Meet the First Congo
Pastors
Our pastors are here to help us grow in faith, care for one another, and discover how God’s love shows up in everyday life. But there’s more to them than what you see on Sunday morning! Meet the ministers who guide our staff, nurture our faith, and help bring First Congo’s mission to life.
Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson
SENIOR MINISTER
Chrissy began serving as our Senior Minister on September 1, 2025. She previously served as Senior Pastor of Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Throughout her ministry, Chrissy has helped churches grow as welcoming communities rooted in faith, compassion, justice, and service. She is excited to lead First Congo as we continue building a community of belonging, beloved community, and God’s transforming love.
Rev. MEREDITH ONION
Senior Associate Minister
Meredith has been a member of First Congo since 1987 and began her ministry journey after 20 years in business. Ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2014, she serves as an Associate Minister, focusing on pastoral care, adult faith formation, communications, and community outreach. Meredith is passionate about serving others through her church and community.
Traveling to Greece on a church trip
Snuggling with her grand-dog
Supporting her favorite team
Beyond the Pulpit with Meredith:
1. What do you love most about being a minister? Walking with our members and staff as we grow in our faith, support one another during our times of joy as well as times of sorrow, and rolling up our sleeves in and around our community to live into Jesus’ call to care for our neighbors.
2. What do you love about the people and community at First Congo? We lead with love, kindness and curiosity.
3. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at church? I love spending time doing anything with my adult children. It’s fun to be with friends and neighbors. And I enjoy reading, gardening and exploring all that Chicago has to offer!
4. Tell us about your family or pets. I have three adult children – two who live in Chicago, and one in Denver. I have one grand puppy who I adore! We enjoy having meals together, attending concerts and sporting events together. The picture of the big group is at an English Premier League Game at Soldier Field.
5. What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I’m in introvert at heart! And my first job out of college was serving as an Adult Probation Officer!
6. What would you like someone visiting First Congo for the first time to know? We welcome you no matter where you are on your faith journey – come curious and ready to explore and discern what you believe! And know that we love and care for one another like no other community I’ve ever experienced!
Rev. Olena (lena) Withrow
Associate Minister with middle and high school youth
Rev. Olena “Lena” Withrow serves as Associate Minister at First Congo, walking alongside our middle and high school youth as they grow in faith. Before joining First Congo, she served at First Baptist Church on Fifth in Winston-Salem, NC, and has experience in youth ministry, children’s ministry, congregational care, chaplaincy, and justice work. Lena holds a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University School of Divinity and was ordained in 2025.
With her husband, Devin
In their Western Springs backyard
With their dog, Howie
Beyond the Pulpit with Lena:
- What do you love most about being a minister? What I love most about being a minister is joining together with a community to share all of life’s particular joys, sorrows, and everything in between. ( And I really love serving communion 🙂 )
- What do you love about the people and community at First Congo? The people and community at First Congo are kind and welcoming.
- What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at church? When I’m not at church, I enjoy practicing yoga, seeing all manner of arts performances (music, plays, dance, etc.), traveling, exploring, and hiking with Devin and Howie.
- Tell us about your family or pets. I am married to my favorite person, Devin. We have one beloved pup- Howie. She is a five-year-old Bernedoodle.
- What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I was a ballet major for my first year of college.
- What would you like someone visiting First Congo for the first time to know? I would like someone visiting First Congo for the first time to know that they are welcome here, exactly as they are- in the fullness of who they are, and we are so glad to be shaped by their presence among us.
MEET THE FIRST CONGO
MODERATORS
The Moderator helps guide First Congo’s leadership and decision-making, leads meetings, and ensures the church follows its constitution and bylaws. While the Senior Minister leads the church’s spiritual life and ministry, the Moderator helps guide its governance.
Tom Mitchell – Moderator
Patti Winegar – Associate Moderator
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are the ministers at First Congo?
Our ministers help guide our church’s spiritual life, lead worship, provide pastoral care, and support people as they grow in faith. They work alongside our staff and congregation to live out our mission.
What is the difference between the Senior Minister and Associate Ministers?
The Senior Minister provides overall spiritual leadership for the church. Associate Ministers lead specific areas of ministry and help care for our congregation and community.
What does the Moderator do?
The Moderator helps guide First Congo’s leadership and decision-making, leads church meetings, and helps ensure the church follows its constitution and bylaws.
Who should I contact if I need pastoral care?
Contact Rev. Meredith Onion at meredith@wscongo.org if you need someone to talk with, prayer, support during a difficult time, or help navigating a life change.
Who should I contact with a question about church leadership or a congregational meeting?
You may contact the Moderator at moderator@wscongo.org with questions about church governance, congregational meetings, or leadership decisions.
I’m new to First Congo. Can I talk with a minister?
Absolutely! We would love to meet you. Our ministers are happy to answer questions, help you learn about First Congo, and find ways for you to connect with our church community. Select a minister above, then click the button to send them an email.
