Our History

From Then to Now: Our Church <i><span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">History</span></i>

From Then to Now: Our Church History

Forest Preserve Bible Church first opened its doors in 1974, formed by the merger of Faith Baptist Church and Addison Heights Church. Initially, our building consisted only of a basement, but with the merger, the main sanctuary floor was added, shaping the church into its current form. Over the years, we have diligently followed the command of the Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have achieved this through various ministries, community outreach, and the sending and supporting of missionaries to different parts of the globe. Today, we are a diverse congregation spanning many generations, and are committed to showing our love for Jesus Christ by loving one another. 

A Shepherd’s Heart That Shaped Our Church

At FPBC, we honor our roots and traditions while looking forward to the future, striving to remain a beacon of light in the community for years to come As we look to the future with anticipation, we also pause to give thanks for the faithful men God has used to shepherd this church through the years. Among them, Rev. Pastor Steve Rzany holds a special place in the history of Forest Preserve Bible Church.

Forest Preserve Bible Church is grateful for the faithful ministry of Rev. Pastor Steve Rzany, who served as our pastor from November 1991 until the Lord called him home in May 2022. For more than 31 years, Pastor Steve faithfully preached God's Word, shepherded our congregation, and helped shape FPBC into the Christ-centered church family it is today.

Pastor Steve was known for his servant's heart, biblical teaching, genuine love for people, and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. Whether preaching, counseling, discipling, or serving behind the scenes, he lived out his favorite phrase: "All for God's glory." He encouraged every believer to use their God-given gifts to build up the body of Christ and faithfully pointed others to Jesus in both word and deed.

While we now continue our ministry under the leadership of Dr. Michael Freeman, we remain thankful for Pastor Steve's lasting impact on our church family. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the disciples he helped grow in Christ, and the biblical foundation he helped strengthen at Forest Preserve Bible Church.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5–6