THE HEART OF FIRST BAPTIST
ONE FAMILY, ONE FAITH, ONE FELLOWSHIP
WHO WE ARE
First Baptist Church of Lake Forest is a historic, multigenerational family of believers rooted in faith, strengthened by fellowship, and committed to serving our community with love. For generations, our church has stood as a place where people gather to worship God, grow in Christ, and walk together through every season of life. Our story is one of resilience, unity, and a deep desire to honor God by loving His people well.
A LEGACY OF FAITH AND COMMUNITY
Our history is woven with the prayers, sacrifices, and steadfast faith of those who came before us. From our earliest days, we have been a church that welcomes all, creating a spiritual home where families are nurtured, friendships are formed, and every person is valued. This legacy continues today as we build bridges across Lake Forest, North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion, and beyond.
OUR SERVANT LEADER CALLED BY GOD
PASTOR TODD EDWARD FLETCHER
Pastor Fletcher embarked on his spiritual path when he joined Mt. Sinai Institutional Baptist Church of North Chicago, Illinois, as an Associate Minister under the guidance of Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon. He was later ordained on August 3, 2003.
Pastor Fletcher’s naval career was defined by the many leadership roles he faithfully fulfilled. As a Hospital Corpsman, Fleet Marine Force Medic, EMT, Pharmacy Technician, and Independent Duty Corpsman. He also served on a Naval Nuclear Submarine as the Medical Department Representative, Gas Free Engineer, and Radiation Health Officer, and he was deployed in 2003 to support the Global War on Terrorism. He holds a BAS from Columbia College and a Master’s Degree in teaching from Rockford College. His dedication to education is evident through his teaching experience at the Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels, as well as his role as Dean of Students. Pastor Fletcher coached various sports teams, including Middle School co-ed soccer, Middle School Track, and girls’ Middle School and Freshman High School Basketball.
Since becoming the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lake Forest, Pastor Fletcher has been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community and spiritual growth among the congregation.
Under the leadership of Pastor Fletcher, First Baptist Church of Lake Forest has seen significant growth in membership and community outreach programs. Pastor Fletcher has initiated various ministries, outreaches, powerful Bible studies, and youth programs. His compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to serving others have made him a beloved figure in the community.
“Together we build, together we serve, together we glorify God.”
Pastor Fletcher’s commitment to community service is unwavering. He is actively involved with the Homeless Coalition of Lake County, the North Shore Baptist Ministers Alliance, the Advisory Board for the Eddie Washington Center of Waukegan, IL, the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, and the Advisory Council for the Salvation Army (ARC). His exemplary service has been recognized with the College of Lake County Harambee Award in 2017 for his outstanding community service and dedication to elevating humanity through education. Additionally, in 2017, he received the Lake County Housing Authority’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to advancing the people of Lake County, IL.
Pastor Fletcher and First Lady, Rev. Patty Fletcher, have been blessed with over 36 years of marriage. They are proud parents of two adult children, LaTasha Renee (Gerald) Fletcher-Footman and Brian Dennis Fletcher, and grandparents to Noelle and Gerald Footman.
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Children & Youth Ministry
Growing in Faith. Rooted in Christ. Ready for the Future.
At First Baptist Church of Lake Forest, we believe our children and youth are not simply the church of tomorrow; they are a vital part of the church today. Every child who walks through our doors carries God-given gifts, dreams, purpose, and unlimited potential, and we are committed to creating a place where they know they are loved, valued, heard, and covered in prayer.
Our children & Youth Ministry is a place where faith comes alive. Through biblical teaching, worship, fellowship, creativity, and plenty of fun, we help young people build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while developing the confidence and character to navigate the world around them.
We want our children to ask questions, discover their gifts, build lasting friendships, serve others, and experience the joy of knowing that God has a purpose for their lives. From our youngest children to our teenagers preparing to step into adulthood, we are planting seeds of faith that we pray will grow for generations.
Come grow with us. Come discover your purpose. Come experience a ministry where every child belongs-and where their future in Christ is worth investing in.
“Train up a child in the way he should go” Proverbs 22:6
“We believe the church is called to serve beyond its walls. “
We se
Outreach That Makes A Difference
Our outreach is built on a simple belief: love makes a difference when it shows up consistently and compassionately. Through our Mobile Food Pantry, we bring groceries, prayer, and encouragement directly to seniors and families in need. These visits are more than deliveries-they are moments of connection that remind our neighbors that they are not forgotten and never alone.
.We also extend spiritual care through weekly Bible Study and journaling sessions at the Salvation Army, creating a safe space for reflection, healing, and honest conversation.
At the Eddie Washington Center, our team walks beside men rebuilding their lives, offering teaching, prayer, and steady encouragement. Each gathering reinforces the truth that restoration is possible and that God meets us right where we are.
Through Love on a Plate, we prepare and deliver home-cooked meals twice a week to seniors and disabled members of our community. Every plate carries dignity, compassion, and the assurance that our elders are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Together, these ministries form the heartbeat of our mission -FAITH IN ACTION, HOPE IN MOTION, AND OUTREACH THAT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Ministries That Help Every Person Grow
Our Church is alive with ministries designed to help people grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Men’s and Women’s Ministries
Build leadership, faith, and fellowship. Offering a safe place to grow, share, and discover the depth of God’s Word living in our lives!
Youth Ministry
Empowers young people to discover their purpose, ask questions, and grow in Christ. As well as nurturing faith from the earliest years.
Need to Change Your Date?
Contact us, and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your request!
Bible Study and Christian Education
Education that deepens understanding of God’s Word. Learning to use God’s Word in our everyday life situations.
Music and Worship Ministry
Worship ministry that leads the church into God’s presence.
Each ministry works together to create a church where every person
finds their place, uses their gifts, and grows in their walk with God.
A Ministry for Every Heart. A Home for Every Family.
Where Our Journey Began
As we honor our history and embrace our present, we look forward to our future with faith and expectation. We are committed to continuing the word god has entrusted to us-strengthening families, uplifting our community, investing in our youth, and creating a church where everyone can experience the love of Christ.
First Baptist Church of Lake Forest stands as the oldest African American church in Lake County, a living testament to faith, resilience, and community.
Our story begins in the late 1800s, when the building that is now our sanctuary was first constructed as a small schoolhouse. In 1900, a group of courageous former slaves, seeking a place to worship freely, gather in fellowship, and raise their children in faith, purchased the building and formally organized the church.
From those humble beginnings, the congregation grew into a spiritual home where generations have prayed, served, and stood together through every season of life.
Over the years, members remodeled and cared for the building with their own hands, preserving its historic character while shaping it into a place of worship filled with warmth and welcome.
For more than 125 years, First Baptist Church of Lake Forest has been a beacon of hope, lifting families, nurturing children and youth, strengthening community ties, and offering God’s love across Lake County and beyond.
Our history is not just about a building; it is about the people who built it, sustained it, and continue to carry its legacy forward with faith and joy.
“Because God is faithful, our future is not uncertain- it is unfolding with purpose, promise, and peace!” Great is Your faithfulness – Lamentations 3:23