Our History

On January 10, 1982, Rev. Frank A. Thomas was called as the third pastor of New Faith. The membership, which had fallen to 30 active members, began to grow again, and the congregation sought to move from the rented facilities to its own edifice.   In September 1982, New Faith purchased five acres of land in Matteson, Illinois. 

On October 12, 1984, the church broke ground for a permanent facility, and Matteson, IL, would be forever positively impacted.

February 22, 1987: New Faith moved to its permanent home at 25 S. Central, Matteson, IL, with 287 members. With a passion for teaching God’s word, Rev. Thomas, affectionately referred to as Pastor Frank, preached God’s word with conviction and passion. Pastor Frank wanted to bring prayer and the Bible to the core of every congregational member’s life. With God’s word as the source and foundation, New Faith had phenomenal growth. The growth in Membership required a growth in staff. We added a Minister of Pastoral Care and Minister of Music added. 

By 1990, New Faith was blessed with a Director of Administration and Youth Director.  In September of 1990, an additional 22 acres of land were purchased, bringing the total land ownership to 27 acres. Establishing ministry opportunities for women, children, and men was very important. There was much excitement when Barnabas, an all-male ensemble, made its debut at the 1990 Revival.  God’s house was built, and the people were coming. By 1991, a second worship service was formed.

When you are obedient to God’s word, increase is inevitable. By March of 1992, a Saturday night service was added, now giving New Faith 3 worship services. The increase of members and families created opportunities for partnership. The nursery for the babies was located at Kindercare across the street, and Children’s Church and Sunday school classes were moved to Woodgate School.  We also added the staff positions of Minister of Christian Education, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Youth and Family.     We were committed to not just coming to church but BEING THE CHURCH. The addition of these new positions increased our outreach to the community. New Faith has developed a diversified program to meet the needs of the church with an emphasis on its Bible education program. The program includes Sunday school and the Victorious Christian Living Institute (VCLI).      In addition, outreach to youth had necessitated the development of a youth ministry that targeted high school and junior high school students with such programs as J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) and H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Excel). The addition of those programs also created the need for a Minister of Youth Programming and a Minister of Youth Spiritual Life. With growth to over 52 ministries and the membership growth to over 2,000 people and 40 employees, there was a need to plan to expand.     The building program for the construction of new facilities was completed, and the Ray/Dawson P.C. architectural firm was hired to design a 22-acre master plan and design and lead construction of future phases. In October 1992, New Faith members contributed $101,245 to make the final payment of $192,000 on the 22-acre land acquisition.

New Faith completed the renovation of the sanctuary, which allowed them to return to the building. Temporarily they were worshipping at Rich Central High School during construction, which was also a diving assignment. Having the worship services at a high school drew more young people to New Faith.     Upon the return to 25 S. Central Ave. They now had a sanctuary with a seating capacity of 960. In addition to the sanctuary, the activity center was built. This center has two additional washrooms, eleven classrooms, a large activity area, and a second narthex and reception area. This facility, costing over $1 million, was paid for with cash donated by the members of New Faith, adults and youth.  A Wall of Recognition plaque was designed to provide eternal recognition for all who made a financial sacrifice toward the building of this Keith Sallie Activity Center.  Keith Sallie was a young musical director at New Faith who was committed to encouraging young people to use their gifts for the glory of God, whose life tragically ended in a car accident.

May 1998—The Wall of Recognition plaque was installed in the Keith Sallie Activity Center. The large room in the Activity Center, Harvey Hall, was named after Kenneth Harvey, an award-winning media professional who was a faithful and devoted member of New Faith and passed away in 1998.  Keith Sallie and Ken Harvey’s legacy of faith, family, and community is the place where ministry could grow for generations to come.  Also, a new parking lot was built on the northwest corner of the church proper, allowing for additional parking spaces.    The youth ministry continued to grow in exponential numbers and across state lines. From Tennessee and Wisconsin to Michigan, the youth ministry hosted conferences and revivals, building lifelong friendships and creating sacred atmospheres for authentic worship experiences. This included partnering with the Angel Tree Program and Camp Circle Y-Ranch in Bangor, Michigan, to provide first-time camping experiences for inner-city youth.     New Faith was committed to doing ministry with a spirit of excellence, from the gifts and talents in the worship and arts ministry to the respect and the attention given to accurately teaching and preaching God’s word.

