FPBC Mission Statement

Forgiven People
Bringing others to Christ

Who We Are

Who We Are

Forest Preserve Bible Church (FPBC) is a non-denominational Christian Church located on the Northwest side of the City of Chicago. Since we began in 1974, FPBC has strived to honor God by maintaining a strong adherence to biblical truth, with an emphasis on sharing and bringing to life the good news of the Gospel to the surrounding community through a variety of ministries and programs for all age groups. Here at FPBC, we're more than just a community; we're a family of believers dedicated to showing our love for Jesus Christ through loving one another.

As a diverse congregation spanning generations, we provide meaningful connections for everyone. Whether you're a new believer or have been on your faith journey for a while, there's a place for you here. We understand we all fall short of God's glory, but we believe no one is beyond redemption in God’s family. If you're seeking a welcoming church where you can grow alongside fellow Christians, FPBC could be your home. Visit us soon — we'll be waiting to warmly welcome you!

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a thriving, Christ-centered community that transforms lives and impacts our city and beyond with God’s love. We aspire to be a beacon of hope, welcoming all people to experience the life-changing power of Jesus, grow in their faith, and live out their purpose. Through intentional discipleship, compassionate outreach, and empowering leadership, we seek to inspire generations to follow Jesus and make a lasting impact on our world.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Michael Freeman

Dr. Michael Freeman

Pastor

Larry Byers

Larry Byers

Elder

Carl Badami

Carl Badami

Deacon

Jim Calkins

Jim Calkins

Deacon

Amanda Rzany

Amanda Rzany

Deaconess

What We Believe

We believe in one God, the Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 John 5:7; 2 Cor. 13:14).

We believe that Jesus Christ is the true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:18; John 1:2, 14; Luke 1:35). He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 1 Peter 2:24). He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High He is now our High Priest and Intercessor (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 4:14). Moreover, we also believe that our redemption has been accomplished solely by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and that no repentance, no feeling, no faith, no good resolutions, no submission to the rules and regulations of any church, can add in the very least to the value of the precious blood, or to the merit of that finished work, wrought for us by Him who united in His person true and proper Deity with perfect and sinless humanity. (John 1:1; Eph. 1:7).

We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments to be—the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings; the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men; and the Divine and final authority for all Christian Faith and life (II Tim. 3:16, 17; II Peter 1: 19-21; I Thess. 2:13).

We believe that the blessed Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, co-equal and eternal with the Father and the Son, and perfectly united in one God. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit during this age is to convict man, regenerate, indwell, baptize, guide, instruct, and He seals and empowers the believer for Godly living and service. Furthermore, we believe that the Holy Spirit takes permanent residence with the believer the day of redemption (John 7:38, 39; John 14:16; Romans 6:1-10; Eph. 4:30).

We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thus become Children of God. We also believe that no degree of self-reformation, however great; no attainment of morality, however high; no culture, however attractive; no humanitarian and philanthropic schemes and societies, however useful; no baptism or other ordinances, however administered; can help the sinner take one step toward heaven; but a new nature imparted from above, a new life implanted by the Holy Spirit through salvation and a home in heaven (John 3:3-5; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:5). We believe that all who have accepted Christ are saved with an eternal salvation, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. (John 10:28; Romans 8:38, 39; Phil. 1:6).

We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of or essential to salvation. We believe that baptism in water by immersion is clearly taught in the Word of God as an outward expression to our fellowmen of the inward cleansing of regeneration through faith in Christ and a public testimony thereto. We further believe that the Lord’s Supper is to be observed as a memorial, proclamation, communion, covenant, anticipation, and consecration feast and faith in His shed blood and resurrecting power (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).