Rev. John L. Belser is a native of Maywood, Illinois. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was baptized by the late Rev. Harry McNelty at First Baptist Church of Melrose Park, Illinois.

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​Rev. Belser became the eighth pastor of First Baptist Church in 2002. During his tenure, First Baptist has grown spiritually, numerically, and financially. The church was re-incorporated and many new ministries and outreaches have been instituted.