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
UNASHAMED: Stepping Into a New Season of Gospel Growth
Church family,
September always feels like a fresh start. The summer slows down, routines settle in, and we begin looking toward the rhythms that carry us through the fall. It’s a month filled with new beginnings—new school years, new schedules, and often, new spiritual opportunities.
This year, September marks the beginning of something deeply important for our church: a 24‑week journey through the book of Romans called UNASHAMED: The Gospel That Changes Everything.
Romans is not just another book of the Bible. It is the clearest, richest, most complete explanation of the gospel ever written. For centuries, God has used Romans to awaken revival, strengthen believers, and transform entire communities. And now, we are asking Him to do the same right here in Pontiac.
Throughout September, we will explore:
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The power of the gospel (Romans 1)
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The reality of sin and the need for grace (Romans 2–3)
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The faith of Abraham and the promise of God (Romans 4)
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The hope, peace, and love we have in Christ (Romans 5)
Each week, we will walk slowly and intentionally through the text—letting Scripture speak, letting the Spirit work, and letting the gospel shape us from the inside out.
I want to encourage you to take advantage of the Romans Reading Plan included in this newsletter. Read the passages before Sunday. Pray over them. Let them prepare your heart for worship and teaching. When a church reads the Word together, it grows together.
My prayer for September is simple: That we would become a people unashamed of the gospel—rooted in grace, anchored in truth, and ready to share Christ with our community.
I’m excited for what God is going to do. Let’s walk this journey together.
In Christ, 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
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