(left to right)
Paul Johnson
Lead Pastor
Pastor Paul came to Columbia in the fall of 2009. Previously he served on the staff of College Church in Bourbonnais, IL as the University and Young Adult pastor for 5 years. Prior to that he served as youth pastor for 4 1/2 years in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Paul served in leadership with university students and preached at one of College Church's campuses every weekend. He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Biblical Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Throughout the school year he taught adjunct at the University in the Theology and Communication Departments, and is committed to being a lifelong learner in all areas of life.
Pastor Paul is married to his best friend Erin and together they have had three precious children – Graham, Brooke and Ellis. Some of the biggest lessons in life have been from his privilege of being a dad. Through losing his daughter Brooke in 2006 to a rare illness, he works to remember and honor the memory of his daughter and continues to learn about the power of people and the grace of God. Some things that bring joy to Paul are being with his family, watching Graham play soccer, watching Ellis chase Graham, having coffee with Erin, and golfing.
Chris Kauffman
Recreation Pastor
Chris serves as Director of Recreational Ministries. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Nazarene College, and a M.A. in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Formation from Columbia Biblical Seminary.
Chris was married to his wife, Christie, in September 2007. They both grew up in and met here at Columbia First Church, and live in Irmo, South Carolina. Their son, Zachary Paul Kauffman, was born in November 2009.
Chris enjoys watching and participating in most sports, but especially basketball and soccer.
Brad Bellomy
Student Ministries Pastor
Brad serves as Student Pastor to Families with students in the 7th through 12th grades. He grew up in Winnsboro, South Carolina. Brad holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Trevecca Nazarene University, a M.A. in Religion from Trevecca Nazarene University, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Social work from the University of South Carolina.
Brad has served as Student Pastor in Winnsboro, South Carolina (1998-2000); Gallatin, Tennessee (2000-2004), and here at Columbia First (2004-Present). He also serves as South Carolina District NYI President.
Brad is an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene (2005).
Pastor Brad and his wife, Krista, met at Trevecca Nazarene University, and were married in 1998. They have two children, Hannah and Wesley.
They live in Chapin, South Carolina.
Brad enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, reading, hanging out with our teens, and watching Ghost Hunters.
Dana Bays
Children's Pastor
Dana serves as Children's Pastor to children birth through sixth grade. Dana grew up in South Charleston, West Virginia. He holds a B.A. Degree in Christian Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Dana has served as Children's Pastor in South Charleston, West Virginia (1985-1989) and Ephrata, Pennsylvania (1989-1997). In Ephrata, Dana also served as Principal of Grandview Heights Christian Academy. Dana has served as our Childrens Pastor from 1997 to present.
Dana is an Ordained Deacon in the Church of the Nazarene (1991).
Dana and his wife, Lisa, were married in 1985, and have two boys, Nick, and Nathan. Pastor Dana enjoys spending time with family and friends, history, cooking, and bicycling.
Dennis Pinnell
Worship Arts Pastor
Dennis serves as Pastor of Worship Arts. He grew up in Columbia, Missouri. Dennis holds a B.A. degree in Church Music from MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Dennis has served as Worship Pastor in Cincinnatti, Ohio (1993-1997); Dayton, Ohio (1997-2007); and has served Columbia First Church since January 2008.
Dennis is an Ordained Deacon in the Church of the Nazarene (2002).
Dennis and his wife, Beverly, were married in 1995, and have two daughters, Madison and Mackenzie. They live in Lexington, South Carolina.