Meet Our Ministers and Staff

Pastor Claude is an ordained Elder and lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He received his bachelor’s degree in sociology with a high emphasis in anthropology from Chicago State University and received his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.

He has served as pastor and associate pastor at a variety of churches in Chicago, including the Chicago Temple, in Glen Ellyn, and was most recently the pastor of the Olympia Fields UMC prior to DGFUMC. Rev. King also recently completed several terms on the United Methodist Church-Northern Illinois Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. This Board is responsible for guiding clergy candidates through the ordination process, including interviewing and recommending all candidates who are seeking to be fully ordained as ministers in the NIC-UMC.

Pastor Claude is married to Denise King, a former Chicago Public School Head Start teacher. They have a son Claude, Jr., who has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and is in private practice. He and his wife Taylor have a son. They live in the Chicago area. The Kings also have a daughter, Ashley, who holds a master’s degree in communications and social media and works in marketing in Los Angeles.

Pastor Megan Thompson joined Downers Grove First United Methodist Church as Associate Pastor on July 1, 2025. Her primary focus is youth ministry and worship.

She believes the best way to share with others what it means to follow Christ is to intentionally meet people where they are in the community—to be active and present in the schools, and to shop and do business in the community. Strongly rooted in mission, she feels called to be and inspire others to be Matthew 25 people, who seek to feed, clothe, and minister to the forgotten.

Pastor Megan co-parents her children, Abiella and Owen, with their father, Jeremiah Thompson, who serves as the pastor at Malta United Methodist Church. Reading, cooking, and drinking coffee are among her favorite activities, along with planting herb gardens to cook and use to make tea. She is constantly amazed by the goodness of God!

Pastor Megan previously served a duel appointment at the Marseilles UMC and Seneca UMC congregations near Starved Rock State Park. Since graduating in 2008 from Boston University School of Theology, she has served nine churches. Each has taught her more about what it means to follow Christ. Alongside lay people, she has worked towards excellence in worship and incorporated new methods and practices alongside the traditions of the various congregations. She has also led Bible studies, small groups, and youth programming. She has led and assisted several mission opportunities, both local and out of state, and is passionate about Christian development and education.