Our Founding
Morning Star Church began in Rockford, IL, with a small group of people committed to living their lives under the governance of the Word of God. In 2002 a group of like-minded believers met and prayed for God's leading in regard to establishing a gospel-driven, Word-centered congregation. Soon after they began meeting, the group called Bob Bixby to serve as their first lead pastor. Together, they founded Morning Star Baptist Church. For twelve years, Pastor Bob led the church faithfully, as the congregation of Morning Star grew and multiplied under the faithful preaching of the Word of God.
The Early Years
Morning Star began meeting in Burritt Township Hall in 2002. God provided this perfect meeting space for the congregation. After several years in the town hall, the congregation outgrew that space and began leasing space in a commercial building on Sandy Hollow Road. During this time, our church body grew greatly in health and in number. We also called Jeremy Scott and Jess Miller as pastors, to serve alongside Pastor Bob.
In time, the leaders of the congregation felt burdened to move into downtown Rockford. For the next several years, the church began actively pursuing ministry in the downtown area, first from a building on Kishwaukee Avenue, then from the Mendelssohn Center on North Main Street, and most recently from Calvary Lutheran Church in the midtown district.
We desire to be a church in the city, committed to the city for the sake of the gospel. Our prayer is that God will help us love this place and will help us love and reach the people in this place.
Photo Galleries
Photos from Burritt Township Hall
Photos from Outdoor Gatherings
