Grace Baptist Church
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Grace Baptist Church - Kankakee

Bringing God's Word to Life

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What to Expect

Our services are typically about 90 minutes in length and involve:

Singing: We praise God and encourage one another with songs that highlight the glory of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We're more concerned with lyrical substance than musical style, but we seek to incorporate various musical styles as a reflection of our diversity.

Scripture Reading: We need God's Word like we need food and drink. So we value the public reading of scripture every week.

Preaching: Our pastor will preach the unchanging truths of Scripture and seek to apply the gospel to the core concerns of our lives. We typically teach through whole Bible books in an expository way. 

Ordinances: We remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus in tangible ways, through baptism and communion. We gather around the Lord's Table on the first Sunday of each month.

Giving: We'll give as a response to God's grace to extend the church's ministry to our church family, neighborhood, city, and world.

Child Care: We provide child care services during our Sunday morning services. Contact the Church office if you have any questions.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We hope you'll wear whatever makes you comfortable. You'll find plenty of people dressed fairly casually (casual shirt, jeans, skirt) and a few like to dress a little more formally (slacks, dresses). Just come as you are.

Grace Holds to these Confessions of the Faith

​ARTICLE   I – THE SCRIPTURES
WE BELIEVE THAT THE HOLY BIBLE WAS (A) WRITTEN BY MEN CONTROLLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT; (B) THAT IT HAS TRUTH WITHOUT ANY ADMIXTURE OF ERROR FOR ITS MATTER; AND (C) THEREFORE IS, AND SHALL REMAIN TO THE END OF THE AGE, THE ONLY COMPLETE AND FINAL REVELATION OF THE WILL OF GOD TO MAN; THE TRUE CENTER OF CHRISTIAN UNION AND THE SUPREME STANDARD BY WHICH ALL HUMAN CONDUCT, CREEDS AND OPINIONS SHOULD BE TRIED.  WE REJECT ANY VERSION WHICH DOES VIOLENCE TO OR WEAKENS THE HOLY BIBLE AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN.

    (EXPLANATORY)
    
1. BY “THE HOLY BIBLE,” WE MEAN THE COLLECTION OF SIXTY-SIX BOOKS, FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION, WHICH, AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN, DOES NOT MERELY CONTAIN AND CONVEY THE WORD OF GOD, BUT IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD.

2.      BY “INSPIRATION,” WE MEAN THAT THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY HOLY MEN OF OLD, AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN SUCH A DEFINITE WAY THAT THEIR WRITINGS WERE SUPERNATURALLY INSPIRED AND FREE FROM ERROR, AS NO OTHER WRITINGS HAVE EVER BEEN OR EVER WILL BE INSPIRED.

    (A)     II TIM. 3:16, 17; II PET. 1:19-21; ACTS 1:16; ACTS 28:25.

    (B)     PSA. 119:105,130,160; LUKE 24:25-27; JOHN 17:17; LUKE 24:44, 45

    (C)     PSA. 119:89; PROV. 30:5, 6; ROM. 3:4; I PET. 1:23; REV. 22:19; JOHN 12:48;
             ISA. 8:20; EPH. 6:17; ROM. 15:4; LUKE 16:31; PSA. 19:7-11; JOHN 5:45-47;
             JOHN 5:39.
​
ARTICLE   II – THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is (a) one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; (b) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; (c) that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

(a)      Exod. 20:2, 3; Gen. 17:1; I Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; Psa.
83:18; Psa. 90:2; Jer. 10:10.

(b)   Exod. 15:11; Rev. 4:11; I Tim. 1:17; Rom. 11:33; Mark 12:30.

(c) Matt. 28:19; John l5:26; I Cor. 12:4-6; I John 5:7; John 10:30; John 17:5; Acts
5:3, 4; I Cor. 2:10, 11; Phil. 2:5, 6; Eph. 2:18; II Cor. 13-14
ARTICLE   IiI – THE Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine person; (a) equal with God the Father and (b) God the Son and (c) of the same nature; (d) that He was active in the creation; (e) that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God’s purpose is fulfilled; (f) that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; (g) that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; (h) that He is the agent in the New Birth; (i) that He seals, baptizes, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer.