1999 was another year of transition After 17 years of pastoral leadership at New Faith, Rev. Frank A. Thomas—after a soul-stirring message to his church and community reminding us to “FAN INTO A FLAME”—resigned to accept his calling to pastor Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee.  The assignment of New Faith did not end there.  God still had so much in store.    After two years of praying and fasting, God sent us a shepherd, the Rev. Dr. Trunell D. Felder, a man after God’s own heart, who served as the co-pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia.      Rev. Dr. Trunell D. Felder’s first sermon at New Faith was “Living For An Audience of One.” The sermon was the confirmation that God was sending New Faith, not just a shepherd, but a lead servant in worshipping, witnessing, and sharing Christ, God’s son, with the world.

On July 28, 2001, the entire New Faith family came together in overwhelming numbers to vote for our senior pastor. In August of 2001, Pastor Felder was confirmed by a large majority vote of the active membership.     Although his official duties did not begin until October 1, 2001, Pastor Felder pastored us during the very difficult time of September 11, 2001, as the country was dealing with the devastating attack on the World Trade Center. He reminded us that New Faith was called “for such a time as this” to be the light in the world.

On Sunday, January 13, 2002, Pastor Trunell D. Felder shared the next level of service and worship to our God and King through the new vision and mission for New Faith Baptist Church. Within a short time, membership grew from 2,200 to over 6,000. This required the addition of a a 4th worship service (1 on Saturday and 3 on Sunday at 7:30 A.M., 9:30 A.M., and 11:30 A.M.).      Growth was not just happening on the inside; it was happening outside of the walls of the building. Evangelism and outreach became a priority with efforts within Matteson and surrounding communities.  Ford Heights was one of the communities that we were called to serve. Ford Heights was one of the most impoverished communities in the State of Illinois (pop. 4,000). We knew we needed to be a source of love and support. We provided free health screenings for adults and children, free school supplies for every child in the village, free baby supplies, a care package for the residents, a job fair, a carnival, and a gospel concert. Many lives were transformed, and hearts turned toward Christ. There was still more for us to do.

On May 15, 2003, New Faith members, along with the CNA Foundation and KaBOOM! built a playground for the children in Ford Heights. New Faith members, community leaders, and Ford Heights residents all came together to help build the playground, plant flowers, and create a beautiful safe space for the children to play and to always know that they are loved.       While building for others, the building of New Faith also received a major change.   The trailer that housed the staff for 8 years was removed, and a new administrative wing was built DEBT FREE!    Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In 2005 – God added to our name: New Faith Baptist Church became New Faith Baptist Church International (NFBCI). We expanded our locations to fifteen in Ghana, West Africa, and six in Cape Town, West Africa. Along with building churches, we provided resources for building clean water wells, schools, and medical clinics; feeding orphans; planting farms; and providing Bibles throughout Africa, India, and China.    2005,  also the year that the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina killed over 1,000 people and caused $125 billion in damages. New Faith responded immediately, becoming one of the largest collection and distribution centers. With 24-hour on-call volunteers, we answered phones, received donations, packed, shipped, and coordinated locations to provide shelter for those displaced by the hurricane. Pastoral leadership and members then drove truckloads of donations to Texas for distribution to survivors. We didn’t realize then, but this was the training for many more natural disaster relief that God would use New Faith Baptist Church International  to lead and serve, including Haiti (2010) and Alabama (2011) 

2012 June 1, 2012, the Lord expanded our territory with a new sanctuary that we might care for and serve more of God’s people. Many years of praying, fasting, and sacrificial giving, God’s cathedral was built.  Ministry and outreach continued, reaching 375,000 people worldwide.

Our focus was “GIVING GLORY TO THE KING IN 2013.” Expanding and diversifying what ministry looks like included the Expungement Fair, which became Cook County’s largest event in the south suburbs to date.  Legal, political, and community leaders gathered to provide resources, information, and assistance with removing criminal history from public records, often saving hundreds in private attorney fees.     We also partnered with Habitat for Humanity, hosting homeownership workshops, giving donations to help build homes, and supporting the building of one of the largest homes for a family of 20.       Through the leadership of our pastor, we began hosting evangelism training classes, helping members become more comfortable and confident with evangelism. WON by One included in-depth Bible study about our mandate from Christ as believers and the blessing it is to be a blessing to others through evangelism. 

