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
Dear Friends,
As we step into the month of March and continue our journey through Lent, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to you—whether you’ve been part of our church for years, are returning after some time away, or are simply curious about faith and looking for a place to belong. You are welcome here. Truly.
Lent is often described as a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. But it is also a season of invitation—an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that God meets us right where we are. Not where we “should” be. Not where others expect us to be. Right here, in the real places of our lives.
At First Baptist Church of Pontiac, we believe church should feel like family—not a perfect family, but a growing one. A family that celebrates together, grieves together, learns together, and walks together toward the hope Jesus offers. This month, we’re celebrating the beauty of family in all its forms: parents, grandparents, children, blended families, church family, and the spiritual family God is forming among us.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about church…
If you’ve wondered whether you’d be accepted…
If you’ve wrestled with the difference between “being spiritual” and truly knowing God…
I want you to hear this clearly: There is a place for you here.
Lent reminds us that Jesus didn’t come for the polished or the perfect. He came for the searching, the hurting, the curious, the overwhelmed, and the hopeful. He came for people like us. And He still does.
As we move toward Easter, I invite you to join us—on Sundays, in prayer, in worship, in community. Come as you are. Bring your questions, your burdens, your joys, and your family. Let this be a season where God renews your heart and strengthens your home.
We are grateful for you. We are praying for you. And we can’t wait to walk this journey with you.
With love and hope,
Pastor Gene
.png)
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.
.png)