About our Pastor
I sensed God calling me to the pastoral ministry early in my teenage years. The same week God affirmed my salvation, the desire to preach returned with deep fervency. I publicly acknowledged God was calling me to preach. I then followed God’s direction to attend Bible College.
PASTOR ALBERT BENNETT
Family & Education
Pastor Bennett and his wife, Sarah, have been married since 2005.
They have 4 children, Jocelynn, Caleb, Sophia, and Gabrielle.
Pastor Bennett attended Marantha Baptist Bible College where he received his B.A in Biblical Studies.
Pastoral & Church Involment
2006 – 2009 Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Horicon, WI
2010 – 2012 Associate Pastor at Northside Baptist Church in Davenport, IA
2012 – 2013 Layman at Legacy Baptist Church in Davenport, IA
2013 – 2015 Layman at Faith Baptist Church in Geneseo, IL
2015 – Pastor at Bible Baptist Church in Rantoul, IL
Philosophy of Ministry
I believe that all ministry must be doxological (God glorifying – 1 Cor 10:31), be rooted in the sufficiency of the scriptures (II Tim 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21), be led by the spirit of God, and be lived out in the spirit of love (I Cor 12-14). Furthermore, it must seek to establish the body of Christ in the truth of His Word and in love for their Lord (Eph 4:14-16; John 17:17; II Cor 10:31). In regards to practice, ministry must equip believers to do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12), so serve each other (! Cor 12-14), and to reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ (I Peter 3:15; Matt 28:19-20). In addition, busyness does not mean holiness. Ministry must not be measured by the number of programs that a church body offers. With regard to evangelism and discipleship, I prefer relational discipleship and authentic community over programs that merely give a sense of service and keep people busy, while neglecting the weightier principles of love, personal evangelism, unity, genuine service, and transparency in hope and belief.
Conversion
I grew up in a Christian home and attended a Fundamental Baptist Church. During my elementary years, I made a profession of faith, but, like many, during my junior high and teen years, I struggled with doubts regarding the sincerity of my conversion. It was not until youth camp the summer following my senior year in high school that I received affirmation from God’s Spirit that I was genuinely born again (Rom. 8:16). I spoke at length with a counselor about my frustrations and my salvation experience, and from the Scriptures, he showed me God’s plan of salvation and the eternal security of those who trust in Him. Shortly after returning home from youth camp, I followed the Lord in baptism.
