Fairview Church | The Grace Place

Who Are We
Fairview church has a general focus that guides all areas of church life. They are as follows:

At Fairview we...Experience Grace

| Step 1 - Receive Grace
| Step 2 - Share Grace
| Step 3 - Live Grace

These simple steps are a way that we can track our own journey towards the God. Our goal is to Make Disciples - And a disciple is someone who is on the path mentioned above.

Furthur...
| We receive grace through our corporate worship
| We share grace through our connection groups (small groups)
| We live grace though our connection to the world and sharing Christ

Be sure to check out the Fairview FAQ's

For additional information regarding the Church of God, please see www.chog.org/

Our Staff

	Milan Dekich \| Senior Pastor Milan grew up on a poultry farm in Ringgold Ga. He attended Ooltewah High School and was on the Owl’s track team. He received his BS from the University of Georgia in Middle School Education. Acquired a Master of Divinity from Anderson School of Theology and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Asbury University. Dr. Dekich came to Fairview from seminary and has served for 28 years. Fondest Memory as a Child: Working on the farm. First Job: Working in a gas station. Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings Hobbies: Fishing Favorite Book: Leather Stocking Tales by James Fennimore Cooper Favorite Dessert: Apple Pie A la Mode
	Tony Johnson \| Associate Pastor I was born February 12, 1969 in Hartselle, AL. I attended elementary school at Falkville Elementary and completed grades 7-12 at West Point High School in Cullman, Al. I accepted God’s free gift of salvation that was paid for by his only son Jesus Christ as a young teenager and became serious about that relationship around my freshman year in high school. As I grew in my faith, it seemed that God was directing my life toward a career in education as my full time ministry. He provided me the opportunity to attend Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida where I received my BA in elementary education. I taught five years in Florida and then moved back to Alabama with my wife of one year. My wife Melissa served as youth leader while I taught third grade in Hartselle, AL and assisted her. I later filled the associate pastor position on a part-time basis as God grew our congregation. During this time we had our first child, Hannah, and I earned a Master’s degree in administrative leadership from UNA in Florence, AL. I was then given the opportunity to serve Cullman County School’s in several administrative positions at West Point, Parkside, and Vinemont Elementary where I currently serve as assistant principal. During my tenure at West Point, we were blessed once again with another healthy child. My son Devin was born and I earned my EdS in educational leadership from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. God has truly blessed me with family and friends that add to the joy of serving him. I am excited about the future of the church and look forward to seeing how I and Fairview Church of God will be used to advance God’s kingdom today, tomorrow, and until the Lord’s return. Fondest Memory as a Child: Going fishing with my Grandpa First Job: Helping construct chicken houses Favorite Movie: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, mixed-martial arts freestyle Favorite Books: Fight by Kenny Luck, Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess, The Bait of Satan Favorite Dessert: Strawberry pretzle salad
	Danny Lopez\| Youth Pastor Danny started coming to Fairview in October of 2003. In January of 2004 he started volunteering as the Junior High leader. He was hired on as full-time Youth Pastor in January of 2005. Danny has lived in Hartselle his entire life, and graduated in 1993 from Falkville High School. He has been married since 1996 and has one son, Brayden, and one daughter, Brianna. Danny has served in the church for many years as children’s Sunday school teacher, children’s church leader, bus route captain, and in youth ministry. Fondest Memory as a Child: Family vacations and camping trips First Job: Hauling hay over the Summer. Piggly Wiggly in Hartselle as a bag boy. Favorite Movie: Oh wow! I love movies. One of my all time favorites would have to be “Gladiator”. Hobbies: The youth and my own kids keep me a little too busy for hobbies, but I enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, etc. Favorite Books: Dare 2 Share-Greg Stier, The King of Torts-John Grisham, Facing Your Giants-Max Lucado Favorite Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake or Ice Cream
