Our Church Leadership and Structure
Pastoral staff includes the Lead Pastor as Head of Staff, and the Associate Pastor of Education. The Director of Music and the Organist are part-time employees. Office staff includes the Church Administrator, Financial Administrator, Manager of Building and Grounds, and 2 custodians. The Director of the First United Nursery School and other nursery school staff are also church employees.
As a joined church of both the United Church of Christ and Presbyterian USA, we follow the UCC’s governance model of a Church led by an elected lay Moderator. Thirteen to seventeen elected voting members, including two high school students, serve on the Council, along with pastoral staff as non-voting members.
Deacons, also elected by the congregation, nurture a culture of care for members through prayer and other forms of personal ministry.
Thirteen teams currently carry on the work of the church: Adult Education, Building and Grounds, Children’s Ministry, Communications, Faith In Action, Finance, Newcomers, Nominating, Personnel, Stewardship, Technology, Worship Music and Arts, and Youth Ministry. The Nominating Committee works year-round in recruiting members to serve on teams of interest.
This structure makes heavy demands upon the time and energy of the pastoral staff, other staff members, and members of the church. While it invites very broad participation in the building of the Kingdom, it also challenges the church to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate effectively.
First United Church Nursery School
The Pastor plays a vital role in providing spiritual oversight and ensuring alignment with the mission and values of First United Church of Oak Park. While the Director of the Nursery School expertly manages the daily operations and educational programs, the Pastor offers guidance and support to the Director and staff, fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment. Additionally, the Pastor works closely with the Board of Directors—composed of church members and parents—to ensure the school's policies, programs, and initiatives reflect the church's broader vision for community engagement and care.
First United Nursery School is a cornerstone of our ministry, renowned for its exceptional, play-based curriculum that emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children. The school serves children aged two through Kindergarten in a warm, inclusive environment right in the heart of downtown Oak Park. With a dedicated and professional staff who exceed state standards and meet the rigorous benchmarks of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the school has earned a stellar reputation in the community. Spacious, light-filled classrooms and a low student-to-teacher ratio create a setting where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically, making it an integral part of the church’s mission to serve families and foster growth in faith and learning.
