Richard Fisher Jr. was born in Kansas City, Missouri and was baptized in August 1994 at Swope Parkway Church of Christ. At Swope Parkway, Fisher served as a Teen Sunday School teacher, Song Leader, and Youth Minister for ten years. When Anson Wallace became Minister at East Side Church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Brother Fisher was invited to support the congregation. He and his family were with the Eastside congregation for eight years, where he worked as both youth minister and Sunday School teacher.
In August 2021, Fisher was asked to move to Blue Ridge Church of Christ to assist David Tillmon Sr with ministry activities. He was subsequently appointed as the senior minister of the congregation.
Fisher has been married to Tamara Fisher since 1998, and they have four adult children. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theology at Faith Bible College of Biblical Studies. Fisher is also a Certified Crisis Counselor with the State of Missouri specializing in trauma and recovery.
Brother Fisher has been a speaker at the National Lectureship and has presented workshops at congregations in the brotherhood.
Deacon
Andre Tillmon Sr.
Andre Tillmon Sr.
Andre Tillmon Sr. is a dedicated servant of God and has been a member of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ for approximately 11 years. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Andre grew up attending the Swope Parkway Church of Christ, where his early foundation in faith began.
Andre is a graduate of Raymore-Peculiar High School and currently serves as the Head Chef at a restaurant owned by one of our sisters in Christ. In addition to his culinary career, Andre continues to pursue personal and spiritual growth through education. He has earned a certificate in Cybersecurity and is currently furthering his studies in Biblical Theology while working toward a degree in Chaplaincy.
Andre and his wife Jesse Tillmon have been married for nine years, celebrating their anniversary on March 18. Together they are blessed with six children: Nikyla, Amiya, Andre Jr., Jakhi, Aaron, and Avery.
Throughout his time at Blue Ridge, Andre has faithfully served wherever needed. His service has included teaching Sunday School for the young men’s class, assisting with church building and grounds maintenance, and supporting the congregation in various ways as opportunities arise.
Andre’s favorite scripture is Psalm 97, a song of praise that reminds him of the power and sovereignty of God. The opening words, “The Lord reigns,” bring him encouragement and hope. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s authority and the reverence we should have for Him, especially during challenging times when the pressures of the world feel heavy.
As he begins serving as a deacon, Andre looks forward to continuing to serve the Lord in whatever way he can. His desire is to help strengthen the congregation’s outreach, community engagement, and evangelistic efforts. He is especially passionate about mentoring and guiding young men from different backgrounds toward a stronger relationship with God, using both his life experiences and the Word of God as tools to encourage and uplift.
In addition to his many interests, Andre has a unique passion for expressing his heart through poetry and songwriting, which he enjoys as a creative outlet for reflection and inspiration.
Deacon
Melvin Pettis
Melvin Ray Pettis
Melvin Ray Pettis has been a faithful member of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ for the past 18 years, serving the congregation with dedication and a willing spirit. Originally from Como, Mississippi, Melvin moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1986, where he established his life and career. He has been a long-time employee of Smithfield Foods, where he faithfully carries out a variety of job responsibilities.
Melvin and his wife Galanda Pettis have been married for 31 years and are blessed with three children: Keya, Dianca, and DJ; and one grandson, Tre. Family is an important part of Melvin’s life, and he enjoys spending quality time with them whenever possible.
During his years at Blue Ridge, Melvin has been actively involved in several areas of service within the congregation. He has faithfully supported the Men’s Ministry, assisted with church maintenance, and participated in outreach activities that serve the community. His heart for service and willingness to help wherever needed have been a blessing to the church.
Melvin’s favorite scripture is Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This passage is meaningful to him because it reminds him of the importance of placing total dependence on God for guidance, protection, and provision in every area of life.
As he begins his service as a deacon, Melvin looks forward to supporting the work of the church and helping strengthen ministries that serve both the congregation and the surrounding community.
In his free time, Melvin enjoys watching sports, traveling, and spending time with his family.
