Our Staff

SEEKING A DIRECTOR OF CHOIRS ... MORE INFO  HERE


We are blessed with an amazing staff!  We are thankful for the experience, skill and passion they each bring to our faith community.  By sharing ministry with them, we share the Good News of Jesus in powerful and compassionate ways.  


Dr. Brooks, as head of staff, works with our Personnel Committee to provide a professional work environment where creativity can thrive.  We are thankful for our members who give of their time and expertise on the Personnel Committee.

  • Dr. Brooks began as Lead Minister at FCC Edwardsville in 2001 after founding a congregation in Indiana.  James brings a passion for preaching and evangelism, new worship forms and vibrant Christian community.  He holds degrees from Purdue University, Lexington Theological Seminary and Eden Theological Seminary with study abroad experience in Australia.  A life long Disciple, James has enjoyed serving on the General Board of the CC(DOC), volunteering on General unit ministries, and giving leadership to regional ministries. At Edwardsville, James has served on multiple community boards from YMCA to Chamber of Commerce. For over a decade, he has served as the Chaplain to the Edwardsville Police Department. In addition to winning the inaugural FCCE Youth Scholarship Golf Scramble, James coached basketball for 6 years with the YMCA. 

    Dr. Brooks is the proud dad of a high school boy, Joseph.

  • Rev. jeff wrigley, associate minister

    Jeff is excited about accepting his new role as Associate Minister. Jeff began working with our youth group in 2010. He became part of our staff as Youth & Children’s director in 2012. In January of 2014 he beacame a commissioned minister with the Disciples of Christ. Although the youth and children will continue to be one of his passions and focus ministries, he is looking forward to expanding his role and serving other generations. It is important to him that we are all continually developing our relationship with each other and with God. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and learning more about our amazing God.

  • Mrs. Lisa merlo, Administrative Assistant

    Lisa Merlo joined the FCC staff as Administrative Assistant on May 24, 2011. Lisa lives in Collinsville with her husband, Greg. She has four children and three grandchildren. Lisa has over twenty years of experience as an Administrative Assistant. She has also worked as a Business Manager for a major law firm in St. Louis. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and considers her family a major force in her life. Lisa loves working with people, so please don’t hesitate to contact her if you should need any help with administrative tasks.

  • Ms. Danielle Collins, Accompanist

    Danielle has been playing piano for FCCE since fall of 2013. She took piano lessons from ages 5 to 18 and began playing professionally at the age of 21. Although Danielle has played piano for the high school band and college-level courses, her greatest passion is playing for God. 

  • Mr. Denis Doelling, organist

    Mr. Doelling is a member of the St Louis chapter of the American Guild of Organist. We have been blessed by Denis' sharing of the faith in worship through his masterful musicianship.

  • opportunity for choir director

    We have an opportunity for a choir director.  If you are interested, please email info@fccedwardsville.org with a resume and cover letter addressed to Dr. Brooks.

  • Mr. warren lomax, custodian

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