And that the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance) is the evidence of His indwelling rather than the speaking in tongues and other spectacular demonstrations.

(a) John 14:16, 17.

(b) Matt. 28:19.

(c) Heb. 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35.

(d) Gen. 1:1-3.

(e) II Thess. 2:7.

(f) John 16:8-11.

(g) John 15:26, 27; Acts 5:30-32.

(h) John 3:5, 6.

(i) Eph. 1:13, 14; Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16;
Luke 24:49; John 16:13; John 14:26; Rom. 8:14, 16, 26, 27; II Thess. 2:13;
I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:26, 27; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:18-21.
ARTICLE   IV – Sanctification
We believe that sanctification has a twofold meaning; (a) that of setting apart of things, days, or persons specifically for God, and that the believer at the time of his regeneration is so set apart by God the Father; (b) the progressive work of the Holy Spirit whereby the believer, obedient to the Word of God experiences the power of the indwelling Christ for holiness of life and victory over the old nature, which work will be completed when the believer stands in Christ’s presence.

(a) I Cor. 1:30; Heb. 10:10, 14.

(b) Col. 1:26-28; John 17:17; I Thess. 5:23; II Cor. 3:18.

​
ARTICLE   V – The Devil, or Satan 
We believe that Satan was once (a) holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and (b) drew after him a host of angels; that he is now (c) the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. (d) We hold him to be man’s great tempter (e) enemy of God and His Christ, (f) the accuser of the saints, (g) the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; (h) the lord of the Antichrist, and (i) the author of all powers of darkness--destined however (j) to final defeat at the hands of God’s Son, and (k) to the judgment of an eternal justice in Hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.

(a) Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:14-17.

(b) Rev. 12:9; Jude 6; II Pet. 2:4.

(c) Eph. 2:2; John 14:30.

(d) I Pet. 5:8; I Thess. 3:5; Matt. 4:1, 3.

(e) Zech. 1:3; I John 3:8; Matt. 13:24, 37-39; Luke 22:3, 4.

(f) Rev. 12:10.

(g) II Cor. 11:13-15; Mark 13:22.

(h) I John 7; I John 4:3; I John 2:22.

(i) Rev. 13:13, 14; II Thess. 2:8-11.

(j) Rev. 19:11, 16, 20; Rev. 12:7-9; Rev. 20:1-3.

(k) Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41.
ARTICLE   VI – The Creation
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, (a) that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; (b) that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness; (c) that man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; (d) that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God’s established law was they should bring forth only “after their kind.”

(a) Gen. 1:1; Exod. 20:11; Acts 4:24; Col. 1:16, 17; Heb. 11:3; John 1:3; Rev. 10:6; Rom. 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jer. 10:12; Neh. 9:6.

(b) Gen. 1:26, 27; I Cor. 11:7.

(c) Gen 2:7, 21-23.

(d) Gen. 1:11, 24.
ARTICLE   VII – The Fall of Man
We believe (a) that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but (b) by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, (c) in consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but of choice; and (d) therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.

(a) Gen 3:1-6, 24.

(b) Rom. 5:12, 19.

(c) Rom. 3:10-19, Eph. 2:1, 3; Rom. 1:18; Ezek. 18:19, 20.

(d) Rom. 1:20, 28, 32; Gal. 3:22.
ARTICLE   Viii –  The Virgin Birth
We believe (a) that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; (b) born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman, and (c) that He is both the Son of God, and God, the Son.

(a) Gen. 3:15.

(b) Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psa. 2:7; Gal. 4:4.

(c) I John 5:20; I Cor. 15:47.
ARTICLE   IX – The Atonement for SIn
We believe (a) that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (b) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins;  (c) that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; (d) that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection.  He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.

