Our Pastor

Rev. Omando Bastian was born in Nassau, The Bahamas, where he was raised and completed his early education. Omando grew up in the Methodist Church on the Island (The Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church).

At a young age, he felt a call from God to pursue ministry. In 2017, Omando had the opportunity to attend Martin Methodist College (now, University of Tennessee Southern). During his time on campus, Omando participated in Spiritual Life events and activities and held various leadership positions within the Spiritual Life/Chaplain office.

Omando spent his summers while living in Tennessee as a camp counselor at Cedar Crest Camp, eventually serving as the camp’s Chaplain for a summer. Omando graduated from Martin Methodist College in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Church Vocation and Behavior Science. Upon graduating from Martin Methodist College, Omando moved to Evanston, Illinois, where he attended the Seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. During his time in Evanston, Omando interned at First United Methodist Church Evanston, where he served in various capacities, including worship, pastoral care, and administration. He also strengthened his pastoral care skills by completing two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Omando graduated from Garrett Seminary with a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

In his spare time, Omando enjoys taking walks outside, conversing with friends and family, especially those back home in The Bahamas, and occasionally attending a live wrestling event. Omando is recently married to his partner of eight years, Irvinique, who is a registered Nurse.