Ever wonder about the heart of Englewood in Chicago? Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ pulses strong here. It is a Pentecostal church serving over 300 members.
Freedom Temple’s mission is clear. It proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church witnesses to those who are lost. It disciples believers and ministers to the needs of both church and community.
The church’s beliefs are firmly rooted in the Bible. They believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. Freedom Temple affirms faith in one God. This God exists eternally in three persons. These are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They believe in the Blessed Hope. This hope is the rapture of the Church of God at Christ’s return.
Cleansing from sin requires repentance. It needs faith in Jesus Christ’s blood. Accepting the gospel is essential. Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvation. The redemptive work of Christ provides healing. This is in answer to believing prayer. Baptism in the Holy Ghost is given to believers. They simply need to ask for it. The Holy Spirit’s power enables Christians. They can live a holy life in this world.
Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ has a vision. It wants to impact the community and beyond. This extends to the city, state, nation, and the world. The church uses the Gospel of Jesus Christ to achieve this. They approach this in both spiritual and practical ways.
Its mission is finding needs and meeting them. It seeks to discover hurts and heal them. This happens through services. These services empower individuals and families. This empowerment touches both the natural and spiritual realms. The motto is simple. “The family that prays together stays together.”
Pastor Charles Sanders leads Freedom Temple. He came from Quitman, Mississippi in 1970. He became a faithful brother under Pastor Joe Hamilton. In 1977 Pastor Sanders began preaching. He was ordained in 1981. He pastored Loving Kindness Church of God in Christ from 1985-1994. On January 14, 1995, he became Pastor of Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ.
Pastor Sanders encourages prayer and praise. He urges saints to magnify God. He challenges young people to excel. He tells them to seek God’s kingdom first.
The church’s history is rich. It began on August 26, 1964. Eight saints wanted more from God. They met in Elder Hamilton’s home. They desired a pastor who would preach the unadulterated Word of God. They wanted to be free to praise the Lord.
The first service was in the McFarland home. The church moved several times. They finally moved to 2101 Brookside Avenue on August 15, 1980. Pastor Hamilton’s statement became famous. “The Devil is Defeated, God is Exalted, and Jesus is Lord!”
After Pastor Hamilton’s passing, Elder Charles Sanders returned. He became the Pastor. Freedom Temple became a mission-minded church. They minister in nursing homes, jails, and care centers. They offer free meals and tutoring. They send missions to Africa and Haiti.
Freedom Temple Church of God In Christ stands as a beacon. It is a Bible-believing, spirit-led family church. It offers old-fashioned love and a fresh anointing from God.