STAFF
MIKE HOLLAND
PASTOR
Pastor Mike Holland has served in ministry in the United Methodist Church for 15 years and currently serves as pastor of Childersburg First Methodist Church. He holds degrees in Business Management, Religion, and a Master of Divinity.
Before entering ministry, Pastor Mike spent 12 years in the restaurant industry as a General Manager and District Manager. He is passionate about sharing Christ through both his words and, more importantly, the way he lives and serves others.
Pastor Mike also has a strong background in wrestling, having competed at national and international levels for 15 years. Today, he enjoys coaching and mentoring young athletes, using his experience to help develop both their skills and character. He also serves as chaplain for the Childersburg High School football team and is actively involved in supporting youth and athletic programs throughout the community.
Pastor Mike and his wife, Sara, along with their children, Reagan and Gabriel, are proud to call Childersburg home.
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JONI LONG
SECRETARY
Joni invited Jesus Christ into her heart to be her Lord and Savior when she was eight years old. She became a member of this church family in 1984. Terry Long is her husband and he grew up attending this church. They've been married for forty-six years; they raised their daughter and son here. Terry and Joni have five grandchildren. Joni became our church secretary when Billie Ann Reagan retired in 1996. April 1, 2023 will mark twenty-seven years in this position. Joni has served as church secretary for nine pastors.
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JAMES RATLIFF
CHOIR DIRECTOR
James Ratliff serves as the Worship Leader, where he uses his love for music to help lead others in worship. He also serves as the choir director and has a passion for bringing people together through music. In addition to leading worship and directing the choir, James loves playing guitar and enjoys using his musical talents to serve the church.
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JANICE PAYANT
PANIST
Janice Payant serves as the pianist at the church, providing beautiful music during Sunday services. With a deep passion for music, Janice enjoys using her talent to help create a meaningful and worshipful atmosphere each week. Her dedication and love for music are a valued part of the church’s worship ministry.
(256) 378-6468
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JESSICA WARD
WORSHIP TECH &
PARENTS NIGHT OUT LEADER
Jessica Smith serves as a Worship Tech and is passionate about using her knowledge to support worship and ministry. Outside of church, Jessica works at Indian Valley Elementary School, where she teaches 1st grade. She is currently in her fourth year of teaching and loves making a positive impact in the lives of her students. Jessica enjoys serving others, connecting with people, and using her talents both in the classroom and through her church.
(256) 378-6468
TISON PEARSON
MEDIA TECH &
PARENTS NIGHT OUT LEADER
Tison Pearson has served as a Media Tech for over five years, bringing his passion for technology and media to every service. He is currently a student at Auburn University studying Accounting. Tison enjoys using his technical skills to help create a smooth and engaging experience for everyone during services. His dedication, experience, and passion for technology make him a valuable part of the team.
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AARON & WHITNEY
MURCHISON
YOUTH LEADER
We are a husband and wife team who have been married for 18 years and are passionate about
investing in the next generation. Together, we are raising our two girls and striving to live out our faith at home and in our community.
Aaron grew up in Sylacauga and graduated from BB Comer High School and Auburn University he
officially joined Childersburg First Methodist Church in 2025. He is employed as a Landscape Manager at Pursell Farms where enjoys being in the outdoors and enjoying God’s creations!
Childersburg FMC is Whitney’s home church as she was baptized and entered into membership in the 5th grade. Whitney graduated from Childersburg High School, Auburn University and received her Master’s in Education from the University of Montevallo. Whitney is employed as a Career Coach for the Talladega County School System.
Our shared heart is to walk alongside youth, encourage them in their faith, and help them grow into who God has called them to be. In addition to being active members and the Youth Leaders at
Childersburg FMC, we are also active in the East Alabama Emmaus Community.
(256) 378-6468