A Christian Church in Pontiac,
Illinois Where You’re Family From Day One
If you’ve been searching for a place where worship feels genuine and people know your name, FBC Pontiac is for you. We’re a Christ-centered family serving Pontiac, Illinois with Sunday worship, Small Groups, and community outreach, including our weekly Food Pantry. From your very first visit, you'll be welcomed not as a guest, but as part of the family.
Join us this Sunday for worship and connection.
WELCOME
Letter from the Pastor
Freedom Worth Celebrating
From Pastor Gene
Every July, our nation pauses to remember the gift of living in a free country. We fire up the grills, watch fireworks, gather with family, and give thanks for the blessings we enjoy—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to gather, freedom to live without fear of tyranny. These are privileges many people in the world still long for.
But as grateful as I am for the freedoms we celebrate on July 4th, I’m reminded that the greatest freedom we have is not written in a document—it was purchased on a cross.
Scripture tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Not political freedom. Not national freedom. Spiritual freedom.
Freedom from sin. Freedom from shame. Freedom from fear. Freedom from trying to earn God’s approval. Freedom to live as sons and daughters of the King.
Freedom in a Nation vs. Freedom in Christ
Living in a free country is a blessing. Living free in Christ is a miracle.
One protects our rights. The other transforms our hearts.
One gives us liberty on earth. The other gives us life for eternity.
And when the church understands the difference, something powerful happens: We stop confusing our national identity with our spiritual identity. We become grateful citizens of our country, but devoted disciples of Jesus.
What Freedom in Christ Means for the Church
As a church, our calling is not simply to enjoy freedom—but to use it for the glory of God.
Freedom in Christ means:
· We worship boldly, because no earthly power can silence the gospel.
· We love sacrificially, because Christ has freed us from self-centered living.
· We serve joyfully, because we’re no longer slaves to fear or comparison.
· We stand faithfully, because our hope is anchored in a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
A free country gives the church room to operate. Freedom in Christ gives the church power to thrive.
A July Invitation
As we celebrate this month, let’s thank God for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans—but let’s celebrate even more the freedom we have as believers.
And if you’ve been feeling weighed down, worn out, or spiritually stuck, hear this clearly: Christ offers a freedom no government can grant and no enemy can take away.
My prayer is that this July, our church family walks in that freedom— with gratitude, with courage, and with a renewed commitment to shine the light of Christ in our community.
In His freedom, Pastor Gene
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Classes and Groups
Faith grows best when we learn together. At FBC Pontiac, you’ll find:
From study to service, these groups help people of all ages become disciples of Jesus Christ while building meaningful friendships.
CALENDAR
Church Calendar
There’s a place for you every week. Join us Sundays at 10:00 am for worship and Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Stop by for Small Groups during the week, Food Pantry service on Wednesdays and Fridays, and special events on Saturdays. Our calendar makes it easy to stay connected.
ABOUT
About Our
Church
First Baptist Church of Pontiac is more than a Sunday service—it’s a community where faith grows deeper and friendships grow stronger. Our mission is simple: love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, love our neighbors as ourselves, and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We serve our city with open hands. From providing groceries to families through our Food Pantry, connecting with you through social media, offering a library of 30,000+ Christian videos for families, to livestreaming worship for those at home. We meet people where they are.
Under the leadership of Rev. H. Gene Stringer, called as pastor in 2024, we continue to build on a legacy of more than 160 years of worship and service in Pontiac.
HISTORY
Our History
1866
The first permanent building was completed at Oak and Water Streets.
1894
A new church was dedicated at Livingston and Mill Streets.
1952
A Christian Educational Building was completed.
1993
Our sanctuary was built and dedicated, preserving stained glass windows from our former church.
1857
Rev. W. Branch and eight believers organized FBC Pontiac. Worship was held in homes, and baptisms took place in the Vermillion River.
1867
Sunday School began, laying the foundation for discipleship.
1921
Miss Lennie Rhodes became the first woman in Illinois ordained as a minister—here at FBC Pontiac.
1983
The present property, formerly Ladd Grade School, was purchased.
2024
Rev. H. Gene Stringer became pastor, leading us into a new chapter of ministry.
From living room gatherings in 1857 to our present sanctuary, FBC Pontiac
has carried forward a legacy of worship, discipleship, and service.
“The purpose of First Baptist Church is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves, to make disciples to Jesus Christ, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We will use all available resources to nurture maturing faith including teaching, fellowship, prayer, encouragement and witnessing. We commit ourselves to regular worship, study, prayer, fellowship and acts of service.”
MEDIA
Media and Resources
Stay connected wherever you are. Watch sermons and worship services on YouTube and Facebook, follow us on Instagram for encouragement during the week, and scan the barcode below to enjoy our media library of 30,000+ Christian videos for families—a faith-filled streaming resource for every home.
LOCATION
Location
and Map
We’re located in the heart of Pontiac, Illinois at 515 N. Ladd Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764.
Parking is available on-site, and our building is fully accessible. Our welcome team will help you find your way from the parking lot to your seat so you can feel comfortable right away.
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get encouragement and updates in your inbox. Our newsletter shares upcoming events, stories from the community, and messages of hope from our pastors.
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