(a) Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24.

(b) John 3:16; Matt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; Isa. 53:4-7, Rom. 3:25; I John 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21.

(c) John 10:18; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 1:4; I Pet. 2:24; I Pet. 3:18; Isa. 53:11; Heb. 12:2.

(d) I Cor. 15:20; Isa. 53:12; Heb. 9:12-15; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:2.
ARTICLE   X – Grace in the New Creation
We believe (a) that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; (b) that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; (c) that it is instantaneous and not a process; (d) that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; (e) that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel;  (f) that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life

(a) John 3:3.

(b) II Cor. 5:17.

(c) Luke 5:27; I John 5:1; John 3:6, 7; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:30-33.

(d) II Pet. 1:4; Rom 6:23; Eph. 2:1; II Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:13.

(e) John 3:8; John 1:12, 13.

(f) Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9.
ARTICLE   Xi – The Freeness of Salvation
We believe (a) in God’s electing grace; (b) that the blessings of salvation are made free to all through the Gospel; (c) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and (d) that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; (e) which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

(a) I Thess. 1:4; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 1:2; Titus 1:1; Rom 8:29, 30.

(b) Matt. 11:28; Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Rom. 10:13; John 6:37.

(c) Isa. 55:6; Acts 2:38.

(d) Isa. 55:7; John 3:15, 16; I Tim. 1:15; I Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:4, 5; John 5:40.

(e) John 3:18, 36.
ARTICLE   XII – Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin. and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (b) that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.

(a) Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Zech. 13:l; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 5:1.

(b) Titus 3:5-7; Rom. 1:17; Hab. 2:4; Gal. 3:11; Rom. 4:1-8; Heb. 10:38.
ARTICLE   XIII – ​ Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are (a) solemn obligations, and (b) also inseparable graces, (c) wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; (d) thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; (e) at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.

(a) Acts 20:21.

(b) Mark 1:15.

(c) Acts 2:27-38.

(d) Luke 18:13; Rom. 10:13; Psa. 51:1-4, 7; Isa. 55:6, 7.

(e) Luke 12:8; Rom. 9:11.
ARTICLE   XIV – The Local Church
We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers (a) associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; (b) observing the ordinances of Christ; (c) governed by His laws; and (d) exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; (e) that its scripturally designated officers are Pastors (elders) and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; (f) we believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission;  First, to make individual believers in Christ; Second, to baptize them; Third, to teach and instruct, as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order; (g) we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self- government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ; through the Holy Spirit; (h) that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel:  that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its co-operations; (i) on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.

(a) Acts 2:41.

(a & b)Acts 2:42

(b) I Cor. 11:2.

(c) Eph. 1:22, 23.

(d) Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:4, 8-11

(e) Acts 14:23; Acts 6:5, 6; Acts 15:23; Acts 20:17-28; I Tim. 3:1-7; I Tim.
3:8-13.

(f) Matt. 28:19, 20.

(g) Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23, 24; I Pet. 5:1-4.

(h) Acts 15:22; Jude 3, 4; II Cor. 8:23, 24; I Cor. 16:1; Mal. 3:10; I Cor. 16:2.

(i) I Cor. 6:1-3; I Cor. 5:11-13.
ARTICLE   XV – Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is (a) the believer’s immersion in water; (b) into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; (c) to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (d) that in scriptural order it (baptism) precedes the privileges of church membership and is the public recognition of the Lordship of Jesus Christ; (e) the Lord’s Supper is a memorial service in which the elements of bread and fruit of the vine remind us of the love of God in Christ Jesus, “Who spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all,” that this ordinance is to be observed in anticipation of His coming and preceded always by solemn self-examination.

(a) Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:6; John 3:23; Rom. 6:4, 5; Matt. 3:16.

(b) Matt. 28:19.

(c) Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12.

(d) Acts 2:41, 42; Matt. 28:19, 20.

