Rev. Tedd Steele, Pastor
Phone
(630) 833-7723
Email
pastortedd@ChristFirstMethodist.org
Pastor Tedd was appointed as the Senior Pastor of ChristFirst, A United Methodist Congregation on July 1, 2026. He was born and raised in Kansas. At the age of five, his family started attending a United Methodist Church, and he has been a committed United Methodist ever since. After a brief sojourn in Oklahoma, he moved to Illinois for seminary. Pastor Tedd has served congregations for 22 years. In his preaching ministry, he seeks to bridge the gap between the Bible and the contemporary world. He loves teaching and believes that questions and doubt are sacred, as are answers and assurance. Convinced that all are welcome in God’s presence, Tedd works to make each person feel welcome in worship and in the congregation. We grow as disciples when we grow together, so Tedd works diligently to foster genuine community and compassion. And, knowing that ministry does not end when we walk out the doors of the church building, Tedd cultivates ministries that make our homes, neighborhoods, and community better. He believes that justice is love in public, so he continually calls the church to be people of justice and peace.
Raised an only child, Tedd is glad to be part of a big, beautiful, blended family. His wife, Sherry, is a deacon serving at Plainfield United Methodist Church. Sherry is a talented musician and leads Plainfield UMC’s faith formation ministries. They have five kids, four girls and a boy. Jadyn (24) is a young woman with a warm heart and beautiful smile. She is an adult with disabilities and is profoundly shy. Anna (20) is at UIC studying psychology. She is on the verge of signing her first ever apartment lease. Nate (18) graduates from Plainfield Central High School this year and will be heading to Aurora University to play baseball. Sophie (15) commits wholeheartedly to whatever she does. She loves band activities at school. Brooklyn (14) will start high school next year. She is a free-spirit, an artist, and a singer.
Both Sherry and Tedd love to cook. Tedd prefers elaborate and time-consuming meals inspired by his favorite television cooking shows. He loves to read. His tastes are eclectic, ranging from Scripture and theology to murder mystery, from the ancient epics to contemporary Pulitzer Prize winners. If he has any more free time, he enjoys playing guitar (electric blues is his current pursuit) and is an amateur photographer. He runs at the gym several times a week. He has completed 3 marathons and 2 half marathons, though won’t be adding to that total any time soon.
EDUCATION & credentials
Ordained Elder in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, 2011; M.Div, University of Chicago Divinity School, 2005-2008; B.A. in Theology and Ministry, Southern Nazarene University, 1999-2003
WORK EXPERIENCE
Trinity United Methodist Church, Yorkville, IL, Pastor 2021-2026; Wesley United Methodist Church, Naperville, IL, Lead Pastor, 2016-2021; Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wheaton, IL, Pastor, 2012-2016; First United Methodist Church, Arlington Heights, IL, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, 2009-2012; Faith United Methodist Church, Lisle, IL, Pastor, 2006-2009; St. Paul United Methodist Church, Shawnee, OK, Youth Director, 2003-2005
Pastor Tedd has served the Northern Illinois Conference through the Annual Conference Committee, the Board of Church and Society, and the Vital Congregation Task Force. He has been a member of the Aurora District Committee on Ordained Ministry and the Aurora District Shepherding Team.
Lisa Rogers,
Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Phone
(630) 833-7723
Email
After eight years of teaching, I left the field to begin a family with my husband Jim and was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom to our two daughters — Becca and Emma. However, after the girls started school, I joined the staff at First Church as the Director of Youth Ministries. I feel blessed to have been in this position and to have both of my daughters grow up in and participate in this church. Becca is now in her 2nd year at North Central College and Emma is a Junior at York High School.
In 2017, with the retirement of Ruth Zervas, our beloved Director of Christian Education, I have taken on a new position as Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Getting to work with our children and their families is an added blessing to my continuing work with our young people.
Aside from being an educator, wife, and mother, I am a huge Chicago sports fan, a bass clarinet player and an exercise enthusiast. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the movies, reading, and watching almost any sport.
The best part about being part of the staff at First Church is being able to collaborate with some truly amazing people and working with an incredibly supportive and committed congregation. I feel continually blessed to be both a member of our congregation and a part of the staff.
Doug Peters,
Director of Music Ministry
Email
douglaspetersbaritone@gmail.com
I was born and raised in Little Silver, New Jersey and moved to the Chicago area in 2011. Before arriving at FUMC, I was the music director and choir master at Memorial Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland while pursuing bachelor’s degrees in music education and voice performance at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, as well as the music director at English Congregational United Church of Christ in Big Rock.
In addition to leading music here at First Church, I am currently a regular member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and also sing with the chorus of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Music Festival, and the St. Charles Singers. I have performed as a young artist and soloist with the Sarasota Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Baltimore Opera, and am a frequent soloist with the St. Charles Singers.
Aside from loving all different types of music, I am an avid hockey and New York Islanders fan. My beautiful bride Kayla and I live in Lincoln Park. We have an awesome 5 year old boxer/poodle named Lucy who has the energy of a toddler who drinks coffee.
The best part about being music director at First Church is being allowed to share the beautiful sacred music of the greatest composers with my choirs and the congregation. Being the director instead of a singer gives me the opportunity to share my musical ideas and inspirations which I hope brings an even deeper spiritual connection to the parish.
Richard Stultz, Organist
Email
dckens1120@aol.com
Richard (Dick) Stultz joined the staff here at First United Methodist Church in August of 2017. He grew up in Nashua, NH, attending local public schools. He attended Tufts University in Medford, MA, earning Bachelors degrees in both chemical engineering and music, and earned a Master of Sacred Music degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Dick worked in both fields of endeavor, as a product development chemist, research group leader, and environmental coordinator at various locations for Bostik,Inc., retiring in 2006. At the same time, he served as organist and choir director at churches in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Illinois. In 2008 he completed education at The Chicago School for Piano Technology, and now is the owner and technician for Stultz Piano Services, Inc. located here in Elmhurst.
“I am very happy playing organ here with this wonderfully musical staff and friendly congregation.”
Finance Department
Phone
(630) 833-7723