Our Pastors
Dr. Jeremy & Jen DeWeerdt
Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt have called City First Church home for most of their lives. Jeremy began his journey leading student ministries and later founded what is now City First Leadership College, while Jen has been by his side, shaping vision, community, and family life at the church. Together, they have poured their hearts into helping people encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and step into their God-given callings.
Married since 1995, Jeremy and Jen are proud parents of three sons—Caden, Connor, and Paxton. Caden and his wife, Dakota, are the proud parents of Jeremy and Jen’s first grandchild, a daughter named Willow, who has brought tremendous joy to their family.
Jeremy holds an M.A. in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University and a DMin in Semiotics, Church, and Culture from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Jen also holds an M.A. in Ministerial Leadership and is the founder of the Original Women’s Conference, where thousands of women have discovered purpose and direction in their lives.
Through more than 19 years of leadership, they’ve seen lives transformed at City First and beyond. When they’re not leading the church, Jeremy and Jen enjoy family time, cheering for their favorite Chicago sports teams, and investing in the Rockford community.
Locations & Times
Click the link below to see your location’s new service times.
Our vision is to be a movement of God’s love, so cities are full of hope and people are full of purpose. We’re one church that meets in many locations.
Click the links below to find a location and discover what to expect when attending one of our locations.
What To Expect
We know how hard it can be to come to church for the first time. That’s why we’ve done our best to answer any questions you may have to make that first experience an enjoyable one!
Get Connected
There are several ways to get connected at City First Church. From age-specific environments and Life Groups to Serving Groups, there’s a place for anyone at any age and stage of life to connect. Find out how you can get connected to City First Church.
Our Mission
City First Church exists to introduce everyone to Jesus and teach them to follow Him.
Our Vision
To be a movement of God’s love, so cities are full of hope and people are full of purpose.
Our Goal
We like to keep things simple, so we sum it all up like this…
Love God. Love People. Love Life!