Allison Hitchings - Minister of Community Care and Connection

     Allison is a life-long Central Illinois resident. She grew up in Saybrook Illinois and was a member of Saybrook Christian Church. Allison was baptized into Christ in Junior High and has continued her relationship with Jesus for her entire life. In her late-twenties, life circumstances were such that Jesus became real to her in a much different way. An unexpected move forced her to fully place her trust in God's plan for her future. That particular milestone brought Bret and Allison to Clinton in 2008.
Allison and Bret began attending First Christian Church their first weekend in Clinton and have been here ever since. Prior to becoming a staff member, she served in various areas of ministry as a children's Bible school teacher and an instrumentalist and vocalist for the worship team.

     She was approached in the spring of 2015 to come on staff as a part-time Children's Minister working with elementary school students. For five years, Allison worked with Cassandra to serve the children and families of FCC. Allison began a new role in Summer 2020 as Minister of Care and Connection. She is leading the congregational Care Team as well as leading Sunday morning Welcome Team ministries.
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     Allison is so grateful for the relationships she has formed with people at First Christian Church over the years. She is passionate about serving the body of believers at FCC as well as providing support for struggling and hurting people in challenging seasons of their lives.

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Dalton Weaver - Minister of Students

Dalton was born and raised in Catlin, Illinois, and started attending youth group while in 8th grade after a friend invited him. This youth group was instrumental in the formation of Dalton’s faith, and eventually, through the encouragement of leaders, led him to attend Lincoln Christian University. LCU fostered in Dalton a passion to work with students, especially walking with them in doubt and questions. Dalton graduated from LCU with a degree in Youth and Family ministries, and met his wife, Kyrsten, while they both were students. Dalton and Kyrsten were married in October of 2019. They currently live in Lincoln, Illinois, but plan to move to Clinton in the near future. In 2020, they added to their household with 2 fish, Jimmy and Angus, whom Kyrsten loves and Dalton ignores.


Dalton was hired onto the staff team in the fall of 2021 to serve as the Youth Minister. Prior to this, Dalton worked as a social worker managing foster care cases. Dalton has a desire to help students understand that God knows and loves them, no matter where they go or what they do. 


As an Illinois basketball fan, Dalton spends time praying and lamenting for Samuel, a Hoosier fan. Knowing that our God is a redemptive God, there is still hope for Samuel’s heart to change for the better. Dalton and Kyrsten also enjoy watching the Bears, playing games with their friends, and hanging out with their nieces and nephew. 


Dalton is excited to be part of the student ministry here at FCC. He is passionate about helping students find their place in God’s Story, and creating an environment where students can be vulnerable and honest because they know that they are welcomed, accepted, known, and loved.

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Dinelle Frankland - Director Worship and Choirs

     Dinelle is from the great southern Illinois town of Albion. She grew up attending Little Prairie Christian Church, where her 4th great grandfather had served as the first preacher in the 1820’s. A great supporter of Bible College education, the church was instrumental in sending her to LCC to study music. 

     In 1979, she accepted a call to teach music at Dallas Christian College.  During her years there she accumulated great experiences, awesome friends and a diehard appreciation for the Dallas Cowboys.  

     In 1993 she transitioned to Ozark Christian College, where she continued to teach music and lead choirs. In 2001, she happened into a fortuitous visit on the campus of Lincoln Christian Seminary that led to being called to offer a Master’s Degree in Worship. She moved to Lincoln in 2003 and still resides there. She also teaches at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. All total, Dinelle has taught 42 years in Christian Higher Education. Fun fact: Mike Cahill took one of her classes! 

     A shift in responsibilities at LCU left her available for an additional ministry when First Christian called in the summer of 2019. The need for a choir director and worship leader was a God given fit for her desires and gifts at the time. Working with the fabulous staff and interim ministers has been a source of encouragement and fulfillment. Dinelle is excited to see what the future brings for FCC, especially when choir is able to gather again! 
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​     Dinelle has a sister who is a retired school teacher in Salem, Illinois. Her brother lives in Indianapolis, and his four children have been a great delight to spoil as any good aunt does. They are all grown now, so perhaps great nieces and nephews are in the future.

Dawn Johnson
Director of Operations

     Dawn grew up in NW Indiana. After completing high school, she moved to California. There she met the man whom would be her husband in years to come.  Dawn married Danny  in December of 1995. They have 2 boys, Austin and Joshua. 

     Dawn was baptized are around 10 years old. She has attended church regularly as a child until her parents divorced. Then she attended church in the summer with her mom.  As an adult church has been an important part of her life.

      Before working at FCC Clinton, Dawn was employed by Lincoln Memorial Hospital for more than 12 years and then at Clinton Family Dental where she is still employed part time. 

     Dawn started attending FCC Clinton early 2018. The first day was the day that the class ROOTED started.  There she met several nice people who welcomed her and her husband into the church family. Through ROOTED, Dawn was able to get connected as a volunteer in the sound booth, running Pro Presenter (the slide program).  

     She wants to share what she learns with others and found the opportunity to work in the church where she can grow and share all she is learning with others. 

Elders

Here at First Christian Church we are staff led in our day-to-day and weekly operations and ministries but we have an amazing team of elders who shepherd, protect, and oversee the congregation, staff, and mission, vision, and direction of our church.
​We are not a part of a denomination and our local congregation is led by these Elders.

 Brett Ries (Chairman)

Dana Korneman (Vice Chairman)

Nate Bostic

Steve Groves (Secretary)

Joe Murray