Our Pastor

After graduating from Illinois State University with a major in chemistry and a minor in history, Pastor Kurt Gamlin thought he was headed to Washington for a job in the Gerald Ford administration. But following a clear call from God, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary outside Lexington, KY. There he focused on family studies and pastoral ministry.

Pastor Kurt has served seven churches in his 43 years of ministry, primarily in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. His last two appointments in Woodstock and now McHenry have enabled him to become very connected with Jesus’ commission “to serve those in need.” In Woodstock, the church began a day shelter for the unhoused, which outgrew the church’s ability to sustain it and went on to be shared with the city. His outreach to those living in life’s margins continues in McHenry.

Pastor Kurt is now in his sixth year at the First United Methodist Church of McHenry and has helped this church navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19. In doing so, the church has developed an excellent online presence, complementing its strong audio-visual team. Pastor Kurt’s preaching and leadership style is focused on helping make life better. For ourselves, those around us, and those unseen. This is accomplished by opening ourselves up to the presence of God and making the journey with trusted travelers.

Pastor Kurt has been married to Betsy for 40+ years! Together they have three fantastic children and eleven even more fantastic grandchildren. Pastor Kurt’s interests include spending time with his wife, doing all he can to keep healthy, traveling, and loving on his current dog, Asher. Asher is the family’s third Vizsla, and any visit to the church will find him along with Pastor Kurt.