Our Church Leadership
Grow in Faith & Fellowship With Guidance From Our Columbia, MO Ministers & Shepherds
The ministers and shepherds at our church in Columbia, MO work together to harness and focus our mission both within our congregation and out in the community. To learn more about what we teach or our involvement in the local community, connect with a member of our leadership team. We look forward to helping you build stronger connections through faith and fellowship.
Fairview Church of Christ Ministry Team
Andrew Lough
LEAD Minister
My ministry focus includes preaching and teaching The Word of God in ways that encourage, develop, and challenge. Our family has been actively involved at Fairview since moving to Columbia in 2002. In that time, God has moved in a variety of ways to draw me deeper into ministry work, starting in volunteer rolls and leading to the work I do today. I have a love and passion for the local church and involving people in the work of God’s Kingdom. I am often drawn to Old Testament literature because I believe it shows us so much of God’s character and desire to do redemptive works through people. That redemptive work still goes on today by the Spirit of God moving through His people. I hope to have the chance to help you find your part in that exciting work.
Darian Pruitt
YOUTH Minister
Over the past 14 years, I have been blessed to work with youth in church and non-profit settings. I have a strong passion for outreach and connecting with people from all walks of life. I enjoy basketball, reading, and engaging in deep conversations. Our family loves sharing new experiences together.
Jessica Luster
Children’s Ministry Coordinator & Teacher
I began worship with the Fairview Church of Christ family in 2019, when God transformed my life through the church’s Extreme Home Makeover outreach. Since then, I have been pursuing growth in my walk with Christ and have been thankful for the ways he has moved in my life. I have over 20 years experience working with children, and have loved applying that knowledge over the last three years to teaching Sunday School at Fairview. I am passionate about helping children grow—not just in knowledge, but in kindness, service, and love for Jesus; helping them grow into who God created them to be.
Meet the Shepherds at Fairview Church of Christ in Columbia, MO
Our Shepherds
We are led by a group of men we call Shepherds. We trust them with the responsibility of guiding our local congregation in matters of faith, teaching, and practice. The primary role of a Shepherd is to exhibit Christ-like leadership at our church and in the community. This is accomplished through building relationships with members, open communication, and teaching. The Shepherds make decisions that guide our spiritual direction as well as in practical matters.
Jim Provence
I believe God has set a tremendous opportunity before us here at Fairview. There is a fervor and zeal afoot within the body that is shown in the way we greet one another and guests, extending a welcome to the community through external activities and as we see new births. Scripture speaks eloquently about love being an integral part of religion and life. Edwin Markham wrote the following quatrain many years ago: “He drew a circle that shut me out- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in!” Let us get busy drawing circles.
Edwin (Ed) Hall
Linda and I arrived at Fairview Road in 2017. Since then, we have come to love this congregation and were immediately rewarded with caring and meaningful relationships. We have taught various Bible School classes and I served as a Deacon before becoming a Shepherd. I am excited about the direction the congregation is going and the opportunity to further spread the Good News of Jesus.
I believe in faith, family, and country. I believe that faith fills the need of people who are looking for peace and contentment. I believe that family is the way we cherish each other and honor God. As Christians, we are blessed to live in a country of many freedoms. We give all praise and glory to the LORD who sees all and is in all and who created with needs and desires and had a plan in place since the beginning of time to fulfill these longings.
My favorite verse which gives me strength is found in Isaiah 40:31 which reads “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
May we all grow in our faith together.