(e) I Cor. 11:23-28; Rom. 8:32.
ARTICLE   XVI – The Perseverance and preservations of the Saints
We believe (a) that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (b) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (c) that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and (d) that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.

(a) John 8:31, 32; Col. 1:21, 23.

(b) I John 2:19; Matt. 13:19, 20.

(c) Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30; Psa. 121:3; Heb. 1:14.

(d) I Pet. 1:5; Phil. 1:6; John 10:28, 29; John 16:8; Rom. 8:35-39.
ARTICLE   XVII – ​ THe Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that (a) there is radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; (b) that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; (c) while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; (d) and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.

  1. (a) Mal 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17, 18; Prov. 11:31; I Pet. 4:18.
 
  1. (b) Rom 1:17; I Cor. 15:22; Acts 10:34, 35; I John 2:29; I John 3:7.​

          (b & c) Rom. 6:16

  1. (c) I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 7:6; Rom. 6:23.
 
  1. (d) Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34, 41; John 8:21; Luke 9:26; John 12:25;  
    1. Matt. 7:13, 14.
ARTICLE   XVIII – ​ Civil Government
We believe that civil government is (a) of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; (b) that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; (c) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; (d) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.

(a) Rom. 13:1-7; II Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:21, 22.

(b) Acts 23:5; Matt 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Pet. 2:13, 14, 17.

(c) Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19, 20; Dan. 3:17, 18.

(d) Matt. 10:28; Matt. 23:10; Rev. 10:6; Phil. 2:10, 11; Psa. 72:11.
ARTICLE   XIX – The Resurrection of Christ and Related Events
We believe in:

A. THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

(a) Matt. 28:6, 7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; I Cor. 15:4 Mark 16:6 Luke 24:2, 4-6.

B. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST

(b) Acts 1:9, 11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 12:2.

C. THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

(c) Heb. 8:6; I Tim 2:5; I John 2:1; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 5:9, 10.

D. THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

(d)       John 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:27; Matt. 25:13; Jas. 5:8; Matt. 24:42;
Heb. 9:28.

E. THE RESURRECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS DEAD

(e) I Thess. 4:16; I Cor. 15:42-44; I Cor. 15:52.

F. THE CHANGE OF THE LIVNG IN CHRIST

(f) I Cor. 15:51-53; I Thess. 4:17; Phil. 3:20, 21.

G. THE THRONE OF DAVID

(g) Luke 1:32; Isa. 9:6, 7; Acts 2:29, 30.

H. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST ON EARTH

(h) I Cor. 15:25; Isa. 32:1; Isa. 11:4, 5; Psa. 72:8; Rev. 20:1-4, 6.

I. THE RESURRECTION OF THE UNJUST DEAD, JUDGED AND CONDEMNED

(i) Rev. 20:11-15.
ARTICLE   XX – ​ Bibilcal Separation
We stand opposed to Neo-Orthodoxy and New-Evangelicalism and any form of cooperation with liberals in the work of Christ.

II John 7-11; II Thess. 3:6; Rom 16:17,18; II Cor. 6:14--7:1.
ARTICLE   XXI – Marriage and Sexuality
According to the Christian Scriptures, marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment.  It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means of procreation of the human race.  We believe that sexual intimacy is a wonderful gift of God that is only to be expressed between one man and one woman (as genetically defined), within the love and bonds of marriage.
Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Hebrews 13:4.

We believe that any form of sexual intimacy outside of marriage is both immoral and a perversion of God’s gift.
Leviticus 18:1-30; Proverbs 6:32; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.  

Furthermore, we believe that any form of sexual immorality such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, beastiality, incest, pornography, cohabitation (regardless of the age of the individuals involved), any attempt to change one’s gender in disagreement with one’s genetically defined gender, is sinful and offensive to God.
Leviticus 18-20; Romans 1.

We believe that in order to preserve the function, unity, and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is required that all persons employed by Grace Baptist Church and Grace Christian Academy in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, shall abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly whether at church, home or in the community.

