Pastor Matthew Ricks - Minister

Pastor Matt grew up in the deep country of Roanoke, Virginia. He graduated from Roanoke College majoring in Political Science. In Richmond, Virginia he obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary. He is now studying to be a Spiritual Director as well. His running days are over, but he enjoys trying to play the guitar and hang out with his incredible family.

Chris Thomas ~ Choir Director / Accompanist

 Chris Thomas, a Shoals native, began playing with First Christian Church in July of 2022.  He has a long history of playing piano. As a young child, playing at his home Methodist church in Colbert County.

In 1989, Chris toured England and Wales with the Methodist Youth Chorale, then began studying music at Northwest-Shoals, earning the Associate of Arts in Music degree. Chris went on to earn the Bachelor of Science in Music degree (UNA) and the Master of Music degree in piano performance (Montevallo). He did post-graduate studies in musicology and piano (University of Alabama) and educational leadership (UAB). In his almost 40-year career, his talents included: Singing (bass-baritone) with the Atlanta Opera Chorus and accompanying church youth choirs on tours. He served at UNA, Montevallo, Alabama, and UAB. From 2013-2020, he served as organist at North Wood United Methodist Church, Florence.

Chris is also very passionate about his pets, Jack, a yellow lab, and feline friends, Piper, Poco, Leo, Theo, Lizzy, and Izzy. He strongly aspires to be an advocate for animal rights.

Chris is an “eclectic Christian”, following Christ spiritually and drawing upon other ideologies and religions. He is very delighted to be on board at First Christian.

Tammy Hendrix — Administrative Assistant

Tammy has lived in Florence most of her life, moving here from Newport News Virginia in 1975. She graduated from Coffee High School. Tammy has been the Administrative Assistant at First Christian Church since 2014.

Tammy is married to Trace and they have three daughters, Christy (Jon), Heather (Jeremy) and Taylor (Sam). Tammy also has nine grandchildren! 

She spent many years in the dental field and received her Dental Hygiene License from UAB Dental Hygiene Program, before becoming the Administrative Assistant with First Christian Church.

Tammy is very involved in Community Outreach through the church. She became a member of First Christian Church in 2017. She enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs as well as photography, scrap-booking and sewing. Tammy is also on the board at United Way, a member of the Shoals Lions Club and a officer with VOAD of NW Alabama.