Rev. Dr. Joseph “Joe” Gastiger is a pastor, poet, and civic leader whose life has been defined by a commitment to community and faith. Originally arriving in DeKalb in 1980 as an English professor at Northern Illinois University — where he also coordinated the Honors Program — he embarked on a second career in ministry after graduating from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2001. He served First Congregational UCC DeKalb for nearly 20 years, earning the title of Pastor Emeritus in 2024.

Now the newly called pastor of Mayfield Congregational Church in Sycamore, IL, Gastiger remains deeply engaged in public life and lends his voice as a published poet with four collections to his name.