History of God's Faithfulness

1971 Beginnings

Churches begin as the result of the faithfulness of God and the vision and obedience of people open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Faith Bible Alliance Church is no exception.

Ray Held, a man with gifts of evangelism and teaching, began visiting a couple in a small community just south of Neosho. After several visits, one of them accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. That believer shared Christ with a neighbor couple, making two homes for Ray to visit and share Christ. That neighbor became a believer and shared Christ with their neighbor. The Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of the people, and after a few years others came to Christ.

Instead of going to each home individually, the Lord led them to start a Bible study. The Holy Spirit caused growth in the new believers. Soon others in the area began to attend the Bible study.

1976 Organizing as a Church

In late 1976 a decision was made to organize as an independent church. They joined the Independent Fundamental Churches of America and in March of 1977 officially became Faith Bible Church. Initially, Ray’s home served as the first place of worship on Sunday mornings where he taught God’s Word. In the summer of 1977, they moved the church to the American Legion Hall in Hustisford.

In the fall of 1977 Rev. Barry Michelson was called to be the first pastor. In 1978 Rev. Gary Halbersma was called to be the congregation’s second pastor.

1979 New Affiliation and New Locations

In 1979 the congregation voted to change their affiliation and joined The Christian and Missionary Alliance. The name of the church was changed to Faith Bible Alliance Church. In 1981, Rev. Robert Bigg’s was called to be the church’s pastor and in 1983 the church relocated to the old Hustisford High School and later that fall to Hustisford Grade School.

1985 Finding a Permanent Home

By the early 1980’s, the congregation had purchased a five-acre lot at the intersection of Highway 60 and Lehman Road, just north of Neosho, WI. Thanks to the grace of God, a growing congregation, and the hard work of many servants in the church, the congregation moved into its new facility in July of 1985.

Standing in front of our God-given new facility is the leadership team God used to bring it all about.

From left to right, John Gallagher, Ric Lisowski, Don Ehley, Ron Becker, Joanne Marquardt, Don Ulik, Garvin Pickhard, Fred Kuck, and Rev. Bob Biggs. (Dave Ehley not pictured.)

1992 Ongoing Ministry

After nine years of ministry, Rev. Biggs transitioned to a new ministry role in Canada. The church was then served in an interim capacity by Major Rothwell Stickley of the Salvation Army. Even though the church was without a full time, resident pastor, the ministry continued to grow through God’s grace and faithfulness.

In 1993, Rev. Steve Fletcher was called to serve as the church’s full-time pastor. To respond to a growing congregation and expanding ministry, the church voted to expand the church facility in 2001- adding Sunday school rooms, an enlarged foyer, updated facilities, and a small gymnasium. In 2011, Pastor Fletcher transitioned out of ministry leadership at FBAC.

2011 Moving Forward

In 2012, Rev. Ken White was installed as the church’s next pastor.

In 2017 the FBAC celebrated the 40th anniversary of the founding of the church and the on-going faithfulness of God.

To respond to the need for addition ministry capacity and pursue new ministry opportunities, Rev. Jeff Thrane joined the ministry team as the Associate Pastor for Family Life in 2016.

Responding to the call of God to a new place of ministry, Rev. White transitioned to a out of ministry leadership at FBAC and in 2017 Rev. Thrane transitioned to the role of Lead pastor.

In 2022, Rev. Fletcher rejoined the ministry of FBAC serving in a part-time capacity as the Associate Teaching Pastor.

The Goodness of God: From the Beginning and Always

Over the last 50 years, the church has seen consistent evidence of the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus Christ. We continue to look to Him to provide leadership for His church. Our hope is that we may continue to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.