We do believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Romans 8).  And we believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior, attitudes, or speech directed towards any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Grace Baptist Church.
1 Peter 2:13-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH PASTORS

Dwight Ascher

Pastor Dwight Ascher

Contact
TEaching PAstor
dascher.gbc@gmail.com

815.939.4579 ext. 223

Originally from northwest Illinois, Pastor Ascher and his wife Delinda came to Kankakee and Grace Baptist Church in 1981.  He served as a Bible teacher in the Academy and Mrs. Ascher worked as a nurse.  After three years he answered a call to Grace Bible Church in Woodbine, IL where he served for  four years as pastor of the church and head of the Woodbine Christian School.  From there he served for eight years as the pastor of Maple Ridge Bible Church in Boscobel, Wisconsin.

Pastor Ascher and his family returned to Kankakee and Grace Baptist Church in 1996 and he has since served as associate pastor, principal of the Academy and now as the senior pastor.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible and Theology from Calvary Bible College and a Master of Science Degree in Biblical Counseling from Calvary Theological Seminary both in Kansas City, Missouri.
​
Pastor and Delinda have three grown sons, all graduates of Grace Christian Academy, all married and all living in the area.  They also have four grandsons.   Delinda continues her career as a nurse and has worked in the office of a local surgeon for the past 17 years.
Chad Dalton

Pastor Chad Dalton

Contact
Family and Outreach Pastor
​cdalton.gbc@gmail.com

815.939.4579 ext. 229

Pastor Chad Dalton is the Associate Pastor of Family and Outreach. Chad and his wife Stephanie (Sherman) are originally from Kankakee. They have four children, Riley, Megan, Natalie and Jackson. They are eager about the opportunity to minister to their home community once again.
​
Pastor Dalton attended Tennessee Temple University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pastoral Studies. He also graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Israel Studies after studying in Israel for a year with Baptists for Israel. He graduated from Baptist Bible Seminary at Clarks Summit in 2014. Pastor Dalton has served as an Associate Pastor of Student Ministries and Outreach at Northfield Baptist Church in Ohio for ten years.

THE HISTORY OF GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

The history of Grace Baptist Church is not yet completed!  Faithful members are picking up their pens and praying for God to help them write the greatest chapters in the future.  Grace Baptist Church humbly seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit for one primary purpose: to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation to all who are eternally lost without faith in Him wherever they may be found and then to build the Christian in the faith....
Grace Baptist Church has enjoyed the difficulties of growing.  It started with a group of people from the Gospel Tabernacle that met on Friday, October 20, 1944 at the home of Mrs. Allie Peters on North Indiana Avenue.  Rev. Eldon Farrar, the well-known evangelist and musician, was called as pastor and the first worship service was held at Burk’s Body Shop, adjacent to Bird Park at 868 West Station Street on October 22, 1944.  Three weeks later, the little group moved to quarters they used for 18 months over the Old Bear Market, 329 East Court Street.

November 9, 1944 – the first convert was made, a young boy saved while helping to clean the church.  The first church bus was purchased in April 1945 after a mission program had been started in January.  The new church was incorporated on February 8, 1945 with 38 charter members.
Pastor Farrar was ordered by the doctor to rest so the church granted him an 8-week absence in May 1945, but on June 7, 1945, with the infant church less than 8 months old, her founder and first pastor went to be with the Lord.

The church was served by Rev. Victor Sweet until July, supply pastors, Rev. William Baggett, from October until Rev. Gerald Barlow was called as pastor in January 1946, serving until March 30, 1949.  During his ministry, the church returned to Burk’s Body Shop and a committee of Russell Preston and Pastor Barlow was formed to seek a location for a new church building.  Charles Burk donated all rent to a fund to purchase 2 lots for $1,000 at 1877 Pierson Parkway in August.  Ground was broken for the new building in June 1947 for the basement which housed Grace Baptist Church for 13 years.  Most of the work was done by men in the church with Pastor Barlow laying many of the blocks himself.

