Our Pastors
Daniel Mallipudi, Senior Pastor
Daniel has been a member of First Christian Church since the fall of 2012 and joined us as our pastor in December of 2015. Daniel was born in India and was raised in Southern California. Daniel’s great-great-great-grandfather was the first convert through the efforts of missionaries from Bristol, England. Daniel grew up in a Christian home and knew from an early age he wanted to serve God in any way possible. After graduating with a Bachelors of Religious Education and Masters of Religions Education from WCBC in Lancaster, California he moved to Oregon.
Daniel’s testimony is a strong reminder to us all that God is never finished writing our story and His love for us knows no bounds. He has a strong passion for reaching those who have yet to experience what it means to have a personal relationship with God. He is an avid sports fan and his favorite team is by far the Los Angeles Lakers! Daniel and Libby have been married since August 2018. They enjoy visiting restaurants in search of the best brunches around, traveling and going on adventures, and finding their joy in their relationship with Christ.
To hear Daniel’s story of what God has done in his life click here.
Darren Dickson, Associate Pastor
Darren Dickson has been a youth pastor since 1984, and the associate pastor at First Christian Church since 2003. Darren grew up in Harrisburg, Oregon. From there he went to Northwest Christian University in Eugene, OR, where he graduated with a BA in Missions and an AA in Youth Ministries. Most important, while attending NCU he met his wife Valerie. Darren and Valerie have three grown children and three adopted children: Danelle, Nicholas, Kyle, and Romen, Hannah and Therran.
He believes he has one of the best jobs in the world, and would rather teach youth than do nearly anything else. One of the passions of his life is to help others find and follow Jesus.
To hear Darren’s story of what God has done in his life click here.
Our Elders
John Hooper, Elder
I accepted Jesus Christ into my life when I was around 11 or 12 years old. I have been attending First Christian for about 20 years on the recommendation of a friend. My wife and I have been married since May 1st, 1999. We have three children, Simon (23) Sadie (19) and Sophia (11). Simon lives in Phoenix AZ, Sadie in Eugene, and Sophia is chilling at home.
For 27 years I have owned a small electronics store called Good Vibrations. This is my first year serving as an Elder at FCC. In my spare time I like to do yard work and tinker around in the shop. My favorite Bible verses are found in Psalm 23.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” ~ Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
Mike Nichols, Elder
I have been a Christian for most of my life but became a more devoted seeker of Christ when I met Lori in 2004. It was a commitment we both made and has been the foundation of our marriage. I have been attending FCC since the Summer of 2019. Lori and I moved to Roseburg in 2018 and found FCC after looking for over 1 year. We have two adult sons, one living in Portland and one in Half Moon Bay, CA. I have an adult daughter who lives in Elk Grove, CA. I am a Family Physician and work for Evergreen Family Medicine.
I previously worked in California and have been in practice for over 25 years. I just became an Elder at FCC this year and was previously an Elder at my former church in Sacramento, CA. I enjoy hiking, skiing, spending time with family, traveling, and visiting the Oregon coast. I play timpani and percussion in the UCC Concert Band, and am a member of a car club and enjoy drives to new places in the Northwest. A few of my favorite verses are found in John 3:16, Matthew 6: 25-34, Psalm 121, Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~ Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
Shaun Ryan, Elder
I have been a Christian for about 25 years. My family and I have been attending FCC for about two years after being friends with Pastor Daniel for almost 10 years.
I am a bit partial but I have the best family in the world starting with my beautiful wife, Summer. We have three wonderful children, Justus (16), Trinity (15), and Serenity (13). I am a website developer for a local company called Carrot which creates lead-generating websites for real estate professionals. 2023 is the first year I am serving as an elder. In my free time, I love playing soccer, reading, sailing, and traveling. My favorite Bible verses include Proverbs 4:4-9 and Jeremiah 29:11.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Dean Soper, Elder
I accepted Christ 53 years ago and have been part of First Christian church for 55 years. My father was a long time Elder here and my mother had many positions here. Linda and I were married here 46 years ago this August. Both of our boys were baptized here. I managed Christian camps for 21 years and was an auto mechanic before that.
I have served as an Elder for 27 years at FCC. I love to work with wood and metal. I enjoy video editing, mixing sound. I also enjoy ministering through Bikers For Christ Motorcycle Ministry. It is hard for me to choose a favorite verse for there are so many to "hang your hat on" but I really love 2 Corinthians 9:12.
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV
Arlene Skaugset, Elder
I was baptized in 1946 at Lincoln Park Christian Church (Tacoma, WA). In 1963 I was hired to be Christian Education Director at FCC. I was here until 1966 when Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, TN recruited me to come and enroll to pursue my Master’s degree. After graduation from Emmanuel in 1968 I was hired as Professor of Chr Ed at Pacific Christian College now Hope International. In 1980 I made the move to Eugene, OR to NCC now Bushnell University as Director of Admissions. In 1985 I was hired as Asst Professor of Chr Ed at Puget Sound Christian College in Edmonds, WA where I retired from 1996 before making the move back to Roseburg.
I have served as an elder since Bruce Russell’s time as pastor here. In 1996 when I retired as Professor of Chr Ed at Puget Sound Christian College in Edmonds, WA, Bruce Russell who was minister here at Roseburg FCC offered me a free office if I would take on the role of Chr Ed Minister and did so until 2019. I have served in a number of capacities over the years: Youth Minister, Portland Central Christian Church; Youth Minister, Chr Ed Director and Church Secretary, Klamath Falls Christian Church; then Chr Ed Director here at FCC before being recruited to go to Emmanuel. I like to relax with word search puzzles and doing jigsaw puzzles on my tablet and enjoying time with my family and friends. My favorite verse is Psalm 139:14.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” ~ Psalm 139:14 NIV
Have a question for one of our pastors or elders?
“Great is the Lord
and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.”
~ King David, from the Book of Psalms, Chapter 145, Verse 3 (NIV)