First Lutheran Church of DeKalb is a congregation of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The congregation was founded on Christmas Day, 1858, by a group of Swedish immigrants. The Congregation has occupied three buildings in its 145-year history, moving to its present site in 1916. The Education Building was completed in 1958. First Lutheran dedicated the new 13,600 square foot Ministry Life Center in 2003.
Currently, First Lutheran Church is made up of nearly 1000 baptized members from all walks of life. Nearly 30% of the congregation is younger than 25 years of age. Nearly 18% of the congregation is over 65 years of age. The central missions of the congregation focus on Christian Education and music for children and adults alike.

The church is located on the corner of North Third and Pine Streets in DeKalb, Illinois.

First Lutheran's Church Staff works very hard to serve our congregation and our community.

The business of the congregation is handled by the Congregation Council, which meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

First Lutheran Church is committed to serving the people of the wider community of which we are a part. In addition to opening our worship and education programs to anyone wishing to participate, the congregation reaches out to others through its sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 33, and through active participation in serving San Miguel mission congregation, Hope Haven (homeless shelter), the Salvation Army, the DeKalb Area Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, World Vision, ELCA World Hunger, the Nachusa Home (sponsored by LSSI), and the Family Service Agency.

In addition, the congregation provides space and support to the GED program of Kishwaukee Community College, houses the Northern Illinois Children's Chorus, La Leche league, and HEART (home-schooling support group).