CHAIRMAN

After moving to The Villages, Harry joined Fairway and began his church service.  He worked on several projects that led him to becoming one of the Deacons where he became Secretary and Vice Chairman.  He is also the Ministry Group Leader over the Membership Ministries.

Meet Harry and Mary Harris.

ELDER

Jerry grew up in the Catholic Church and began reading scripture and attending Bible studies in a Christian Church in 1997, when he met Barb, his wife. He gave his life to Christ in 2004 when he was baptized at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. He became active in life groups, Bible study classes and men’s Bible study. In 2015, he sold his business and he and Barb retired. After arriving at The Villages, searching for a Christian church was the first order of business.  Our criteria were Bible believing, walking, teaching and growing church. Fairway Christian Church was a perfect match!

Meet Jerry and Barbara Benware

ELDER

Roger is a lifelong Christian. He has served in various positions in non-denominational Christian churches for the past 30 years.  He joined Fairway in 2010 and has been on the Long Range Planning Committee and various service committees. He has been a Shepherd, Server, and Usher and has led a Discipleship Group for the past twelve years.

Meet Roger and Diana Brown.

ELDER

Since joining Fairway Christian Church, Paul has been a member of the Missions Committee, Military Outreach Ministry, the Building Leadership Team, and a helper with the Men’s Ministry.  Prior to moving to Florida, Paul and his wife, Mary, worshipped and served at a Restoration Movement Christian Church in Northern Virginia.

Meet Paul Cook.

ELDER

Fred Holland grew up in a Christian family in Ohio. He was immersed at age 12. He was able to bring his faith into his occupation as a teacher, coach and principal through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and daily Christian walk. Fred and his wife, Peggy, “found Fairway by mistake” and placed membership in 2016.

He has served as a Deacon, Usher, Building Leadership Team member, Men’s Ministry Task Force member and Discipleship Group Member.

Meet Fred and Peggy Holland.

ELDER

Rick Langford grew up in a small farming community in Iowa. After graduating from high school, he attended a four-year Christian college, where he played two sports and earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees—all within four years.

Following college, Rick began his career in education, teaching at a parochial Christian high school. He then transitioned to a career with John Deere, where he worked for 26 years. During this time, Rick raised his son and daughter while also earning two master’s degrees.

While living in Iowa, Rick actively volunteered with the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, and Cedar Springs Christian Camp. He also served weekly with the Celebrate Recovery Mission at The Bridge Church and participated in a Life Group.

After relocating to The Villages, Rick and his wife, Diane, felt called by the Lord to become members of Fairway Christian Church. Rick currently serves as an Elder and is actively involved in the Men’s Barbecue Committee, Men’s Bible Study, and Men’s Breakfast. Together, Rick and Diane serve on several committees, including New Members, Hospitality, and Missions. They also lead weekly Bible studies through the Connecting Hearts Ministry at Watercrest Assisted Living.

ELDER

As a “preacher’s kid,” Dan Smith was raised in the independent Christian Churches and has been part of that tradition his entire life. He is a graduate of Atlanta Christian College (now Point University) and pursued a Master’s degree in New Testament studies at Cincinnati Christian Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dan spent 20 years in ministry, serving in both full-time and part-time roles in Ohio, Florida, and Texas. In addition, he served for approximately six years as an elder at Westside Christian Church and Faith Christian Church in Bradenton, Florida.

In 2001, Dan retired after 20 years with the Boynton Beach Police Department. Over the following 12 years, he served as a bi-vocational preaching minister at First Christian Church of Bradenton, Florida, while also working as an officer and supervisor with Sarasota County in the Code Enforcement Division.

Dan and his wife, Deb, began attending Fairway Christian Church while visiting The Villages and discerning where they would retire. In the month leading up to their move, they participated in Fairway’s online services to become more familiar with the congregation. On their first Sunday after relocating, they officially joined Fairway by transferring their membership.

Since becoming a member, Dan has taught several Sunday morning adult Bible classes, assisted with worship services at Watercrest Nursing Home, and currently serves as a Discipleship Group leader.