Meet the Team

Galen Ryman

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I lead the overall vision and direction here at First Naz! I do this primarily through preaching and leading the staff and people of the church. I love seeing new people join our community and grow in their faith!

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I’ve been on staff here at First Naz since 2019 and became the Lead Pastor in 2022. I love the people of our church. I also love that no matter who you are, there are spaces for you to connect with others and find a community of people to support you. I love this place!

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy reading, coffee, hiking with my family, and I am the self-pronounced best golfer on our staff!

Phil Kizzee

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

Operations, Staff and Vision Development

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

Came back to First Nazarene in 2014. Brenda and I love the people who call this their church home!

What is a fun fact about you?

Ask me what OTO means.

Adam Widecan

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I responsible for leading teams and spaces that encourage people to encounter Christ through the use of sound, lighting, video, and technology.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have been on staff since 2020. I love to see people take steps in their faith journey because we have removed distractions and crafted experiences that help draw people into His presence.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love coffee so much, that I roast my own coffee beans.

Marisa Costantino

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I lead the worship team and oversee all music for Sunday services. I also manage church communications, graphic design, video production, and social media.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have been on staff at First Naz since 2025, and I love the people. There’s always something happening in the building, which creates lots of opportunities to meet new people.

What is a fun fact about you?

I was a competitive swimmer for 9 years.

Sandy Chew

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

As the Community Pastor, I have the privilege to create spaces where people can connect with God and one another and take meaningful next steps in their faith. I oversee First Impressions, Next Steps (including membership and baptism), Adult Ministries, and Life Groups, helping people move from their first visit to belonging and spiritual growth. I also help plan invite Sundays and create opportunities that build community within the First Naz family.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have been on staff at First Naz since September of 2025. I love the people, their stories, and all the spaces we get to create to get glimpses of God at work in His Church and His people.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m a country girl at heart. I grew up in a little town called Hugo, with a population of 17, so yes… we all knew each other. I’ve got naturally curly hair (which has a mind of its own), and my husband proposed after just 5 months… so apparently, when you know, you know.

Meissl Boyce

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I lead the preschool ministry of First Naz, helping preschoolers have a memorable first school experience. I also get to make connections with families within our community through the preschool.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have been on staff at First Naz since 2021. What I love the most about my job is the families I get to build relationships with.

What is a fun fact about you?

I was born in the Philippines!

J.M. McGinnis

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

My primary function is building relationships with students, parents, and leaders to impact students and their families for Christ. I also have the opportunity develop student leaders from within the student ministry to begin to lead in ways that match their gifts and talents.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I’ve been here on staff since 2022 and what I love most is watching students take ownership of their faith, take on leadership roles, and then pass it on to the next generation!

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a Dallas Cowboys fan!

Ethan Vidjecan

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I have the privilege of overseeing all operations for our Nazarene Recreation Programs, Camps, and Classes.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have been at First Naz since the summer of 2021. I love being able to greet families as they join us each week.

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoying hunting for sharks teeth when we are in Florida.

Mike Nickon

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

To ensure that all the families have the best time when they participate in sports.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have worked at First Naz since 2023. I absolutely love our amazing staff we have and seeing all the different kids and families come and try different sports.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am married to the most beautiful wife and have three of the most amazing children.

Kirstin Forster

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I am responsible for payroll, counting and recording the offering, and processing invoices. I also help manage the website and the Weekly email.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have been at First Naz since 2019 and I love working with the people here. Everyone is so nice and helpful.

What is a fun fact about you?

Me and my husband like to swing dance!

Julie Thomas

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I am the administrative assistant for Naz Kids and Naz Student Ministries. I also coordinate the calendar, scheduling, and maintenance for the building. In the office, we work together to support all of our staff, our preschool, and our parishioners.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

My family started attending the church in 2006. I joined the staff in 2019. I love the people at First Naz. Our staff works together in ministry and our parishioners are great at helping and showing their appreciation.

Lynn Miller

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I try to help anyone who enters the office or calls. I also help other office staff with whatever is needed, often printing jobs.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have worked at First Naz since 2017. I love that everyone I work with is friendly and helpful.

What is a fun fact about you?

I joined a bell choir at church since I can’t sing.

Shaun Stevenson

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

As the Executive Family Pastor, I oversee ministry to families from birth to graduation and have a blast equipping and resourcing kids and their families to discover who God is, what God has done, is doing, and will do one day!

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I love that I have the immense privilege of walking alongside parents and guardians as we together share Jesus with the next generation! Hearing toddlers pray, seeing kids make decisions for Jesus, and cheering on students as they share their faith are the best moments of any week!

What is a fun fact about you?

My wife and I love escape rooms! We have had the opportunity to solve escape rooms all across the United States and are currently on an undefeated winning streak! We just dread the day we have to face a math puzzle we can’t math our way out of!

Stephanie Payne

In a few short sentences, what are you responsible for at First Naz?

I work in the front office supporting our Lead Pastor and Community Pastor with many of the behind-the-scenes details that help ministry happen. My role includes Life Groups, database management, volunteer scheduling, baptisms, and whatever else the day may bring. Every day is different, and I love being part of a team that serves our church family in so many ways.

How long have you been at First Naz, and what do you love about your job?

I have worked at First Naz since September of 2014. I really love that my role lets me serve both people and purpose. Whether I’m helping our pastors or keeping things organized behind the scenes, it’s meaningful to know it all helps care for First Naz at the end of the day.

What is a fun fact about you?

Every year, I convince myself this is the year the Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl. And this IS our year. Bear Down!