Russ Corley
Preaching Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself.
Jackie and I married in 2004. I have three adult children Barbara, Joel (married to Meredith), and Jonathan (married to Rachel). Marriage to Jackie blessed me with another adult daughter, Renee Sharpe (married to Jerry), and three grand children. My full-time job is Executive Director of Encouragement Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on encouraging people in crisis, especially in hospitals. Madison helped us start EM in 1990. My PhD is in Communication from The Ohio State University.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
Friendships, photography, exercise, and learning new things are focal interests and passions.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
Teaching at Madison since March of 2014 has been an honor and a delight. That experience allows me to renew old friendships and begin new ones that enrich my life beyond all expectations. It is a profound honor to serve as the preacher and a blessing to speak each week with an audience that loves God and one another. I enjoy working with this gifted staff and shepherds: they are great men and women, cherished friends, and their constant encouragement is a source of strength and joy.
What’s a good book/movie that has touched your life or influenced your faith?
There are a number of writers that have shaped my thinking: George McDonald (the Scottish novelist and preacher), C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien; Alvin Plantinga and Nicholas Wolterstorff; Thomas Torrance, Michael Polanyi, and Eugene Peterson; James Dunn, N.T. Wright, and Carl Holladay; William R. Brown, Richard Weaver, and Parker Palmer. Those writers influence how I read and think about Scripture as a living text that speaks to us today.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
This is such a difficult question. When I teach on Paul, I find key texts in Romans, Philippians, and I Corinthians resonate. I have also enjoyed teaching and preaching from Luke-Acts, and I am often captured by a story or passage that challenges, inspires, or humbles me to live a more integrated and authentic life of love. I fail so often in that effort that I am grateful for the amazing grace that forgives us once-for-all and forever.
Anthony Lancaster
Worship Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself.
Singing is my thing. Not so much for the joy of song itself, but because I have found an incredible treasure in Jesus the Messiah. I’m devoted to mobilizing God’s family to join together and offer their best for His glory and the edification of His body. I graduated from Oklahoma Christian University with a bachelors degree in Bible and ministry. I am also a graduate of the SAE music technology program, as well as a graduate and current faculty member of the Worship Leader Institute. When I’m not leading worship, I travel with the world-renowned vocal group, Acappella, of which I have been a member since 2008.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
Movies are pretty much an every week activity. I am fascinated by the power that stories have to shape and transform the way we think. That fascination also encompasses my passion for writing, which is my favorite way to relax. As far as specific films, I am a Disney enthusiast, so their classic catalog of animated films is for me a benchmark for quality storytelling, especially Pinocchio.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
The Madison family is actively growing a culture of participation and integration in worship. We as a body are investing in our singing, pushing past the cultural trend toward passive, spectator experiences with a Biblical imperative: anyone with a functioning voice is invited to lift Him up in song as a demonstration of a yielded heart.
What’s a good book/movie that has touched your life or influenced your faith?
N.T. Wright’s The Last Word, David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest, Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods, Thomas Pynchon’s Mason & Dixon, Richard Bauckham’s Jesus and the Eye Witnesses, Alister McGrath’s theology surveys, selections from Karl Barth’s Dogmatics, W.P. Kinsella’s Shoeless Joe, Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, Ed Fudge’s The Fire That Consumes, Philip K. Dick’s Ubik, Andrew Solomon’s Far From the Tree, Neal Gabler’s Disney biography, Adam Johnson’s The Orphan Master’s Son, and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Kieslowski’s The Decalogue, and Robert Alter’s Psalms translation.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up, that it may benefit those who listen.
Nathan Hale
Student Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself.
Rachel and I got married on the beach in 2013. I’ve lived in the Nashville area my entire life, minus the year that I worked in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I spent my K-12th grade years at Ezell-Harding Christian School. Rachel and I met at Lipscomb University where I graduated with a degree in Theology with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. Rachel grew up in Wheaton, IL and makes a killer Chicago-style hot-dog. We have one black cat who still isn’t sure how he feels about us, but that’s probably our fault for naming him “Puppy Hale.”
