OUR HISTORY

OUR CHURCH HISTORY

The story of Forever Community Church is a powerful testament to Pastor Ben's journey of faith and obedience to God's calling. In March 2020, Pastor Ben's life took an unexpected turn when a Filipino pastor he had never met invited him to participate in leadership and discipleship training. Through these interactions and prayerful reflection, Pastor Ben felt compelled to plant a Filipino church in the neighboring communities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. This decision was reinforced by his growing conviction to serve the Filipino community and other minority groups in the area.

In October 2020, Pastor Ben and Sister Hilda, together with their core Bible study group of eight families and two individuals, began gathering for prayer, seeking guidance on how to honor God and fulfill His purpose. The following months were filled with preparation as Pastor Ben underwent the Converge PacWest pre-assessment process. In January 2021, Pastor Ben and Sister Hilda met with Pastor Phil Ward of Golden Hills Community Church to share about what God had put on their hearts and their desire to start a Fil-Am church. Pastor Phil Ward gave his blessings and affirmed their vision, encouraging them to proceed with the formal church-planting process. In June 2021, they completed the Church Planting Assessment in Wisconsin, receiving full approval and recommendation.

The journey culminated in August 2021, when Forever Community Church held its first pre-launch service in Pastor Ben and Sister Hilda's backyard, attended by about 45 people. On October 17, 2021, the church was officially launched at Antioch Water Park Hall, with over 160 people present to celebrate this new beginning. Pastor Ben continues to lead with the conviction that the church's mission is to glorify God by making more disciples of Jesus Christ in their community, as inspired by Ephesians 3:20-21."Now to Him (God), who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever, and ever. 

This story reflects the deep faith and commitment of Pastor Ben, Sister Hilda, and the Forever Community Church family to build a ministry that impacts their community for generations to come.