Gary UMC in Wheaton welcomes new senior pastor
On Sunday, July 5, the Rev. Jonathan Crail will preach for the first time as Gary United Methodist Church’s senior pastor at 9 a.m.
The Wheaton church will hold a welcoming reception on Sunday, July 12 during the coffee fellowship hour at 10 a.m. The Rev. Crail previously served the church as an associate pastor from 2009 to 2013, and both Jonathan and his wife, Rhodalyne, have shared how thrilled they are to be “coming home” to Gary Church.
The Rev. Crail is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church with more than 25 years of pastoral leadership in the Northern Illinois Conference. He most recently served as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in DeKalb, where he had provided strategic leadership in mission, worship and community engagement since 2017.
Under his leadership, the congregation completed a successful capital campaign and constructed a new church facility — without debt — while strengthening its commitment to both local ministry and connectional giving.
Throughout his ministry, the Rev. Crail has demonstrated a passion for church revitalization and community engagement. He has served congregations of varying sizes, from small rural churches to suburban congregations to his most recent work in a medium-size university town.
His leadership consistently reflects a commitment to asset-based community development, empowering congregations to build on their strengths through discovering and investing in individual and community gifts and resources. He holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in international affairs focused on Southeast Asia from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wheaton College.
The church at 224 N. Main St. has celebrated deep roots in the community since 1853. The church has vibrant music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. The church offers summer Sunday worship at 9 a.m., including Kids’ Church and a 10 a.m. Special Blend fellowship hour. For more information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.