OUR CHURCH HISTORY
The story of Forever Community Church is a beautiful reflection of faith, obedience, and God’s guiding hand in every step.
In March 2020, Pastor Ben’s life took an unexpected and meaningful turn. A Filipino pastor he had never met reached out to invite him into leadership and discipleship training. Through these conversations and much prayer, Pastor Ben began to sense God gently calling him toward something new—a vision to plant a Filipino church that would serve the neighboring communities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. As this calling grew clearer, so did his heart for the Filipino community and other minority groups in the area.
By October 2020, Pastor Ben and Sister Hilda, along with a small but faithful core group of eight families and two individuals, began gathering regularly for prayer. Together, they sought God’s direction, desiring above all to honor Him and follow His purpose for their lives. The months that followed were marked by preparation and trust. Pastor Ben entered the Converge PacWest pre-assessment process, continuing to take steps of faith.
In January 2021, Pastor Ben and Sister Hilda met with Pastor Phil Ward of Golden Hills Community Church to share what God had placed on their hearts—the desire to start a Fil-Am church. Pastor Phil warmly affirmed their calling, offering his blessing and encouragement to move forward. By June 2021, they completed their Church Planting Assessment in Wisconsin, receiving full approval and confirmation to begin this new work.
That vision came to life in August 2021, when Forever Community Church held its very first pre-launch service in Pastor Ben and Sister Hilda’s backyard. Around 45 people gathered—an intimate and joyful beginning filled with hope. Just a couple of months later, on October 17, 2021, the church officially launched at Antioch Water Park Hall, where friends and family came together to celebrate what God had started.
Today, Pastor Ben continues to lead with a deep sense of purpose: to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ in the community. This mission is rooted in the promise of Ephesians 3:20–21:
“Now to Him 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.”
The story of Forever Community Church is still being written—a story of faith, unity, and a shared desire to impact lives for generations to come.
Our Church Name
Pastor Ben initially considered naming the church Fil-Am Life Church. However, the day before his Philosophy of Ministry was due, he was reflecting on Psalm 44:8 during his morning devotion: “In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.” The phrase “we will praise your name forever” resonated deeply with him, particularly the word “FOREVER.” This encapsulates Ben’s vision for FCC—to be a church known for praising God’s name forever.