church staff
lead pastor jim bell
Pastor Jim was born in Minneapolis, raised in Missour-ah, attended college in Iowa, worked for 20 years managing Foot Locker stores and selling real estate before God called him to ministry. He is married to Cynthia and the father of Curtis and Ren. Along with being an avid workout buff and amateur DIY handyman, he is thrilled to play bass on a worship team with such a collection of gifted musicians.
“I really came to an adult faith through IVCF campus ministry. God has been so good that I list myself as a “grateful Christian” on Facebook. Belvidere First United Methodist is the 8th church I’ve served, and coming here is a great blessing that has God’s fingerprints all over it. I believe the best is yet to come and can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.”
You are welcome to reach Pastor Jim at srpastor@fumcbelvidere.com
Pastor Jay Shin, Associate Pastor
Pastor Jay was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, studied Computer Science and Psychology in college, and worked at a company before God called her to ministry. She is married to Heewon Kim and the mom of Joshua and Joel. Jay moved to America 12 years ago and Illinois is now her second home. She loves baking, cooking, gardening, drawing and painting, scribbling and doodling in notebooks, and journaling.
“I get excited and feel alive every time I see God building people of faith and expanding God’s kingdom through me. Belvidere First United Methodist Church is the church that lets me experience that. Our God is doing amazing things through us, and in us, and beyond our expectations and thoughts. I believe that we are witnesses to experiencing them together.”
You are welcome to reach Pastor Jay at associatepastor@fumcbelvidere.com