About Us
About Our Church
First Christian Church was founded in March, 1836, by a group of 22 baptized believers who met in the home of Polly Smith. They drafted a document proclaiming the local body into existence and set apart two Elders of the Congregation, Bushrod W. Henry and John J. Page. The group met for some time in the log courthouse which stood in the town square as well as in the homes of the members.
In 1845 the first church building was erected diagonally across the street from the present structure. In 1861 a new building was begun on the same site which was not finished until 1870 due to the Civil War. Then in 1922 the cornerstone of the present church was laid, and on September 16, 1923, dedication services were held in the new church building.
Sometime in the 1860’s Alexander Campbell, one of the three founders of the Christian Church, gave an address here.
Through the decades, First Christian has remained a faithful church, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the community.
Tina Miller
Senior Minister
Tina Miller joined First Christian Church, Shelbyville as, Senior Minister in January 2023. Tina lives in Decatur with her husband, Dennis (and their three cats, Franklin, Gershwin, and Claudio). They have one adult daughter, Parnelle (Ana) C. Miller, who lives in Normal, IL. In her spare time, Tina enjoys traveling to the Smokey Mountains with her family each year, attending orchestra concerts, reading, studying, walking, and coffee with friends.
Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and a Master of Arts in Ministry/Leadership Studies from Lincoln Christian University, Seminary, and Ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament.
Tina served at Argenta Presbyterian Church as Director of Programs and Outreach. She then served at Central Christian Church in Decatur as Associate Minister. With considerable experience in spiritual discipline and teaching ministries, and program design and development, she has assisted several churches and other ministries in growth and transformation, organizational change, and church relocation.
Her primary ministry initiative at First Christian Church, Shelbyville is to nurture and encourage growth in fellowship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit while participating in God’s mission.
Kevin D. Ray
Minister Emeritus
Kevin graduated from Lincoln Christian University and Lincoln Christian Seminary with degrees in Christian Ministry and Church History/Historical Theology. He began his ministry at First Christian in Shelbyville and served from 1978-1981 as the Youth Minister. He also served as the Senior Pastor in Forest City, IL and Lovington IL. He and his wife Linda were two of the co-founders of Disciple Renewal in 1985 which is now Disciple Heritage Fellowship, with churches across the US and Canada. He returned to First Christian Church in Shelbyville as Senior Pastor in August 2003 and served until his retirement in 2022. He was named Pastor Emeritus by the church elders and board upon his retirement. Kevin and Linda have two married children and four grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Crystal Foreman
Administrative Assistant
Crystal has 14 years’ experience working for a regional clothing company. She looks forward to making sure the congregation and visitors have a positive experience at First Christian Church.
Address
202 South Broadway
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Call Us
217-774-2667