Shelbyville (IL) First Church of the Nazarene was started on August 5, 1928, and met in the rented, white-framed African Methodist Episcopal Church on North Third and Will streets. Officially, the church was organized with 36 charter members in 1929.
Today, almost 100 years later, the church continues to be located on the same corner. It has experienced consistent growth throughout its history and has expanded its campus to include not only the church building and educational unit, but also a Teen Center and Christian Life Center (CLC) for children, teen, and adult activities.
In a larger context, the congregation is part of the Global Church of the Nazarene, a denomination in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.5 million members worshipping in more than 30,000 congregations in 164 world areas.
The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God, cleansing the heart from original sin and filling the individual with love for God and humankind.
Pastor Michael came to Shelbyville onOctober 1, 2026.
He has previously pastored 3 churches: Real Life Community Church in Mattoon, IL; West Valley Church of the Nazarene in Wasilla, AK; and Georgetown Church of the Nazarene in Georgetown, IL.
He and wife, Mindy, have been married since 2012 and have 4 daughters. They are welcome additions to our church family and ministry.
Mary has served as our office secretary for several years and has also been involved in multiple other areas of our ministries and leadership. She and her husband, Dale, are vital part of our church family. She oversees the church office and the scheduling of activities in the Christian Life Center (CLC).