New Pastor at First Church of the Nazarene
by Kristin Vaughn – Petersen
Sitting at the corner of Minor Drive and State Line Road, the Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene (First Church) is a longtime fixture in the neighborhood. Things are changing this week, though, as the church welcomes Shawn Siegfreid as the new lead pastor.
Originally from the metro area, he played football at Mid-America Nazarene University while working on an undergraduate degree. His education continued over the years as he studied at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City and Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma before finishing up at Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego for his master’s degree.
Pastoring has taken him around the country, beginning with his first position in Topeka, Kan. He later worked in Oklahoma, California, Iowa and most recently, Colorado.
When asked about coming to First Church, Siegfreid said that in pastoring, one waits for a church to make contact instead of just applying for a position. Having grown up in the Kansas City area, he felt a calling to come home.
“I’ve always had a heart for Kansas City and felt a strong pull to come back,” he said. So when the call came from First Church, he was very open to it, feeling “lead by the Lord” to come home. In addition to his new ministry, he looks forward to rooting for the Royals, Chiefs and Jayhawks.
Siegfreid’s family includes his wife Sherri and their three children. Shawna is a children’s pastor in the Los Angeles area and Shayli plays volleyball for Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. Shaden is the youngest Siegfreid and remains in Colorado, finishing up his senior year. He will attend Mid-America Nazarene in the fall, and will play football just like his dad.
Siegfreid is looking forward to leading First Church. “This is a key church within the denomination and I’m honored to lead them.”
He said he enjoyed being here for Easter as a guest speaker. His first time in the pulpit as pastor was Sunday, May 13, when he preached on “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6.
When asked if there is any message he wants to share with the community, he gave this answer. “I want to provide a church that is open and non-judgmental. The main message is that Jesus Christ will make a difference in our lives.”
He looks forward to getting to know his congregation and may be reached at the church office, 816-942-9022. Sunday school for all ages starts at 9:15 a.m., followed by worship service at 10:45. For a list of services, events and more, visit kcfc.org.