About Henry Christian Church
HISTORY
Welcome to the Henry Christian Church website! We are a community of believers located in Eminence, Kentucky, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our story with you.
Our journey began in 1971 when the Salt River Christian Fellowship began planning a church plant in Henry County. Our first service was held on May 4th, 1975, with Pastor E. Paul Perry leading the congregation.
Over the years, we have faced challenges, including a devastating fire in 1994 that destroyed much of our church building. However, with faith and perseverance, we were able to rebuild and continue our mission to serve the community.
Today, Henry Christian Church is a thriving community of believers who are dedicated to spreading the love of Christ and serving others. Our congregation is made up of people from all walks of life, and we welcome anyone who is seeking to grow in their faith with Jesus Christ and build meaningful relationships with others.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our church and the various programs and events we offer. Whether you are a long-time member or a first-time visitor, we look forward to getting to know you and sharing the love of Christ with you.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
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Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God, who died for our sins and arose from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 / John 3:16
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The Bible is the inspired word of God - a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path. 2 Timothy 3:16 / Psalms 119:105
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We believe the Bible teaches God established marriage in the beginning as a lifelong exclusive relationship between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24/Matt 19:4-6
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Those accepting Christ should repent of sin, confess their faith and be baptized into Him. Romans 10:9 / Acts 2:38
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The Church is the body of Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit and exists to evangelize the lost and edify the saved. Ephesians 4:1-16
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The power of the Holy Spirit for ministry and to live the christian life is available by asking. Luke 11:9-13 / Luke 24:48-49
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Jesus Christ will one day return to the earth and reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
MEET OUR Staff.
SENIOR PASTOR
Ed Berry began his ministry as a Sunday School teacher. While under the tutelage of his mentor, Pastor John Brand, God called Ed to the life of a pastor; he has been the senior pastor at HCC since 1993. Ed is a lover of God and His word, and is marked by his deep love and concern for people. He also feels a deep connection to the country of Israel and the Jewish people, having taken multiple trips to the Holy Land.
Outside of HCC, Ed is a committed and devoted husband and father. He and his wife of 38+ years, Tish, have two children: son Ed Jr. (wife Emily), and daughter Kelley (husband Cameron); and granddaughter Esther (Ed Jr./Emily). Ed recently retired as COO of Wehr Constructors. He was blessed to follow his father, Claude, into the business, and also to work alongside his brothers Skip and Dale. Ed also enjoys hunting and shooting sports.
Larry Montgomery
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Larry Montgomery has been a member of HCC since high school, and joined the staff as Associate Pastor in the spring of 2004. Larry is passionate about discipleship and Missions, which drives his ministry at our church. He has led countless teams into the Mission field, in and outside of HCC, touching five of seven continents.
Much of Larry’s Missions prowess is tied to his role as the Director of Team Ministries for Go International, a non-profit short term missions organization. He provides leadership and oversight for Go’s domestic and international ministries, with the ultimate goal of assisting indigenous pastors to reach the world for the Gospel. Larry is supported at home and in the field by wife Jennifer, daughter Ashton, and son Elijah.
Buddy Berry
YOUTH PASTOR
Dr. Buddy Berry has been serving in the role of Youth Pastor, overseeing The Furnace youth group, since 1995. Buddy loves reaching youth in the most humorous and meaningful way possible. This mentality is ever evident in one of The Furnace’s most famous quotes: “We Play Hard, We Pray Hard.”
Buddy’s love for serving youth extends beyond HCC into his role as Superintendent of his alma mater, Eminence Independent Schools, where his “School on Fire” model has been nationally recognized. He is also the founder of Firefall Ministries, a non-profit youth ministry focused on conventions. He serves alongside his wife, Jessica. The pair have four children – Brooke, Blaze, Bryce, and Brax.
Curtis Peyton
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Curtis Peyton has been a member of HCC since 1997, having served as a Deacon since 1999, and Treasurer since 2006. A lover of music, he also is a past member of the Worship Team. Curtis has taken on the roll of Administrator, as well as, responsibility for Home and Hospital Visitation.
In order to devote more time in serving God, Curtis and his wife, Lavonna, have decided to step away from their business after 26 years. They have three children, Shanna, Jeff, and Justin. Bringing extreme joy to their life are three grandchildren, Tayte, Teigan, and Serenity.
WORSHIP LEADER
Jessica Berry leads worship at Henry Christian, alongside a great team of volunteers. She loves to encourage the church to use their voice to praise Jesus. Her life verse is from Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Jessica also works part time at Eminence Independent Schools, where she is the Gifted and Talented Teacher. In addition, she sponsors the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Club. She enjoys baking, crafting, shopping, and traveling, but her true passion can be found in parenting. She and her husband, youth pastor Buddy, have four children – Brooke, Blaze, Bryce, and Brax.
Bethanee Buckler
CHILDREN'S DIRECTOR
Bethanee Buckler teaches at the Willisburg Christian Learning Center. She also serves as the HCC Director at Camp Calvary Christian Assembly and as a Dean of a weekend camp for people with disabilities. She also works weeks throughout the summer teaching children God’s Word. In addition, she has a love for the people of the Middle East and seeing them come to know Christ. Bethanee is passionate about all people, loving them and leading them into fellowship the Lord. Bethanee began serving as the HCC Children’s Director in May of 2022, and she is very excited to see how God moves in the HCC Kingdom Kids Ministry!
Outside of HCC, Bethanee enjoys reading, writing, camping, photography, music, serving other churches, and spending quality time with people.