Elvin Pearson was called as pastor, beginning in July 1949 and serving until March 1, 1953.  During his ministry, the church’s name was changed from “Grace Church” to Grace Baptist Church (August 25, 1950).  At that same business meeting, the church voted to begin their first monthly missionary support, going to the Harold Goodall family.  Rev. Glenn Rambo began as pastor on June 7, 1953 and served until mid 1958.  It was during his ministry that work on the new auditorium above the basement church was started.  The structure was erected but never finished.

Lloyd Elston served as interim pastor until Willard Huels was called as pastor on November 16, 1958, serving until November 1960. During this time, the auditorium was finished, and the first service was held in it Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960 with the dedication service July 31, 1960.  Former pastor Gerald Barlow preached the dedicatory message with Walter Beebe, local Youth for Christ director, leading the singing. Mr. Beebe later served as interim pastor until he began as pastor in June 1961, serving until March 15, 1964.  During Pastor Beebe’s ministry the bus ministry was expanded to three bus routes, Richard Haynes, who suffered an early death to cancer, served as youth leader, a kindergarten class was started and the church’s evangelistic emphasis was intensified.  The building of an educational annex began in the summer of 1963.

The ministry of Pastor John S. Marvin at Grace Baptist Church began on April 26, 1964.  The church had grown to nearly a hundred at worship, including three busloads of children.  A parsonage was purchased at 6 Baker Street, the educational annex finished and dedicated [Dec. 1964], Grace Teen Camp was started, the first issue of GRACE NOTES was published, and the church launched the first of many Program of Progress campaigns to finance the building projects. A successful fight to keep liquor sales out of the sixth ward was also waged – and won.

Increased attendance led to the Building Expansion Committee being formed in August 1966, a year which saw numerous saved and more than fifty new families began attending Grace Baptist Church.  In 1967, the church was forced to rent facilities at Edison School to house the growing Sunday school and dual worship services began.  A new lot was purchased for parking and the architect was hired, leading the church to vote to relocate and purchase property the last day of October.

In February 1968, the new 6-acre property, now known as 2499 Waldron Road, was purchased for $36,000.  A massive Trust Bonds sales program was launched by the church members to finance the building project.  Ground breaking was April 27, 1969 with the dedication for the Chapel and Phase I on April 26, 1970.  Dr. John R. Rice preached the Dedication Sermon on that joyous occasion.  During the month-long celebration, popular youth speaker Dr. Don Lonie spoke and two Sundays featured the music of recording artists, Ed Lyman and The Speer Family singers, the latter packing the church with more than 700 people.

In 1972, four more acres were purchased and Ted Long was hired as our first full-time assistant pastor.  On May 13, 1973, the gymnasium, classrooms addition, and school offices of Phase II were dedicated with Dr. Bob Jones giving the dedication sermon on that great day.  In August 1973, the doors of Grace Baptist Academy first opened with classes from kindergarten through sixth grade.  Wilbur Steele was the first GBA principal.  Five more acres were purchased and the new high school classroom addition of Phase III was completed in 1975.  That year the “Miracles of Grace” radio broadcast went on the air from WKAN, presenting the gospel to thousands each Sunday morning for thirty-three years.  Gary Rexroad and Bill Egerdahl also served as youth pastors.

Phase IV, the second floor classroom addition was occupied in 1978.  Dr. Denzil Neumann came on board to form the church’s first three-pastor staff.  His duties included ministering to the senior saints and assistance with visitation.  Pastor Al Rudie began as youth pastor at the close of 1980.  Academy, Sunday school, and Worship attendance reached new heights.  When the average morning worship service attendance reached 600 in 1980, two morning worship services began. The Academy leadership during the 80’s was Russ Barnes and Ed Oaksanen.

