Our Staff

We are blessed with an amazing staff!  We are thankful for the experience, skill and passion they each bring to our faith community.  

  • 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.

  • Ms. Danielle Castelli, 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.

  • ms. Carolyn jenkins choir director

    Beginning December 3, Carolyn Jenkins will be our new Choir Director

  • ms. Teresa Droste  administrative Assistant

    My name is Teresa Droste and I am very happy to be part of the staff at First Christian Church.  I am blessed with being married over 40 years to the same wonderful man, have two grown daughters, and two school-age grandchildren.  My work background includes working at Olin and Monsanto. I have experience in International IT, Credit, Accounts Receivable and Payables.  I retired from Monsanto.  I also volunteer at BJC Hospice inputing some of their client data.  I enjoy reading and quilting. 

  • Mr. warren lomax, custodian

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