TOGETHER, OUR GIVING BUILDS THE FUTURE.

For more than a century, First Baptist Church of Lake Forest has stood as a spiritual anchor and cultural landmark- but today, we face a defining moment. Our historic building, built in the 1800s and shaped by a congregation founded in 1900, was never designed with full accessibility in mind. As the ministry grows and our community evolves, we can no longer allow physical barriers to limit who can worship, learn, and belong.

That is why we launched our Capital Campaign: a bold, future-shaping effort to make our entire church fully accessible to people with disabilities. This includes installing an elevator, improving entrances, updating restrooms, and ensuring that every person, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with strollers, and those recovering from illness, can move freely and safely throughout our building.

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES THIS POSSIBLE

When you give, you are not simply funding construction. You are investing in equity, dignity, and the future of a historic Black church that has served generations across Lake County and beyond. You are helping preserve a landmark while ensuring it remains open, welcoming, and accessible to all

THIS IS A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE LEGACY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LAKE FOREST

Your generosity today ensures that tomorrow, no one will be turned away, left outside, or unable to participate in worship and community life. As Scripture reminds us, “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Through this campaign, we are lifting burdens-literally and spiritually.

We invite you to partner with us in this transformative work. Your gift builds access. Your gifts build belonging. Your gift builds the future.

TOGETHER, WE CAN OPEN THE DOORS WIDER THAN EVER BEFORE.

A Vision of what we’re building together

More than a new space-this is a place where faith, fellowship, and future generations will flourish.

These images offer a glimpse of the future we are building together- a church that honors our rich history while preparing for all that God has yet to do.

Our vision is to create a welcoming, accessible, and inspiring place where generations can worship, children and youth can grow, families can gather, and our community can be served.

Together, we are not simply building for today-we are building a legacy for tomorrow.

Ways to Give: Your Generosity Builds Access for All

This moment in our church’s history is a rare opportunity to shape the future for generations to come. By supporting the Capital Campaign, you help build a legacy of accessibility, hospitality, and spiritual care that will outlive all of us. Explore the giving opportunities below and consider how you might leave your mark on this transformative season.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others.”

Ways to Give

  1. Online Giving: ~ Make a secure one-time or recurring gift through our online portal. Your support immediately advances construction and brings us closer to a fully accessible church home.
  2. Mail a Gift: ~ Send checks payable to First Baptist Church of Lake Forest, Memo: Capital Campaign. Every mailed gift becomes a building block in creating a church where every person can enter with dignity.
  3. Monthly Partnership: ~ Join our community of sustaining donors by setting up a monthly gift. Predictable support strengthens our ability to plan responsibly and steward resources wisely.
  4. Pledges (12-24 Months): ~ A pledge allows you to make a meaningful commitment now and fulfill it over time. Pledges help us move forward with confidence, knowing we have partners standing with us.
  5. Honor & Memorial Gifts: ~ Celebrate a loved one, mentor, or family legacy through a gift that will bless generations. These gifts become lasting testimonies of faith, love, and inclusion.
  6. Major Gifts & Naming Opportunities: ~ For those who feel called to give at a leadership level, naming opportunities are available for key areas of the project. Your generosity becomes a part of the church’s living history
  7. Gifts of Stocks or Securities: ~ Donating appreciated assets can provide tax advantages while making a meaningful impact. Contact our finance team for transfer instructions.
  8. In-Person Giving: ~ You may give during Sunday worship or Wednesday’s Bible Study. Or call and make an appointment to drop off your gift at the church. We will meet you there!
  9. Prayer & Advocacy: ~ Your prayers, encouragement, and willingness to share the vision with others are powerful gifts. Every voice helps build momentum for this transformative work.