Rev. Burnside has been the pastor of Denton First for over 23 years (since May 1984). Before coming to DFCN, he served as youth minister (four years) in Chicago, Illinois and pastor (5 ½ years) in Dubuque, Iowa.

Rev. Burnside received a BA from Olivet Nazarene University in pastoral ministry in 1975 and an MA in Theology in 1980. After completing a relocation and  building program at Denton First, he enrolled in graduate school at the University of North Texas. In 1998, Dr. Burnside was awarded a Ph.D. from UNT in the education and counseling of adults.

Dr. Burnside is currently leading Denton First for the second time through a relocation and building program.  The church is relocating to a 13 acre site and building the first phase of a new multi-use facility. 

Peggy Burnside, Minister of Music

Peggy is also a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University. She graduated with a BA in music education and is certified to teach K-12. After teaching several years in the public school system, Peggy devoted her musical abilities to the church. She is a pioneer in arranging Praise and Worship music and is unquestionably one of the most talented Worship leaders anywhere.

Peggy is devoted to serving the Lord at all times. Her first ministry responsibilities are to her pastor-husband and their children. In addition to serving her family, Peggy has served DFCN as the Music and Worship Leader (part-time) for over 23 years. Peggy is also employed as the Administrative Director for the Texas Municipal Clerks Association at the University of North Texas where she has worked for 20 years.

The Burnsides have three wonderful children - Ben, Kristen (daughter-in-law), and Tiffany - and two grandsons, Eli and Isaac.

Jennifer Chapman, Pastor of Student & Family Ministry

    Jennifer and John Chapman come to us from Kansas City, MO, where they attended Nazarene Theological Seminary.  Both John and Jennifer grew up in Texas.  Both are graduates of Southern Nazarene University where each earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry and Theology.  While attending SNU, Jennifer received a call to pastoral ministry.

    John is a gifted mentor, loves football and hopes to become a high school football coach.  He also works in real estate, buying, remodeling and selling older homes.

    During her formal education, Jennifer has interned in the areas of youth and music and recently served as an Associate Pastor at True Light Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City.  On a personal level, she loves the outdoors and enjoys hobbies that engage her creativity (photography, decorating, songwriting).  Her primary role at DFN will be as Pastor of Student and Family Ministries.