Pastor & Mrs. John (Linda) Wilkerson were married in the summer of 1989, and God has blessed them with nine children: Tyler (now in Heaven), Derrick (Gillian), Preston (Ruby), Lydia (Philip), Drew (Lyndsi), Coleman, Judson, Mason, and Lacey. Pastor Wilkerson grew up in Tennessee and was saved as a child. Linda (Francis) grew up in Massachusetts and was also saved as a child. Pastor Wilkerson and Linda met at Hyles-Anderson College. Pastor Wilkerson graduated from Hyles-Anderson College in 1989, and Linda graduated in 1990.

After graduation, Pastor Wilkerson taught at our City Baptist School for one year before moving to California to teach high school at the First Baptist Church of Long Beach. In 1993, he assumed the position of principal of Calvary Christian School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, until returning to California to become the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Long Beach in June of 2000. Church services in English, Korean, and Spanish are conducted there every week. The Sunday school program grew in attendance from 849 to over 1,700 in the 12 years that he was pastor.

In August of 2008, the Wilkersons lost their 17-year-old son Tyler as the result of a car accident. The following Sunday, Pastor Wilkerson preached a sermon entitled, “God Makes No Mistakes.” God has used their testimony to help many hurting families.

In February 2013, Pastor Wilkerson and his family moved back to Indiana, where he currently serves as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hammond and Chancellor of Hyles-Anderson College. Pastor & Mrs. Wilkerson are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren!

Our pastor and his wife have a heart for people and desire to help build individual lives that will strengthen the families of our communities. Our church endeavors to hold on to Bible-based preaching, singing, and a friendly atmosphere. Hymns of faith and a variety of special music grace our services. Our people are here to extend a warm welcome to those looking for a church home. Come visit and let us have the opportunity to get to meet you. A smile and a handshake are guaranteed!