Pastoral Staff
Senior Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond
Pastor Susan came to First Christian Church in May of 2003. During her ministry with us, we have discovered that Dr. Diamond has a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and a passionate commitment to sharing the Good News of God’s love with the Montgomery community. Dr. Diamond brings an enthusiasm for ministry and a tremendous love for children, youth and adults that complements FCC’s Mission Statement of “demonstrating and proclaiming God’s joyful, unconditional love.”
After completing her Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University in 1990, Dr. Diamond began her ministry at First Christian Church in Naples, Florida, where she served as pastor for 13 years. In 2001, Susan received her Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Her project, Community Evangelism in an Ecumenical Context Through the Weekday Preschool, explored how churches can reach significant numbers of families with young children by connecting more fully with the preschool program.
Susan has been married to her husband, Ron, since 1979. When Ron is home from his travels as a professional entertainer, he uses his spiritual gifts to teach, encourage and help with church media.
Associate Pastor
Trudy Betts
Pastor Trudy joined First Christian Church in October 2011. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Trudy has more than seven years of ministry experience. She has served at First Christian Church in West Palm Beach and Tropical Sands Christian Church in Palm Beach Gardens.
Pastor Trudy earned her bachelor's degree in history from Florida Atlantic University and is enrolled in Lexington Theological Seminary's online Master of Divinity program. She is a Children's Worship & Wonder trainer through Disciples Home Missions, and her greatest joy is working with youth and children and empowering them to seek God.
Trudy and her husband, Dwayne, have been married since March 1997 and, combined, have three children: Devin, Kayla and Tyler.
Program Staff
Director, W.O.W. Ministry (Infants and Toddlers)
Beverly Williams
Beverly joined our ministry team in 2011 and has a deep passion for sharing the love of God with children. The W.O.W. (Worshipping Our Way) ministry seeks to create a sacred and safe space for infants and toddlers to come into the presence of God.
W.O.W. Ministry Assistant (infants and Toddlers)
Erin Ofe
Erin is an incredible asset to the W.O.W. ministry for small children. The W.O.W. (Worshipping Our Way) ministry seeks to create a sacred and safe space for infants and toddlers to come into the presence of God. Erin is a senior English major at Huntingdon College, planning for a career in speech pathology.
Coordinator of Communications
Su Ofe
Su joined our ministry team in 2004 and what a blessing she is! During the week, Su serves as associate vice president for communications and marketing at Huntingdon College. Su was raised in a Disciples of Christ church in Jacksonville, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland, and her Master of Arts in Education at Marycrest College, Davenport, Iowa. She has worked in higher education administration since 1983. She is married to Steve Ofe and they have two daughters, Erin and Lexie.
Music Staff
Director of Music
Betty Nolan
Betty Nolan joined our ministry team in the early 1990s as First Christian's pianist. In 1996, she became our choir director. A lawyer by day, Betty spends her evenings and weekends planning and orchestrating the music ministry of First Christian. She is responsible for our adult choir as well as planning and directing our yearly Christmas and Easter cantatas.
Music has been a part of Betty's life as long as she can remember. When asked why being involved in the church choir is important to her she responded by saying, "Being involved in the choir enhances my personal beliefs and enriches my experience of the worship service."
Organist
Lynn Gulledge
Lynn joined our ministry team in the mid 1990s. A long-time church musician, she offers incredible musical experience and talent. Lynn retired from Morningview Elementary School after 31 years of teaching music. Lynn lives out her dedication to music not only on Sundays, but also every other day of the week. We are blessed to have a person with such talent on our team.
Pianist
Hannis Roberts
Hannis became a member of FCC in 2006. With a gift of music from an early age, Hannis shares his talent and skill at the piano with us most Sundays and adds his voice to the choir. He began playing at the 8:30 a.m. service in 2008.
Support Staff
Office Administrator
Jean Longshore
Jean joined our ministry team in the summer of 1998 after retiring from the State of Alabama's Youth Services Department. A very talented and experienced administrator, Jean brings to our congregation's ministry many great gifts. She coordinates the office, produces our weekly bulletins and monthly newsletter, handles correspondence, manages the church calendar, and much more. In addition to being so talented, she is a friendly and trustworthy addition to our team.
Jean is married to Craig Longshore and they have two daughters, Alicia and Lindsay, and one grandson, London. In her "spare time" Jean spends time with her very active grandson, gardens, golfs, and enjoys walking one of the five dogs in her family.
Custodian
Larry Richards
As the part-time custodian, Larry directs the heavy cleaning and routine lawn upkeep at the church. His care of the physical plant enables us to be good stewards of the gift of this property.