We are First Christian Church, but around here most people call us 1C — a community learning to live out the life God has called us to, together.
We are a community of people who follow Jesus and try to live out what the Bible teaches.
As a non-denominational, independent Christian church, we are not part of a national group or denomination. We make our own decisions, stay rooted in Scripture, and follow the example of the early church in the book of Acts.
We support mission work around the world, and every dollar given goes directly to the people doing the work. You will find real, welcoming people here who are not perfect but who are learning to grow in faith and follow Jesus together.
Our core beliefs reflect who God is, the hope we have in Christ, and the purpose we’re called to as His followers.
God is the only sovereign, wise, and good Creator of everything. He designed the world with purpose, holds all things together, and rules as King over all creation. We believe the Bible is His inspired Word and our foundation for truth.
God created every person in His image with dignity, purpose, and the ability to know Him. But since Adam turned away from God, all of us have followed that same path. We have all sinned, we fall short of God’s design, and we cannot save ourselves.
Out of His great love and grace, God sent His only Son to rescue us. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died for our sin, and rose again in victory. He offers forgiveness, new life, and a restored relationship with God, and He will return again.
God offers salvation as a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus. This faith leads us to turn from sin, be baptized into the hope we have in Christ, and follow Him. God gives the Holy Spirit to every believer to guide, strengthen, and shape our lives.
Real growth happens when we share life together through relationships that encourage, support, and challenge us.
When we serve others with humility and love, we reflect Christ and make a meaningful difference.
We depend on prayer as the foundation of everything we do.
We choose to live open-handed lives because generosity reflects God’s heart.
We trust God beyond what feels safe or comfortable and step forward in obedience.
Love is the clearest reflection of Jesus and guides our words, actions, and relationships.
In every detail, big or small, we serve with care, purpose, and integrity.
Get to know the people who help make our mission a reality and who are here to support, encourage, and serve you.
Lead Pastor
Shane joined the 1C staff in June 2017. He grew up in Central Illinois and attended Lincoln Christian University. After graduating in 2007, he moved to Oklahoma and began his ministry career, serving at churches in Oklahoma and Illinois before joining us in Jacksonville. Shane and his wife Elisabeth have been married since 2008 and have three children: Hudson, Harrison and Holland.
Executive Pastor
Misty grew up in Jacksonville and has been part of 1C almost all of her life. She loves helping others find "their spot" where they enjoy serving in God's kingdom, and has been on staff since October 2013. She and her husband Richard have three children: Miles, Lola and Lincoln. If you want to know more about 1C, membership, baptism, or getting connected, Misty is the one to contact.
Teaching & Discipleship Pastor
Casie (like "Casey at the Bat") joined the 1C team in February 2020 as Life Groups Pastor and now serves as our Teaching and Discipleship Pastor. Originally from New Lenox, Illinois, she graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2008, married Joe in 2013 and moved to Jacksonville. They have two daughters, Camille and Mila. "The decision to join a group was one of the best decisions of my life."
Life Group & Assimilation Pastor
Katie joined the 1C staff in January 2025. She is from Mt. Zion, Illinois, graduated from Illinois College in 2017, and spent seven years in college admissions. She has volunteered with the A-Team, 1C Kids, and Middle and High School ministries and led a Life Group. Katie met her husband, Jacob, on a 1C mission trip to Oklahoma!
Creative Arts Pastor
Cris joined 1C in August 2025 after nearly a decade as a Worship Pastor in Georgia. He has a deep passion for worship, creativity and technology, and loves helping people encounter God through music, production and the arts. He enjoys traveling, photography, drones and golf, and on Saturdays you will catch him watching THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Cris and Kayla love spending time with their three kids.
Worship Pastor
Nick joined the team in October 2025. He is passionate about helping people encounter God in real and honest ways through worship. When he is not leading worship, he loves staying active, sports, finding new coffee spots, and rock climbing with friends.
Associate Production Technician
Elijah joined the team in August 2026 after interning with the 1C production team in the spring. He loves playing video games and board games with friends.
Next Gen Pastor
Jacob has been with 1C since 2022, starting as a youth volunteer and then an intern. He loves getting to know students and supporting them outside of church. A big kid at heart who loves sports, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Jesus, Jacob has served as Next Gen Pastor since August 2023.
Middle School Intern
Ethan studies Business Administration and Organizational Strategic Communication at Illinois College. He joined 1C in March 2025 as a worship team drummer and became Middle School Intern in August 2025.
Children's Pastor
Jessica joined the 1C staff in July 2019. She earned her undergrad in Early Childhood Education at NIU and a Master's in Education at Illinois College, then taught kindergarten in Jacksonville for 8 years. She and her husband Ricky, a Jacksonville firefighter, have four kids: Logann, Isaiah, Bailey and Cruz.
Children's Pastor
Alaina joined the 1C team in September 2020. She grew up in New Berlin, IL and graduated from MacMurray with a degree in Education. She and her husband Curt have two girls, Jaidyn and Kynlee. Alaina started volunteering in our children's area in 2008 and has loved it ever since.
Administrative Pastor
Terri and her husband John have been members since 2004. She was Office Manager from 2003–2008, and after time away she was thrilled to rejoin the staff in November 2010. Terri leads our Legacy Group and loves traveling with John and spending time with their grandkids.
Administrative Assistant
Heather grew up in Jacksonville and is married to Justin. She has served in several roles at 1C, including children's minister and director of The Sunshine Center, and returned to 1C in 2022 after 14 years at Perma Bound. She enjoys volleyball, NFL football, family, friends, and her two fur babies.
Receptionist
Facility Manager
Custodian
Security