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy music, baseball, farming, robotics, permaculture, aquaponics, swimming, cliff-jumping, fishing, cooking, and listening to TED Talks.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
I’m excited to be a part of such a loving community of believers. I feel like God has afforded me a very unique set of opportunities in my life, and I’ve learned a lot from those challenges. I feel called to share what God has taught me in my own life with this next generation of believers at Madison. I hope I can help our students see themselves the way that God sees them and to help them realize their own God-given potential.
What’s a good book/movie that has touched your life or influenced your faith?
Shane Claiborne’s Irresistible Revolution helped me realize that Jesus’s call to love others may take many different forms in our lives. It really expanded my definition of following Jesus and living out my faith in the real world. Some of my favorite movies include: God Grew Tired of Us, Gandhi, The Sandlot, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, The Matrix, Star Wars, Inside Man, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit (all three), Fern Gully, Forrest Gump, Fog of War, Romero, Stranger than Fiction, Pirates of the Caribbean (all of them), What Dreams May Come, The Village, Why We Fight, and Signs.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. –Rev. 22: 1-5
Talia Samek
Associate Student Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself:
I am a Tennessee native having lived in both Nashville and Franklin. I graduated from Franklin High School and went on to go to college at Lipscomb University. I graduated from Lipscomb with a degree in Bible with a youth ministry emphasis. My parents and two younger sisters now live in Spring Hill where I get to go visit them whenever I have some time off.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading books and lifestyle blogs, attempting to be crafty, watching Netflix with my husband, Saturday hikes in the local parks such as Radnor Lake and hosting tv show viewings at my house which always includes food.
What excites you most about Madison?
On a personal level, I am excited to become a part of the church family and find my place in that family. I am excited to not only find that family within the student ministry but within the congregation as a whole and through that to be able to create community between the generations rather than keeping them separate.
What is a good book/movie you have read or watched lately?
My all-time favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I first read it in the 5th grade and have reread it many times since then so much so that the cover has fallen off of my copy. The most recent book I have read is Love Does by Bob Goff and it really challenged me to reevaluate how I love people and what it truly means to love well.
Please share your favorite Scripture with us.
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” –Philippians 4:6-7
Barbie Lanier
Children’s Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself.
Jim and I were married in 1987 and moved here to Nashville. Jim is a CPA and I taught elementary school until we had our children. I was blessed to stay at home with our four sons, Michael, Travis, Austin, and Collin until I joined the staff at Madison in 2007. Our family is blessed to have added daughters-in-law… Chelsea, married to Michael, Rachel, married to Travis, and Sarah, married to Austin.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
I love walking/jogging and especially just sitting on the beach or out in nature watching God’s creation. Hanging out with family and friends playing games is always a favorite pastime.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
Our intentionality of partnering with parents to lead the next generation of Christ-followers into their own relationship with an incredible God. We desire for our mission to always “trump” any tradition we may have.
What’s a good book/ movie you have read or watched lately?
Favorite books: Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Reggie Joiner and Carey Nieuwhof, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley, Shift by Brian Haynes, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and Fresh Faith by Jim Cymbala, and The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight.
Favorite Movies: “Man of Steel”- so many aspects reflected the plan of salvation. “Despicable Me”, “Toy Story” (all three), “Inside Out”, and “For Richer or Poorer”.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
Sheila Allen
Business Administrator
Tell us briefly about yourself.
I have been at Madison Church of Christ since 1983. In 1992, I began working in the Business Office at Madison and became the Business Administrator in January of 2014. I am married to Don Allen, who loves to sing and sings on the Praise Team at Madison.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
I love being part of the Madison family. There are so many wonderful people here who love God and others. At Madison, I have had opportunities for growth in bible study and opportunities for growth in service. In addition to our ministries, I think it is exciting that Madison partners with other ministries such as Begin Anew and Morning Star Sanctuary and that both of these ministries meet at our building on a regular basis. Partnering with these ministries gives our people even more opportunities to serve and to show Jesus to others. I have volunteered with Begin Anew in varying capacities for several years, and it has been a blessing in my life. I love to see how people are transformed through this ministry that helps them with their education and job skills, but more importantly, shows them the love of Jesus.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and will all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” It’s all about loving God and loving others.
