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Churches Opelika, AL

Our Team

Our team is dedicated to fostering discipleship by creating a worshipful atmosphere centered on the Gospel, building meaningful connections in our community, engaging in impactful service, and pursuing a mission motivated by the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Jonathan Prudhomme

Director of Spiritual Formation

Jonathan Prudhomme

Jonathan Prudhomme joined the staff and church family of First Pres in August of 2023. He is originally from Vicksburg, MS. He attended Mississippi State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design. In 2011 he began serving as a missionary with CRU in Italy. In 2015 he sensed a calling to pursue pastoral ministry and began working with TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) in Bologna, Italy. He met his wife, Amy, at a TEAM missionary orientation, and they married in 2017. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to Bologna where Jonathan served as co-pastor of a small church revitalization. In 2018, after the birth of their son, Benjamin, Jonathan and Amy returned home. Jonathan earned his masters degree in 2021 during his pastoral residency at Orlando Grace Church. Jonathan’s passion is to see every member of the body of Christ spiritually formed and equipped to proclaim the gospel in their lives and make disciples of all nations.

James Heard

Pastor of Student Ministries

James Heard

James Heard joined the staff and church family of First Pres in August of 2020. He is originally from Memphis, TN, though he has lived in South Carolina since he attended Wofford College, where he received his undergraduate degree. While at Wofford, James met his wonderful wife Jillian through Reformed University Fellowship.  They were married in 2017, their son Joel was born in January 2021, and their daughter Annalise was born in 2022! James earned his masters degree from Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, in 2020. Prior to joining the First Pres family, James served as the Pastoral Intern of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Clover, SC. James has a passion to see young people enter into a lifetime of following Christ through the ministry of the local church.

Charlotte Lay

FPOKids Director

Charlotte Lay

Charlotte Lay joined the FPO family in the Spring of 2016. Charlotte was raised in Greenville, SC, and received graduate and undergraduate degrees from Furman University. She taught elementary school for several years before meeting Rusty in a membership class at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Travelers Rest, SC. The two were married in 2009 and are privileged to raise their daughters, Conner and Mary Wynn. Previously, Charlotte served as the Children's Director at The Town Church in Fort Collins, CO. Charlotte values instilling a sense of belonging, creating order, and making things lovely.

Caroline Galvin

Administrator

Caroline Galvin

Caroline Galvin joined the church family of First Pres in May of 2022.  Caroline is originally from Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Auburn University.  While at Auburn, she met her wonderful husband, Casey.  The two married in 2015 and traveled around the country while Caroline worked in Food Safety & Quality Assurance management for major food processors. In the summer or 2022, Caroline left her career in food safety to prioritize time with her family and was soon blessed with the opportunity to join the FPO staff that winter!  Caroline has a passion for creating and maintaining order, which allows her to thrive while serving her FPO family in an administrative role.  She loves learning new skills and serving others in practical ways.

Worship Director

Daniel Wells

Ryan English

Assistant Worship Director

Ryan English

Ryan English joined the FPO family in the Spring of 2016 as an affiliate member and in the Fall of 2023 as a full member with his wife, Gaston. Ryan was raised in Birmingham, AL, and received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University. Ryan was heavily involved in music ensembles during his time at Auburn, including the Auburn University Marching Band where he met Gaston. They married in 2019 and had their son Everett in January 2024. Ryan joined the FPO staff after having been a part of the FPO music team and Auburn RUF music team throughout his time at Auburn University. Ryan is always looking for ways to grow and innovate, and to bless the FPO congregation with music that brings glory to God.

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Pastoral Resident

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