In 1973, she graduated from Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois with a degree in Christian Education.Upon graduation, she came to Elizabethton to work at the East Tennessee Christian Home as secretary/bookkeeper from 1973 to 1976. In 1977, she earned a Medical Assistance degree. Carolyn also served as First Christian's assistant secretary and secretary for several years. Presently she is employed by the Elizabethton City Schools as a teacher assistant as Harold McCormick Elementary School.
While attending First Christian in the early 1970's she met and married Gene Estep, our organist, in 1978. She has served as pianist since 1977 and she and Gene have been a "team" here since that time.
They have two children, Cara and Craig, and two cock-a-poos, Abby and Maggie.