Christ Centered. Community Focused. Committed to the Journey.
Miller Chapel AME Church exists to meet the spiritual needs of all people and enhance the total development of individuals and community. We are a congregation rooted in the rich tradition of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, committed to worship that transforms, teaching that equips, and service that heals.
All are welcomed and affirmed as beloved children of God.
God's Word speaks to contemporary realities with power and relevance.
We challenge injustice and celebrate liberation in Christ's name.
We nurture faith across generations with love and intentionality.
Pastor, Miller Chapel AME Church · Appointed September 27, 2025
Rev. Dr. Kimberly L. Gaitor is a womanist theologian, educator, and ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church with over 20 years of experience in education and ministry. A dynamic preacher and compassionate shepherd, Pastor Gaitor brings a fresh vision to Miller Chapel rooted in the liberating power of God's Word.
Her ministry draws from womanist theology, Black church traditions, and a deep commitment to justice—affirming that faith is never divorced from the work of healing our communities. Pastor Gaitor's preaching brings ancient texts to life, addressing contemporary realities while honoring the sacred traditions that have sustained the Black church for generations.
An accomplished educator and reading specialist, Pastor Gaitor believes in nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Her leadership emphasizes intergenerational connection, spiritual formation, and meeting people where they are on their faith journey.
Miller Chapel AME Church stands on the historic doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed through the African Methodist Episcopal tradition.
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, who was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and will return again in glory.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who convicts, comforts, guides, and empowers believers for holy living and faithful service.
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, containing all things necessary for salvation, and serves as the rule and guide for faith and practice.
We believe salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. We are justified by faith and sanctified through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
We believe the church is the Body of Christ, called to worship God, make disciples, serve the community, and work for justice and reconciliation in the world.
We gather to encounter God in Spirit and truth, leaving changed by divine presence.
We believe faith and justice are inseparable. The gospel compels us to stand with the marginalized.
We affirm the sacred worth of every person. All are welcome at God's table.
We invest in spiritual formation so believers can live out their calling.
Honoring the Past. Building the Future.
Miller Chapel AME Church stands on a foundation built by faithful believers who understood that the gospel transforms both souls and communities. For generations, this congregation has been committed to meeting spiritual needs while serving as a beacon of hope in University Park and the surrounding south suburban communities.
Our church carries forward the founding principles of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: "meeting the spiritual needs of people and enhancing the total development of people and community."
1997
Continued the church's commitment to community development.
1998-1999
Served faithfully during a season of growth.
1999-2008
Under her anointed preaching and teaching, membership grew and the congregation flourished.
2008-2020
A dynamic shepherd whose ministry focused on God's Word, prayer, faith, love, spiritual growth, and evangelism.
2020-2021
Returned to serve with uplifted spirit, zeal, and joy during the pandemic season.
2021-2022
Served the Lord and church with gladness through virtual worship.
2022-2025
Shepherded with enthusiasm and intention, encouraging all to "Walk by faith, not by sight."
2025-Present
Our current pastor, leading us into a new season of revival and restoration.
A Church Born in Liberation
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest independent Protestant denomination founded by Black Americans. Born in 1787 when Richard Allen and other free Black worshippers walked out of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia after being pulled from their knees during prayer, the AME Church was established as a place where Black people could worship God with dignity and freedom.
Miller Chapel is part of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
"God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family"
— AME Church Motto