The new convocation center and classroom addition, or Phase V, was dedicated on May 31, 1981, and a unified worship service began on the giant stage in the convocation center.  More than a hundred Hmongs, native of Laos, began worshipping in the chapel with their leaders being trained by Pastor Marvin.  He baptized 22 Hmongs and conducted several weddings as God blessed that ministry.

Greg Rukes began as Academy principal before passing the principal leadership to his assistant, Mike Lawrence.  Ted Marvin, one of the church’s own sons, joined the staff as assistant pastor and worship leader in January, 1990, and he continued until July 10, 2011.  Under Pastor Ted’s leadership, the youth outreach blossomed and many teens have found Christ as Savior and many have committed to full-time ministry.  The Teen Camp ministry experienced wonderful growth, with more than 3,000 at camp during his tenure.

A chapel restoration project costing over $80,000 was dedicated on January 12, 1997.  Upon Dr. Neumann’s retirement, Dwight Ascher was added as the third member of the pastoral staff in January, 1996.  He was hired as an educational director to lead the adult Bible fellowships and Sunday school as well as training Sunday school workers and aiding in visitation.  In 2003, he was named Grace Baptist Academy principal.  Dan Fowler, another of the church’s sons, became the third pastoral staff person with an emphasis in the children’s ministry.

Pastor Ted Marvin started the church’s mission trip ministry, taking several hundred teens on fifteen different missionary trips to help build churches or work with orphans in three locations in Mexico.  He directed three adult missionary trips, going to a remote, primitive region of Venezuela and twice to build a large river-boat and hangar and another time to build a church addition on the Amazon River in Peru and Brazil.  Thirty-three members of Grace Baptist Church have gone to 22 different countries as career missionaries.  The church sent Pastor and Mrs. John Marvin on numerous missionary trips to travel around the world and at other times to preach on four continents.

The 60th anniversary and the dedication for the church’s largest building project, a $750,000 refurbishing project, were both celebrated on November 14, 2004.  The church is grateful to God as He has enabled the church family to provide 53,000 square feet of building on a beautiful 15-acre campus.
Grace Baptist Academy will soon give a diploma to their 700th graduate.  This has been a huge undertaking with the church carrying much of the financial load, but the rewards have been tremendous.  Many students have found Christ as their Savior and grown in their faith.  Many Academy graduates serve today as preachers, missionaries, evangelists, and Christian school teachers and others have had great success, with graduates from most Illinois colleges and universities.  Excellence in music, education, and sports has been a constant at GBA.  The varsity chorus has sung at Disney World, Opryland, six times in concert in Washington, D.C., and all across Northern Illinois.

Pastor Marvin retired in July of 2008 after 44 years of faithful service.  Pastor Clinton Sweet was interim pastor for several months.  In February 2009, Dwight Ascher, who had been the Academy Principal, was installed as the pastor and continues his ministry to this day.  Steve Bull was voted in as Academy Principal in May of 2009.
Grace Baptist Church has grown and been sustained by a strong Biblical and evangelistic message.  Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost and the church has partnered with Him to this end.  This has been the heartbeat at Grace Baptist.  Many evangelists and nationally known speakers have made GBC a preaching stop and thousands have received Christ over the years.

The history of Grace Baptist Church is not yet completed!  Faithful members are picking up their pens and praying for God to help them write the greatest chapters in the future.  Grace Baptist Church humbly seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit for one primary purpose: to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation to all who are eternally lost without faith in Him wherever they may be found and then to build the Christian in the faith.
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This has not been the work of one man or several men, but the combined effort of dedicated people, faithful preachers of the Gospel, consecrated members who have worked together for three-quarters of a century to make Grace Baptist Church the dynamic force for Christ it is in this area and around the world.  May God continue to use His people in this place for His purpose!
Grace Baptist Church
&
Grace Christian Academy

2499 Waldron Rd. Kankakee, Il 60901
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Phone:  (815) 939-4579
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Contact  
Pastor Dwight Ascher 
Pastor Chad Dalton 

Church Office Adminstrator
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