	Chris McMurray \| Executive Pastor Chris is one of our most recent additions to the Fairview Management Team. He grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia before attending Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree. Chris married his high school sweetheart and they have one beautiful daughter Lillyanne. Chris has a passion for ministry with purpose, connecting people to God and to each other. He has served in several areas of ministry including worship arts, youth, preaching, teaching, administration, and small groups. We are excited that the Lord has allowed our paths to cross as we better do the work of the Kingdom. Oh, and he is an avid Virginia Tech town go Hokies! Fondest Memory as a Child: Playing in the creek and exploring the woods in our backyard. First Job: Day Care teacher, Mount Tabor Day Care Blacksburg, Virginia Favorite Movie: “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (That would be the new one) Hobbies: Music, piano, photography, and golf (I’m not Tiger Woods or anything) Favorite Books: Visioneering-Andy Stanley, Love Beyond Reason-John Ortberg, Waking the Dead-John Eldredge, The Sacred Romance-John Eldredge, it’s so hard to limit it to 3. Favorite Dessert: Ya’ll are speakin’ my love language…I love all things dessert! Cookies, cakes, and ice cream…bring it on especially if my wife made it!
	Kelly McMurray \| Children and Families Pastor Kelly McMurray serves as the Pastor to Children and Families at Fairview. She grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from warner Southern College in Lake wales Florida. Kelly is married to her best friend, Chris, and together they have one child, Lillyanne. Kelly has served in Children’s Ministry for over 8 years, and is so excited to be a part of the team at Fairview. She believes children are a gift from God, and that God’s plan is for families to lead in the provision of spiritual development for their children. She also believes that Children’s Ministry is not so much about what our children know but who they are becoming. Fondest Memory as a child: playing make believe with my sister and brother…house, babies, hot dog stand, school, mud pies First Job: Lifeguard Favorite Movie: Beauty and The Beast Hobbies: playing games, visiting family, singing, playing soccer, swimming, cooking Favorite Books: For women Only-Shaunti Feldhahn, Let Prayer Change Your Life-Becky Tirabassi, Sacred Marriage-Gary Thomas Favorite Dessert: Banana Pudding…the real stuff!
	Barbara Dekich \| Office Manager Barbara grew up in Falkville and attended FHS. She received her Marketing and Education degree from Auburn University and worked as a Marketing Coordinator for Decatur City Schools. She retired in 2001 and has been assisting at the church since her retirement. Milan and Barbara enjoy their children Christal Anna and Michael. The children are both attending Auburn University. Christal is majoring in history and social science and Michael in communication and industrial design. Fondest Memory as a Child: Grandparents First Job: Summerford Nursing Home Favorite Movie: Anything with Cary Grant Hobbies: Taking care of Milan Favorite Book: Bring Me A Unicorn by Anne Morrow Lindberg Favorite Dessert: I am not supposed to eat sweets.
	Shannon Coggin \| Child Care Director, Financial Secretary Shannon, her husband Asa and their precious daughter Kayleen live in Hartselle. God has placed a deep passion in her life to educate young children through his word and education. She has started a preschool and extended day program at Fairview, where she is the director and has the most dedicated teachers on staff. She is also the go to girl when it comes to the Church’s finances. Fondest Memory as a child: My favorite memory as a child is being able to enjoy living on a lake in Connecticut. Every season was packed full of things to do. Ice skating in the winter, and water tubing in the summer was my favorite. First Job: My first job was a summer camp counselor for underprivileged children. I knew from that summer on I was meant to make a difference in children’s lives. Favorite Movie: Cinderella - The ability to imagine is priceless. Hobbies: I enjoy cooking for my family, playing outdoors with my daughter, having a great conversation with friends, and the occasional picture snapping. Shopping isn’t so bad either!! Favorite Books: Shel Silverstein’s collection is one of my favorite things to read when I need a laugh. Night by Elie Weisel, and The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Favorite Dessert: I am not picky when it comes to dessert. I have been known to skip dinner just to have buttermilk pie though.