Terry Ashley
Benevolence Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself.
Susie and I are longtime members at Madison. She has attended since birth and I started coming with her when we were teenagers because it was a cheap date. We got married in the auditorium here in 1975. Eventually, (thank God) coming here helped me rediscover my faith. We have two wonderful adult children. Our daughter, Allison, is a Metro school teacher and our son, Taylor, is an attorney in Dallas.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
In a former life, I was in Law Enforcement for 34 years before I retired, and I used to be an athlete. I played tennis and racquetball until my body rebelled and made me stop. Now, I’m a spectator who watches football, baseball, and basketball at playoff time, and even golf, although I don’t play (if I need more stress and frustration in my life, I just get in my car and drive around Nashville). I’m an avid Sci-Fi fan because it stretches my imagination and makes me think about “What if?” and “Why not?”. For me, every day is like Christmas. I love it when people give me stuff and then I get to turn around and give it to someone else – all in the name of Christ.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
I’m excited to see the Madison Church majoring in the majors. We are striving to keep Christ at the core of all we do, following his example of loving God and loving others. I am surrounded by a multitude of volunteers who humbly serve for the glory of God
What’s a good book/movie you have read or watched lately?
My favorite fiction writer is Dean Koontz. His books are intelligent and witty, usually about the supernatural. I, along with most of the staff, recently read Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley about attracting unchurched people to your church. My most recent favorite movie was probably “The Avengers”. I seem to be drawn to those battles between good and evil.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
I have several scriptures that I stand on, but the one that seems to be the most prevailing is Philippians 4:4-9. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Danis Villalobos
Spanish Language Minister
Tell us briefly about yourself.
Thank God I was born in a Christian home members of the Church of Christ in Masaya Nicaragua, at 5 years old I remember I started to lead singing in the Church, I was baptized at the age of 12 years old and I have always served the church to the honor of God. Married to Gladys Villalobos happy and joyful to be serving the Church of Christ Madison in Spanish.
Háblenos brevemente de usted.
Gracias a Dios nací en un hogar cristiano miembros de la Iglesia de Cristo en Masaya Nicaragua, a los 5 años recuerdo que empecé a dirigir cantos en la Iglesia, me bauticé a la edad de 12 años y siempre he servido a la iglesia para honra de Dios. Casado con Gladys Villalobos feliz y contento de estar sirviendo a la Iglesia de Cristo Madison en español
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy?
I think the years have made changes in me, before I really liked music, playing xbox, playing the drums and doing many things, at this moment I love going out with my wife, being with my brothers in Christ sharing food, talking and do activities with them.
Qué aficiones/actividades le gustan?
Creo que los años han hecho cambios en mí, antes me gustaba mucho la música, jugar al xbox, tocar la batería y hacer muchas cosas, en este momento me encanta salir con mi esposa, estar con mis hermanos en Cristo compartiendo la comida, hablar y hacer actividades con ellos.
What excites you most about Madison Church?
I am very excited to preach and teach the love of God and to be part of a great Church of Christ like this one.
¿Qué es lo que más le entusiasma de la Iglesia de Madison?
Estoy muy emocionado de predicar y enseñar el amor de Dios y ser parte de una gran Iglesia de Cristo como esta.
What’s a good book/movie that has touched your life or influenced your faith?
I have never been a good reader of books, I can say that the only book I have read is the bible, and my favorite movie is the Passion of the Christ because it impacted me all that our Lord Jesus did for me.
¿Cuál es un buen libro/película que haya tocado su vida o influido en su fe?
Nunca he sido un buen lector de libros, puedo decir que el único libro que he leído es la biblia, y mi película favorita es la Pasión de Cristo porque me impactó todo lo que nuestro Señor Jesús hizo por mí.
Please share a favorite scripture with us.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Por favor, comparte con nosotros una escritura favorita.
Josué 1:9
9 ¿No te he ordenado? Esfuérzate y sé valiente; no temas, ni desmayes, porque el Señor, tu Dios, está contigo dondequiera que vayas.