Get To Know Us!
Our Mission
The mission of Oak Lawn First Church of the Nazarene is to do our best to connect as many people as we can to Christ, His Church, and each other.
We seek to bring glory to God by living lives surrendered to Him, loving others as He loves us, and equipping each other to make disciples throughout the world.
Our Staff
Pastor Gary Aills, Senior Pastor
Pastor Gary Aills came to Oak Lawn First as the Senior Pastor in 2000. Pastor Gary has Pastoral Ministries degree from Hobe Sound Bible College and continues to work on his Masters through Olivet Nazarene University. Pastor Gary has 32 years of pastoral experience in Ohio and Kentucky, as well as Illinois. Pastor Gary enjoys fishing, boating, playing the guitar, watching The Ohio State Buckeyes, and spending time with his wonderful, fabulous wife Lynda and two sons, Nathan and Nicholas.
Pastor Jeff Grindle, Associate Pastor
Pastor Jeff is our Students Ministry Pastor, Outreach Director, and Website Manager. Originally from Massachusetts, he entered the United States Navy after high school. During the sixteen years he spent in the Navy, Jeff began to study for the ministry, earning a Bachelor of Theology degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia. He has ministered at three churches in Louisiana, Kansas, and Illinois. Jeff and his wife, Susanne, have five children and one grandson.
Lynda Aills, OLDN Director
Lynda has been the Director of OLDN here at Oak Lawn First since 2000. She has a B.S. degree in Education with proficiencies in English, Literature, and Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Education. Lynda has served many years as a High School English teacher in public schools in Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky. She has also enjoyed teaching at Olivet Nazarene University for the past eight years and was presented with the Snowbarger Excellence in Teaching Award during the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies at Olivet. Lynda is married to Pastor Gary Aills and they have two children, Nathan and Nicholas.
Mary Tlapa, Administrative Assistant
Mary has been a member of Oak Lawn First since 1989 and has been the administrative assistant for both the church and the daycare since 2008. Mary holds a B.S. degree in Organizational Management from Trinity Christian College. Mary and her husband, Russell, have three children.
Debbie Buckingham, Sunday School Superintendent
Debbie Buckingham is the current Sunday School Superintendent and is the contact person for Christian Education at Oak Lawn First. Debbie works with a team of well-trained staff to provide fun, excited learning environments for all ages, including Children’s Church.
Nathan Aills, Youth Events Coordinator
Nathan Aills (Nate) is the Youth Events Coordinator. In addition to organizing youth events, Nathan has been involved in the church praise band since he was 13, first as a drummer, then as a guitarist. He recently earned a degree in audio engineering and is instrumental in working sound and recording.
Our Location
When looking for a church, it help to know how to get there in the first place. If you haven’t made it into the GPS world yet, we’ve provided a map for you.
What We Believe
When looking for a church , the most important question to ask is, “What do you believe here?” Below you will find a “We Believe” link that will provide information on what we believe here at Oak Lawn First. We stand by what we believe in and won’t bend on any of it. The old adage is true…if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. We believe….
