Our Staff
Meet Our Wonderful Pastor & Staff
Rev. Valerie Austin
Pastor
In February 2026, we welcomed our Transitional Minister, Rev. Valerie Austin.
Rev. Austin received her M.Div. from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2017, with a specialization in Women, Church, and Society, and her Bachelor's degree in Theology and Ministry with a Concentration in Cross-cultural Ministries from Sterling College in 2010. She was raised in the Kansas City area and was ordained in 2017 by the Disciples of Christ Greater Kansas City Region.
Rev. Austin has served as Associate Pastor in Missouri, and New York. She has also served as Senior Pastor in Oklahoma, and as an Interim Minister in Missouri and Oregon. She is very excited for the opportunity to live and work in the beautiful state of Oregon and serve Eugene First Christian Church during this vital transitional period.
Rev. Austin is passionate about supporting inclusive congregations as they strive to become who they are called to be for a new season of life. On her off time you might find Valerie exploring one of Eugene's many nature trails with her adorable dog Chloe (beagle/pointer) or scoping out a new coffee shop!
Matthew Coady
Maintenance
Matthew is a native to Eugene, and while his first job was working at a local bakery making pastries, after a while he switched to a maintenance role at the bakery. Matthew first started attending First Christian Church in late 2011 and joined the youth group going on my first mission trip in March of 2012 and continuing helping with the youth group.
His volunteerism and connection to the church grew from there and eventually began working with Facilities Manager David Frisinger, who taught Matthew about the building history and mentored him on how to fix and repair projects around the church.
Larry Wahlstrom
Events Manager
Larry Wahlstrom has had the privilege of serving part time on staff since 2011 as Events Manager while also filling in where needed from time to time with Part time Maintenance, Custodial and Security Duties. But currently you'll find him in the Sound booth making sure you are able to experience and participate in the worship our Musicians and Clergy create each week.
When not working for the church, Larry dreams of Playing Bass For "Tedesdhi Trucks Band" one day but in the mean time you can hit him up if the restroom is out of paper towels.
Chloe
Church Dog