Home :: Who We are :: Pastoral Staff

Michael Day
Senior Pastor
Mike Day brings a broad ministry experience to the pastoral team. His service as army veteran, professional social worker and pastor/teacher provides a richness and depth of perspective. After having worked in the secular world for 22 years God called him to full-time ministry in 1992. He has been the senior pastor at First Nazarene since 1998.

Mike and his wife, Ruth, enjoy a team ministry. As high school sweethearts they married in 1969. They both attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL in the mid-1970’s. They have four married daughters: Angela, Rachelle, Andrea and Heather and nine grandchildren.

Pastor Mike enjoys golf, outdoor sports and teaching in the ROTC program at ONU. To reach Mike, email him at jolietnazmike@juno.com. please see below for phone numbers.

John Vogel
Education & Discipleship
John Vogel entered formal ministry in 2005, bringing with him a strong background of teaching numerous topics in the fields of fire, rescue and emergency medicine, as well as a wide range of Bible and religious studies. He worked as a firefighter, officer and administrator for 24 years, and now continues to serve in the emergency field as an RN, working part time in several area hospitals. In 2008 he obtained his first District license and was placed on the Joliet First staff as the Christian Education and Discipleship Pastor. Although his main focus has been in adult ministries, he regularly speaks to the teens and accompanies Pastor Doug on the annual Surf Camp trip. He is also active in music ministries, singing in the choir and special ensembles (the Gospel Echoes and Lovesong). He also plays rhythm guitar in our Celebration Orchestra.

Having grown up in the Orland Park, Illinois area, he lived in Wisconsin for several years during the 1970s and early 80s, during which time he was married and became the father of 6 children – Shane, Jason, Joshua, Sarah, Missa and Katy. He has spent the past 15 years as a single father, raising the 3 youngest, the girls. He is now the proud ‘Papa’ to nine grandchildren. In October 2008 He will be joined in marriage to his long-time love Jill. Jill is mother to 2 grown children, Ashley and Andrew.

John enjoys photography, writing, computers, teaching and music. You can contact him at jvogel01@
sbcglobal.net, or at the phone numbers listed below.

Doug Karl
Worship & Youth Pastor
Doug Karl brings experience and expertise to First Church of the Nazarene. His abilities in worship planning and preparation has brought a new worship experience to our congregation. Doug directs the Celebration Choir and the congregational singing. He is responsible for all aspects of the music and youth ministry programs of the church. In addition to his work with music and youth, he is responsible for all media presentations during worship and oversees a great crew of sound and media technicians.

Doug grew up in Mt. Zion, IL attending church at Decatur Westside Church of the Nazarene during his early years. His formal education began at Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL, and continued onto Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO. He has been a public school choir & band teacher, substitute teacher and has served numerous churches throughout the United States since 1981. For 19 seasons (1985 - 2005) Doug directed the internationally touring Christian Youth Choir DESTINY. Doug has been on staff at First Church since 1999.

Doug and his wife, Janice, enjoy a team ministry. They both met while attending Olivet Nazarene University in the late 1970’s. Janice is employed at a high school in Naperville, IL. They reside in Manteno, IL. They have two boys, Erick, married to Rebecca, and Tyler, currently enrolled in the US Army.

Pastor Doug enjoys water sports, racquet sports and football. To reach Doug Karl, email him at destinykids@juno.com or see below for phone numbers.