Want to Learn More?
Welcome!
On behalf of everyone at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Madisonville, Kentucky, it is my joy to welcome you!
Whether you come ready to deepen your faith journey or hesitant to be a part of a church, I hope that you find First Christian to be a place where you feel close to God and experience God's love, joy, peace and hope. Since arriving as senior minister in 2017, I have found this church to be a servant community with a generous and welcoming spirit. We have ministries for all ages and a committed staff who love God's people.
I'd love to tell you more and learn more about you. The best first step is for us to worship together at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Central Sundays (with Sunday School for all ages at 9:45) at 1030 College Drive in Madisonville. Our 11 a.m. worship is on Facebook and YouTube, and you can connect with us on Instagram, too.
Glad to be in ministry with you! Peace, Kara
Our Team
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![Connect with our Senior Minister]()
Senior Minister
ButtonKara Foster
Kara began serving as Senior Minister in 2017. Before coming to Madisonville, she served as the Pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rockwood, TN for over ten years. She also served as the Minister in Residence at Central Christian Church in Lexington, KY.
Kara has a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt University & a Bachelors Degree from Transylvania University. Prior to seminary she also attended the School of Social Work at the University of Louisville.
The joys of her life are her husband Mark, and their children, Anne and Luke. Kara has a heart for preaching about the love of Jesus Christ. She seeks to build a church where all God’s people can grow in faith together.
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![Connect with our Music Minister]()
Minister of Music & Arts
ButtonBill Thomas
Dr. Bill Thomas has been on staff since 2016. He proudly calls Ellijay, GA, home. He discovered his love for music (especially that of the church) through piano lessons, children’s choir at First Baptist Church, and band. Bill has music and education degrees from Reinhardt University, Kennesaw State University, & his Doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Thomas served churches in his home town of Ellijay, LaGrange, GA, Louisville, Hodgenville, Bowling Green, and Madisonville, KY. Bill’s goal is to lead our church to show the love of Christ through the fine arts using education, inspiration, and spiritual development.
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![Connect with our Children and Youth Minister]()
Minister of Children & Youth
ButtonZach Hardy
Zach Hardy has served on staff since 2018. Prior to receiving the call to Madisonville, Zach served as the Associate Minister for First Christian Paris, TN.
He has a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in General Studies from Bethel University where he focused on courses in History, Philosophy, and Christian Theology.
Zach is an avid reader, musician, & loves attending concerts and visiting friends and family.
He feels called to create a community that is open and that allows people to develop their faith in a safe and affirming environment. He loves working to help children & youth develop their identities both as Christian and as Disciples.
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Pianist & Organist
Alice Chaney
Born in Madisonville, Kentucky, Alice Chaney, graduated cum laude from the University of Kentucky School of Music, with a B. M. in piano performance. While at UK, she began studying pipe organ with Arnold Blackburn. She has been a service organist for over 40 years, and in 1998, she returned to the Church of her youth as a member of the music staff.
Alice plays the organ & piano each week in worship. She also participates in the handbell choir and orchestra. She is a member of the Association of Disciple Musicians and is the accompanist for the Madisonville Community College Chorus. She has sung soprano in area choruses and choirs, as well as, community theater.
Alice hopes to not only to lead and to inspire worship with music, but to glorify and give thanks to God for her special gift.
Alice and her husband, Brent, enjoy world travel, great music, and theater.