Dr. Gary Lynn Edens 

   Gary L. Edens was born on July 12, 1949, and grew up on a 50-acre farm near Angus, Texas, a small rural community southeast of Dallas.  He became active in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was baptized at First Christian Church in Longview, Texas, at an early age.  He dedicated his life to God as a young teen and was active in youth activities, including becoming an Eagle Scout.  At the age of nineteen he started preaching at First Christian Church in Blooming Grove.  From 1969-1975 he studied for his BA degree in religion at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and served as a student pastor at churches in the surrounding Texas and Oklahoma countryside, before moving to Warner Robins, Georgia.

   In January of 1976 he accepted the ministerial call to First Christian Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he stayed almost 5 years before moving to First Christian Church in Earlington, Ky.  After two years there Dr. Edens was called to First Christian Church in Petersburg, Virginia.  During his six year ministry there he furthered his education by studying at Trinity Theology Seminary and visiting the Holy Lands in 1985.

   Dr. Edens was called to be a Pastor Developer for a new church start in San Antonio, Texas.  While in this ministry for over 10 years he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree.  He was then called to start a second new church in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  Dr. Edens was then invited to Park View Christian Church in Chesapeake, Virginia to lead a revitalization program. 

   Since that time he has been on a personal sabbatical, renewing his spirit and taking time out with his wife Jacky to witness to Christians in Kenya, Africa during a mission trip in May 2006.  Furthermore, he has enjoyed working and repairing a structure at the Virginia church camp in Craig Springs. 

   Dr. Edens has served on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) regional boards in the Southwest Region and formerly chaired the Nurture and Renewal Committee in the Virginia region.  In his earlier years he was instrumental in founding the Young Adult Fellowship programs for the Region of Georgia in 1977 and a similar program in Virginia 1983-1988.  In 1998 he attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism.  Furthermore, he served as a Walk to Emmaus Spiritual Director for the Kairos prison ministry.   He recently served on a Disaster Recovery team which provided assistance following Hurricane Katrina.  Dr. Edens says he enjoys the worship and Christian fellowship at regional and general (national) Disciples of Christ assemblies, having missed only three during his ministry. 

   Gary believes his strengths lie in his preaching, teaching and evangelism.  He describes his preaching style as strongly Biblical, stressing the Truth, while sprinkling humor with applicable stories.  He believes in the use of laity with a team approach during worship services and stresses the need for congregational participation and support in all areas of church life.  He and his wife Jacky support the Worship and Wonder Sunday School Training program, in which some of our local members have been trained.  Jacky is certified in this program.

   Gary and Jacky have been married for nineteen years. Gary has two children and Jacky has three, all married and living throughout the Southeast.  The couple covets your prayers as they come to Richlands to begin a new ministry for Jesus Christ.  Please keep them and FCC in your prayers.  To God be the glory!!