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About

what we value

Connection

Through Christ

Our values are centered around the greatest bonds on earth—Faith, Family, Friendship, and Farther Along. And through these, we grow together as a Church and community for Greater Chicago.
What we believe

faith

We are believers in God, and believers in you.

family

We are committed to equipping and resourcing the most powerful institution on earth.

friendship

No one was meant to live life alone.

farther along

Jesus wants to take you farther than you ever dreamed possible.

What We Believe

Who We Are

Galen Ryman

Lead Pastor

Meissl Boyce

Preschool and Early Childhood Director

Bob Brown

Connections Pastor for Care and Seniors

Kirstin Forster

Financial Admin

Liz Gil

Graphic Artist

Phil Kizzee

Executive Pastor

Hunter Mantor

Children's and Family Pastor

JM McGinnis

Student Ministries Pastor

Lynn Miller

Office Assistant

Mike Nickon

Naz Rec Office Manager

Stephanie Payne

Database Manager, Assistant for Assimilation & Worship

Matt Smith

Technical Director

Julie Thomas

Family Ministries Assistant, Facility Coordinator

Ethan Vidjecan

Recreation Pastor

Adam Widecan

Worship Pastor

Tara Williams

Assistant to the Executive Pastor/Naz Rec

History

Chicago First Church of the Nazarene was organized on August 28, 1904, in a tent on Lexington Avenue in Chicago.

In October, 1904 they purchased a church at 6417 Eggleston, Chicago, where they worshipped until 1912. We tore that building down and built a new one a half block down the street at 64th and Eggleston. The congregation worshipped at the Eggleston location until 1953 when a new church was built at 83rd and Damen. Chicago First Church worshipped in the city of Chicago for 70 years before moving to the present location at 12725 Bell Road, Lemont, Illinois in 1974.
And in 2020, in recognition of the community we ‘ve been building through various campuses and ministry centers throughout many Chicagoland neighborhoods, we renamed the church to First Nazarene (or First Naz for short). It’s a signal of our dedication to stay open to God’s leading and opportunities, to make an impact for His Kingdom, and to make a family for our members, our neighborhoods, and beyond.
CONTACT US

12725 Bell Road, Lemont, IL 60439