James W. Farris started serving at Central in 2023. He is married to his wife Priscilla, since August 31, 1993, and has five sons: Andrew (30), Timothy (28), Isaac (24), Joseph (20), and Luke (17). James enjoys watching and playing basketball, collecting books and ancient coins, reading, and especially writing.
His educational background includes undergraduate degrees in Bible from Heritage Christian University. James also holds graduate and post-graduate hours from Freed-Hardeman, Amridge, Harding Graduate School of Religion, Lubbock Christian, Campbellsville and Faulkner Universities.

James is a fourth generation Gospel Preacher and began preaching soon after his baptism in 1990. He has worked with congregations in Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Florida and Arkansas, as well as Heritage Christian University and the Mars Hill Bible School. James has 10 published books and written articles for various publishers, all on biblically related subjects. James also has experience directing state-side and foreign campaigns, preaching gospel meetings, and speaking at youth rallies, lectureships, workshops, international keynotes, and church growth seminars.

James’s foreign mission points of interest are Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (South Caribbean) and Athens, Greece. 

James says, “It is my highest privilege to preach and teach whenever the opportunity arises. I have a passion for studying the Bible, meeting new people, and helping others who want to grow spiritually.”

Patrick Lankford is our interim youth minister for Central as well as our song leader. Patrick has a B.S. in both Elementary Education and Youth and Family Ministry from Freed-Hardeman University. His wife Mary has a B.S. in Special Education and Child and Family Studies. They live in Cookeville, TN, have a daughter, and have served at Central since 2015.

Janice has dutifully served as office administrator for the members of Central Church of Christ since 2002. Her primary responsibilities include opening the office, managing communications, day-to-day bookkeeping, and organizing the weekly bulletin.  When she’s not involved in church life, she enjoys investing time in her animals on the farm.