	Milan Dekich \| Senior Pastor Milan grew up on a poultry farm in Ringgold Ga. He attended Ooltewah High School and was on the Owl’s track team. He received his BS from the University of Georgia in Middle School Education. Acquired a Master of Divinity from Anderson School of Theology and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Asbury University. Dr. Dekich came to Fairview from seminary and has served for 28 years. Fondest Memory as a Child: Working on the farm. First Job: Working in a gas station. Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings Hobbies: Fishing Favorite Book: Leather Stocking Tales by James Fennimore Cooper Favorite Dessert: Apple Pie A la Mode
	Tony Johnson \| Associate Pastor I was born February 12, 1969 in Hartselle, AL. I attended elementary school at Falkville Elementary and completed grades 7-12 at West Point High School in Cullman, Al. I accepted God’s free gift of salvation that was paid for by his only son Jesus Christ as a young teenager and became serious about that relationship around my freshman year in high school. As I grew in my faith, it seemed that God was directing my life toward a career in education as my full time ministry. He provided me the opportunity to attend Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida where I received my BA in elementary education. I taught five years in Florida and then moved back to Alabama with my wife of one year. My wife Melissa served as youth leader while I taught third grade in Hartselle, AL and assisted her. I later filled the associate pastor position on a part-time basis as God grew our congregation. During this time we had our first child, Hannah, and I earned a Master’s degree in administrative leadership from UNA in Florence, AL. I was then given the opportunity to serve Cullman County School’s in several administrative positions at West Point, Parkside, and Vinemont Elementary where I currently serve as assistant principal. During my tenure at West Point, we were blessed once again with another healthy child. My son Devin was born and I earned my EdS in educational leadership from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. God has truly blessed me with family and friends that add to the joy of serving him. I am excited about the future of the church and look forward to seeing how I and Fairview Church of God will be used to advance God’s kingdom today, tomorrow, and until the Lord’s return. Fondest Memory as a Child: Going fishing with my Grandpa First Job: Helping construct chicken houses Favorite Movie: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, mixed-martial arts freestyle Favorite Books: Fight by Kenny Luck, Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Suess, The Bait of Satan Favorite Dessert: Strawberry pretzle salad
	Danny Lopez\| Youth Pastor Danny started coming to Fairview in October of 2003. In January of 2004 he started volunteering as the Junior High leader. He was hired on as full-time Youth Pastor in January of 2005. Danny has lived in Hartselle his entire life, and graduated in 1993 from Falkville High School. He has been married since 1996 and has one son, Brayden, and one daughter, Brianna. Danny has served in the church for many years as children’s Sunday school teacher, children’s church leader, bus route captain, and in youth ministry. Fondest Memory as a Child: Family vacations and camping trips First Job: Hauling hay over the Summer. Piggly Wiggly in Hartselle as a bag boy. Favorite Movie: Oh wow! I love movies. One of my all time favorites would have to be “Gladiator”. Hobbies: The youth and my own kids keep me a little too busy for hobbies, but I enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, etc. Favorite Books: Dare 2 Share-Greg Stier, The King of Torts-John Grisham, Facing Your Giants-Max Lucado Favorite Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake or Ice Cream
	Chris McMurray \| Executive Pastor Chris is one of our most recent additions to the Fairview Management Team. He grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia before attending Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree. Chris married his high school sweetheart and they have one beautiful daughter Lillyanne. Chris has a passion for ministry with purpose, connecting people to God and to each other. He has served in several areas of ministry including worship arts, youth, preaching, teaching, administration, and small groups. We are excited that the Lord has allowed our paths to cross as we better do the work of the Kingdom. Oh, and he is an avid Virginia Tech town go Hokies! Fondest Memory as a Child: Playing in the creek and exploring the woods in our backyard. First Job: Day Care teacher, Mount Tabor Day Care Blacksburg, Virginia Favorite Movie: “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (That would be the new one) Hobbies: Music, piano, photography, and golf (I’m not Tiger Woods or anything) Favorite Books: Visioneering-Andy Stanley, Love Beyond Reason-John Ortberg, Waking the Dead-John Eldredge, The Sacred Romance-John Eldredge, it’s so hard to limit it to 3. Favorite Dessert: Ya’ll are speakin’ my love language…I love all things dessert! Cookies, cakes, and ice cream…bring it on especially if my wife made it!
	Kelly McMurray \| Children and Families Pastor Kelly McMurray serves as the Pastor to Children and Families at Fairview. She grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from warner Southern College in Lake wales Florida. Kelly is married to her best friend, Chris, and together they have one child, Lillyanne. Kelly has served in Children’s Ministry for over 8 years, and is so excited to be a part of the team at Fairview. She believes children are a gift from God, and that God’s plan is for families to lead in the provision of spiritual development for their children. She also believes that Children’s Ministry is not so much about what our children know but who they are becoming. Fondest Memory as a child: playing make believe with my sister and brother…house, babies, hot dog stand, school, mud pies First Job: Lifeguard Favorite Movie: Beauty and The Beast Hobbies: playing games, visiting family, singing, playing soccer, swimming, cooking Favorite Books: For women Only-Shaunti Feldhahn, Let Prayer Change Your Life-Becky Tirabassi, Sacred Marriage-Gary Thomas Favorite Dessert: Banana Pudding…the real stuff!
	Barbara Dekich \| Office Manager Barbara grew up in Falkville and attended FHS. She received her Marketing and Education degree from Auburn University and worked as a Marketing Coordinator for Decatur City Schools. She retired in 2001 and has been assisting at the church since her retirement. Milan and Barbara enjoy their children Christal Anna and Michael. The children are both attending Auburn University. Christal is majoring in history and social science and Michael in communication and industrial design. Fondest Memory as a Child: Grandparents First Job: Summerford Nursing Home Favorite Movie: Anything with Cary Grant Hobbies: Taking care of Milan Favorite Book: Bring Me A Unicorn by Anne Morrow Lindberg Favorite Dessert: I am not supposed to eat sweets.
	Shannon Coggin \| Child Care Director, Financial Secretary Shannon, her husband Asa and their precious daughter Kayleen live in Hartselle. God has placed a deep passion in her life to educate young children through his word and education. She has started a preschool and extended day program at Fairview, where she is the director and has the most dedicated teachers on staff. She is also the go to girl when it comes to the Church’s finances. Fondest Memory as a child: My favorite memory as a child is being able to enjoy living on a lake in Connecticut. Every season was packed full of things to do. Ice skating in the winter, and water tubing in the summer was my favorite. First Job: My first job was a summer camp counselor for underprivileged children. I knew from that summer on I was meant to make a difference in children’s lives. Favorite Movie: Cinderella - The ability to imagine is priceless. Hobbies: I enjoy cooking for my family, playing outdoors with my daughter, having a great conversation with friends, and the occasional picture snapping. Shopping isn’t so bad either!! Favorite Books: Shel Silverstein’s collection is one of my favorite things to read when I need a laugh. Night by Elie Weisel, and The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Favorite Dessert: I am not picky when it comes to dessert. I have been known to skip dinner just to have buttermilk pie though.

Milan Dekich | Senior Pastor

Tony Johnson | Associate Pastor

Danny Lopez| Youth Pastor

Chris McMurray | Executive Pastor

Kelly McMurray | Children and Families Pastor

Barbara Dekich | Office Manager

Shannon Coggin | Child Care Director, Financial Secretary