“Shield of Faith”. That’s more than just a name. It’s a testament to a community’s unwavering belief. Shield of Faith Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith in Cook County Illinois.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the landscape. The church sits at N41.77948 degrees latitude and W87.67061 degrees longitude. It rises 600 feet above sea level.
The USGS 1:24K topographic map shows its location in Englewood IL.
But what about the spiritual journey of similar churches? New Faith Baptist Church offers an interesting comparison. In 1975 Reverend Junius Dudley saw a need. He noticed a lack of Black leadership and worship style in integrated churches in Park Forest. So he sought funds to start a church. New Faith began as a Southern Baptist mission.
New Faith held its first service in 1976. Sixty-seven people gathered at Blackhawk Elementary School. By 1978 New Faith had grown to 150 members. Reverend Dudley then resigned.
In 1979 Reverend Donald Johnson became the second pastor. The church experienced a split in membership under his leadership. By 1980 Reverend Johnson had moved New Faith. They found temporary facilities at Emmanuel Seventh Day Adventist Church in Chicago Heights. Those who stayed at the school formed Greater Faith. Reverend Johnson resigned in 1981.
Reverend Frank Thomas became the third pastor of New Faith in 1982. Membership had dwindled to 30. But it began to grow again. The congregation sought its own building. In September 1982 New Faith purchased five acres in Matteson Illinois.
Ground was broken for a permanent facility in 1984. New Faith moved into its first home in 1987. It was located at 25 S Central Matteson. There were 287 members. The church experienced phenomenal growth. Staff positions expanded.
New Faith continued to grow. In 1990 they purchased additional land. The church received its vision. Prayer and Bible study became central. A second worship service was added in 1991. A third service began in 1992. Children’s Church and Sunday school moved to Woodgate School. New ministries led to more staff positions.
By 1992 New Faith had over 2000 members. There were 40 employees. Youth outreach programs were developed. A Minister of Youth Programming was added. Later a Minister of Youth Spiritual Life joined.
Renovations were completed. The facility could seat 960. A new Activity Center was built in 1997. Members donated cash for it. A Wall of Recognition Plaque honored donors.
In 1998 the Activity Center was named after Kenneth Harvey. He was a member who died that year. A new parking lot was built to accommodate the growing membership.
Reverend Dr Frank Thomas resigned in 1999. He became pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. Reverend Dr Trunell D Felder became the new pastor in 2001.
Pastor Felder shared a new vision for New Faith in 2002. Membership grew. A fourth worship service was added. The church became involved in evangelism and community efforts. They reached out to Ford Heights.
In 2003 New Faith built a playground for children in Ford Heights. They built an administrative wing without debt. By 2005 New Faith became an international ministry. It was renamed New Faith Baptist Church International. It supported churches and schools in Ghana and South Africa.
In 2012 they expanded with a new sanctuary. Their mission continued. They sought to share the love of Christ with the world.
Shield of Faith Baptist Church is not just a building. It is a spiritual landmark. It represents faith community and history.