Get To Know Us

Bob Hasselbring
Reverend Bob Hasselbring,
Lead Pastor

Pastor Bob and Sue Hasselbring began their ministry at Sterling First on July 2, 2006. They came to us from a thirteen year pastorate in Highland, Indiana on the NW Indiana District. Prior to that they served a five year pastorate in Champaign, Illinois and two youth pastorates in Lake Worth, Florida and Raytown, Missouri. Pastor Bob has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wabash College and a Master of Divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary.

Pastor Bob believes his gifts to be shepherding, teaching, serving, compassion and encouragement. He loves preaching and he loves people of all ages. Sue’s gifts are hospitality and encouragement. She loves to laugh and her enthusiasm is contagious. They both believe that God has called them to Sterling “for such a time as this”. In his first newsletter article to the church, Pastor Bob wrote, “We have not come to rewrite history, but to begin a new chapter toward our future.” New and fresh winds of the Spirit are blowing through the services and the hearts of God’s people at Sterling First. These are exciting days.

Pastor Bob and Sue have three grown children. Krista and her husband, Joe, live on the far west side in Carpentersville with Pastor and Sue’s three grandsons…Ryan, Alex and Aaron. Tonya and Brian live in downtown Chicago with Pastor and Sue’s grandaughter, Brenlee. Patrick is serving in the US Coast Guard and he and his wife Griselda live in Seattle, WA. Lucy Lu, their cocker spaniel, is still living at home.


Scott WhalenReverend Scott Whalen,
Executive Pastor

Pastor Scott and Anne Whalen also come to us from Highland, IN, where Scott served on staff with Pastor Bob since May of 2003 as a Music & Administrative Pastor. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Church Music. Anne also graduated from Olivet in 2003 with a degree in Music Education and currently serves as a stay-at-home mom.


Trevor YoungReverend Trevor Young,
Youth Pastor

Pastor Trevor Young is our Associate Pastor to Youth and Student Families. He is a graduate of ONU with a B.A. in Youth Ministry and a M.A. in Religion. Trevor has served volunteer and part-time youth assignments at College Church, Manteno, Kankakee First and Eastridge Church of the Nazarene. He is also a wonderful help in teaching and pulpit supply.


Jenny YoungJenny Young,
Children’s Director

Trevor’s wife, Jenny, is serving as Children’s Ministries Director. She also is an ONU grad with a B.A. in Journalism and a double minor in Christian Education (Children’s emphasis) and Writing. While she loves journalism, her passion is for children and ministry to their parents. She has served three consecutive summer internships in children’s ministry at Kokomo First Church on the NW Indiana District. She is also helping with our publications and advertising efforts.