In the News ... "Meet the leader at First Christian Church in Midland"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

• “To work for the unity of all Christians as the body of Christ; and in all ways seek to make known the love of God.”

By Stewart Doreen, Editor
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Rev. David Chisham has been the senior minister at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since August 2021.

The opportunity to come to Midland provided the challenge of bringing a congregation back from the COVID pandemic and allow his family to return to West Texas, where he and his wife Kori have roots and family in the region.

Chisham said those things that make First Christian special include its community involvement, including the church’s pantry. The church’s mission is “to work for the unity of all Christians as the body of Christ; and in all ways seek to make known the love of God.”

Kori works at Museum of the Southwest as the director of Visitor Experience and Membership. Their daughter, Layne, attends Bush Elementary presently and will go into Carver Center next year as a fifth-grader.

First Christian is located at 1301 W Louisiana Ave.

Questions for FCC Rev. David Chisham

Reporter-Telegram: What was your welcome to Midland moment?

Chishan: The day we pulled in and there was a crew from my congregation to help unload the truck.

Reporter-Telegram: What was the draw to coming to FCC and Midland?

Chisham: A great congregation with incredible outreach to the community through a weekly food pantry, Children’s Learning Center and a host of other annual projects. A talented staff with ministries to all ages, and wonderful music and worship. Midland is close to where my wife grew up (Abilene) and where I went to seminary (Abilene Christian University)—also put us much closer to family. Dropping a name here … my mother-in-law is Fran Adkins who was a CBS-TV anchor and personality in Abilene from the 1980s to 2000s.

Reporter-Telegram: Favorite part of working at FCC?

Chisham: Great staff and membership committed to making a difference in our community.

Reporter-Telegram: Favorite thing about Midland?

Chisham: Generous and welcoming people, and you’re only ever 15 minutes or less from anywhere you need to go in town.

Reporter-Telegram: What are challenges that the church (not just FCC) faces in 2022?

Chisham: Reopening after COVID — it takes time to rebuild inertia after so many had to stay home and limit activities for almost two years.

Reporter-Telegram: Any books or podcasts that you recommend?

Chisham: Podcast: Gospel Con Carne. Books Anything by Fred Craddock, N.T. Wright, Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Will Willimon and Walter Brueggemann.

Reporter-Telegram: Tell us something coming up on the FCC calendar that Midlanders need to know about.

Chisham: Just missed our annual community egg hunt in Hill Park (more than 1,000 attended this year!). We’re finishing our Christmas In Action house this week. Coming up, we have VBS June 13-16, and our kids are busy with camps and conferences through the summer. ...

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