Lay Leadership

First Mennonite Church seeks to empower participants to follow Jesus Christ in service of each other, our neighbors, and the world. All participants are encouraged to bring their gifts and callings into the work of the church.

View the current list of people serving on Council, Committees and Appointments.

Pastor Michael Crosby

michael.crosby@fmc-cu.org

I began pastoral ministry at First Mennonite Church in 2010, first as Associate Pastor and, starting July 2016, as Lead Pastor. I am married to Abby and we have two children, several bikes, and — God willing, for a few months every year — glorious tomato plants.

I am a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, California), where I developed a deep appreciation for the stories and God-encounters passed on to us in the Bible. My earliest roots are in New Hampshire, where the trees, mountains, and maple syrup showed me the joy and wisdom of our Creator. Now in central Illinois, it is the wandering rivers, deep prairie roots, and rich soil that speak to me daily of God’s abundant love.

Jesus beckons us to a reality where “never-ending love and faithfulness meet” and where “justice and peace shall kiss” (Psalm 85). His vision is my hope: that our lives together might be good news for the poor, release for the captives, sight for the blind, and freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4). It is a privilege to serve First Mennonite Church as we try to faithfully embody God’s love for all the earth. My work encompasses the ministries of education, preaching, community connection, and administrative leadership.

Pastor Deb Sutter

debra.sutter@fmc-cu.org

I joined the pastoral staff in 2015. My family and I have been nurtured by and served as members of FMC since 1991. My husband Tom and I have been married for more than 30 years, and we have two adult children.

 
I have worked as a musician and a spiritual director in town for many years. My ministry foci include the areas of pastoral care and worship. I love FMC for the wonderful people, who continue to challenge me with many clear evidences of faith through care for one another, the community, and the larger world.
 
My faith is in the love of God for all people, and my goal in ministry is to remind people of the God of love, who meets us in the joys and struggles of life with understanding, challenge, concern, delight and an invitation to ever more wholeness and growth. My joys include reading, walking, traveling, music and being with family and friends.

Rhonda Gibson

office@fmc-cu.org

Rhonda is a longtime member of First Mennonite Church and has served as the Office Administrator since 2012. Her office hours are 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday through Friday.