Our Staff

Pastor
Ronn Oren


Pastor Ronn Oren serves as our Senior Pastor of First Christian Church.

Raised on a farm in central Indiana, he grew up active in 4-H, FFA, Drama Club, Band, and spent many years involved in worship music with various church bands.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bible Theology and Pastoral Ministry from Barclay College (KS), and later completed a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. Throughout his ministry career, Pastor Ronn has faithfully served in pastoral roles and also spent several years as the Executive Director of a Christian mission agency.

Ronn and his wife, Yvette, are blessed with three children: Tristan (24), Tiffany (22), and Tegan (18).

When he’s not serving the church, Pastor Ronn enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.

 “I’m glad to be part of a congregation with such a rich community heritage. First Christian has been contributing to the New Castle area for over 190 years. I was reared in Farmland, Indiana, and have some familiarity with New Castle because of its proximity to where I was raised. I understand the valuable gifts a vibrant faith community can offer its neighbors and the difference people of faith can make. One great example is the Henry County Foster Closet the church hosts. It helps over 100 people month after month. It’s really a remarkable ministry.”

 

Youth Pastor
Luke Witham


Luke Witham serves as our Youth Pastor of First Christian Church.

Born and raised in New Castle, Indiana, Luke grew up in a football family and competed in football, track and field, and quiz bowl throughout high school. He was also active in Young Life, where his passion for ministry began to take shape.

After earning an associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Ivy Tech Community College, Luke worked in the HVAC field, eventually becoming an ammonia technician. Throughout his education and career, he remained deeply involved in local church ministries and Young Life, discerning a call to vocational ministry. He is now pursuing a Master of Divinity at Christian Theological Seminary.

Outside of church, Luke coaches football alongside his brother and father at New Castle High School. He also enjoys spending time outdoors, whether reading, fishing, or simply appreciating creation.

Children’s Ministry Director/
Executive Director, First Christian Counseling Center

Danielle Rainey


Danielle Rainey serves as our Children’s Ministry Director at First Christian Church.

Danielle Rainey brings a deep passion for faith formation, emotional wellness, and family ministry to her roles at First Christian Church and First Christian Counseling Center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and is a NACC Board-Certified Christian Counselor. She is currently pursuing an additional Master of Divinity as she continues to expand her ministry and theological training.

Before joining FCC, Danielle served as a School Counselor for 15 years, walking alongside students and families with care, compassion, and expertise. Now, as Children’s Ministry Director, she is dedicated to creating meaningful,
Christ-centered spaces where children can grow in faith, community, and confidence. As Executive Director of the Counseling Center, she provides leadership rooted in wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to holistic
well-being.

Danielle and her husband, Adam, are blessed with three daughters: McKinley (6), Reagan (8), and Emma (16). When she’s not serving in ministry, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and curling up with a good book.

Administrative
Coordinator

Jessica Larson


Jessica Larson serves as our Administrative Coordinator of First Christian Church.

Born and raised in New Castle, Jessica graduated from Shenandoah High School. After living in Anderson and later Middletown, she and her husband, Kyle, settled into her grandparents’ former home back in New Castle.

Jessica and Kyle have two children: Paige, a senior at Shenandoah, and Parker, an eighth-grader at Shenandoah. Jessica’s home church is Sulphur Springs Christian Church, where she has attended since the age of eight and is now a member who faithfully serves as a vocalist on the worship team.

Although she does not attend First Christian Church as her primary congregation, Jessica is grateful for the deep sense of community she has found here. “I am very blessed to have a second church family,” she says. “Everyone has been so loving and accepting, and I felt welcomed from the moment I joined the staff in 2023. I am thankful to be part of—and to witness—the many ministries of First Christian Church and the impact they have on the Henry County communities.”

When she is not working at the church, Jessica participates in Bible Study Fellowship and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

First Christian Church is located at 2000 Bundy Avenue.
Sunday worship service begins at 10:00 a.m., and all are invited and encouraged to attend.