Our international ministry outreach continued. Recognizing the power of collaborative partnership, Luster Products joined us in providing lights for a school library in Asabiem, located in the central region of Ghana, West Africa.

BELIEVING AND RECEIVING. On our continued journey to be the people God called us to be, we increased our evangelism and outreach by saturating the community. The justice ministry gathered at the Markham courthouse, providing prayer and encouragement.  The Trustees led by example by visiting car washes to help dry off cars and distribute water on hot summer days. The Hands of Faith deaf ministry held their first Perfect Praise deaf conference.     Creating space for all of God’s children is vital to a healthy and successful ministry. We continued our outreach to the homeless and disenfranchised. By providing shelter, clothing, haircuts, and hot meals, we are able to help those at their time of greatest need.  This also includes the 1,200 Thanksgiving Day baskets we provided for families and the 2,500 gifts provided to children who have a parent incarcerated.     We also recommitted to our youth by growing the Junior Achievement Ministry. 33 young people entered a program and studied and learned how to start a business. These innovators of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. 

With the start of 2019, NFBCI committed to NEXT LEVEL LIVING. From the youth to the seniors, we were intentional about living the faith through worship, witness, and wondrous works. During the University Park water crisis, we provided over 40,000 bottles of water to the residents. 

2020  was a year that shook the world, but not our faith. As the international pandemic of Covid-19 impacted lives all around the world, we learned to “do church” differently. With the use of technology, we were able to continue having worship services and teaching opportunities.  The ministry did not stop. We held free covid testing and vaccinations.  Online Bible study attendance grew, and our international members increased through our social media outlets.

In 2021, we were able to safely return to in-person worship service, and we became even more committed to evangelism and outreach.  The introduction of the 40 + Double Dutch Ministry help to move forward our initiative of being good stewards over our physical lives as we strengthened our spiritual lives. The 5K walk/run/bike event for breast cancer allowed us to continue to support survivors and those fighting breast cancer. The physical activity, raising awareness, and donating funds, helped to continue to fight the good fight of faith.    Overall, we reach 215,108 souls throughout the year. With 15,756 soul conversions. 60 of whom became members online.   We reached 152,647 through our live stream, and we gained 578 new social media followers. We are committed to the work of the KINGDOM! 

2022 was the year of NEW FAITH—NEW YOU!  Our beloved Pastor Trunell D. Felder turned 60 years old. As God blessed him with another year of life, he blessed us with another year of his devoted leadership.  We increased our family nights and created a space for the church grounds to be a space for all. Steppers night under the stars,  weekend game nights, and basketball camps are just some of the events we did to invite family, friends, and neighbors. These unique ministry events encouraged visitors who participated in an activity that they loved and experienced the love of Christ at the same time.

God’s grace and mercy continued to cover us in 2023. We brought back the ministry open house to enlighten members about the 60+ ministries active members to encourage participation Those ministries continued to be change makers by hosting a vegetable giveaway and winter coat giveaway and being present at all local parades and community fests to distribute “Come Worship With Us” cards and provide prayer and free water. Such efforts were rewarded with 537 new members joining the body of faith.

2024 was a year of grace, growth, and connection.  338 people joined the church, and 127 people were baptized.  With the growth of in-person ministry, we also received growth online. 2,740 new social media followers/subscribers.

Through consistency and faith, in 2025,  12 new unity groups were created, allowing members to create bonds and fellowship outside of the Sunday worship experience. Life is better when we do it together. And together, we were able to have consistent participation in the women, men, youth, and senior ministries. With over 18,325 soul conversions, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and outreach volunteers all increased.

2026 is New Faith’s 50th Anniversary and Pastor Felder’s 25th Pastoral Anniversary. This indeed is the YEAR OF JUBILEE!!  We are grateful for all that God has done and all that he is going to do. We hope that you will join us in this rich legacy of worship, witness, and wondrous works.