Brian Wangler accepted an invitation to become the senior pastor of Chicago First Church of the Nazarene. Brian Wilson, Chicago Central District superintendent, made the announcement Tuesday on the church's website and via email blast.

"I am pleased to announce that we have a new senior pastor at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene," said Wilson, who has served as the church's interim senior pastor for the past 11 months. "Rev. Brian Wangler received strong affirmation from our church family this weekend with 97 percent of our voting members approving extending an invitation to him as our new pastor. I contacted Rev. Wangler Sunday evening, after the votes from our five services had been counted and, after taking a day to pray and consider the invitation, he and his wife Lindy have accepted the call to serve. We are delighted and look forward to exciting days ahead of local ministry, growth and missional outreach under Pastor Wangler's leadership."

Currently the senior pastor at Ottawa, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene, Wangler follows Kevin Ulmet at Chicago First Church. Ulmet resigned in August 2011 to accept the pastorate at Nashville, Tennessee, First Church of the Nazarene. Ulmet served at Chicago First Church for 12 years. 

Wangler has been at Ottawa First Church since 2000. During his pastorate the church grew from an attendance of 240 to more than 900, and has implemented a multi-site multiplication strategy. He has served 20 years in full-time ministry. 

After attending Olivet Nazarene University and receiving his associate's degree, Wangler served in the business world until God called him into ministry in 1991. He received his district license in 1992 and became an ordained elder in 1997 on the Chicago Central District. Wangler pastored two Chicago Central District churches, in Fithian and Elgin, prior to moving to Ottawa, which is on the Northwestern Illinois District. On the Northwestern Illinois District, Wangler has also served as a member of the District Advisory Board, and as chair of the Mission Strategy Committee. For the denomination, he has authored a digital daily devotional for new believers entitled "God Time: Your First 31 days."

Wangler and his wife, Lindy, have been married 25 years. They have three grown children, Nick (and daughter-in-law Katie), Nathan, and Natalie. Wangler's last Sunday at Ottawa First Church is June 10, and his first Sunday at Chicago First Church is July 8.
--NCN News submissions