A Bible-Centered Church in the Heart of Waukegan
Waukegan Community Church, known around Lake County simply as WCC, sits on Grand Avenue on the north side of Waukegan, Illinois, a few blocks from the lakefront. The church launched its first public worship service in June 1990 in partnership with what was then the Baptist General Conference, now known as Converge Worldwide. Since that Sunday morning in 1990 the congregation has grown into a multi-generational, multi-ethnic community that describes itself in one line: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6).
Senior Pastor Dr. Winfred Obleton and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obleton, lead the church with a focus on three words - love God, love people, serve our community - drawn from Matthew 22:37, Matthew 22:39, and Matthew 5:16. That simple mission shapes every program at WCC, from Sunday worship to a free tax-preparation clinic that has served residents from twenty-eight communities for more than two decades.
Sundays at 10:30: A Blend of Contemporary and Traditional
Worship at WCC happens in person and online every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM CST, running until about 12:00 PM. Adult Education classes meet in the hour before the service, from 9:15 to 10:15 AM, and are open to anyone who wants to study the Bible in a smaller setting before corporate worship.
The service itself blends a contemporary style with the richness of tradition. Each Sunday includes uplifting worship, heartfelt prayers, Bible readings, a Christ-centered sermon, a shared statement of faith, and prayers for the church, community, and nation. Communion is celebrated together. Occasionally special elements are added to the worship experience, and the church notes those in advance so first-time guests know what to expect.
The current sermon series at WCC is called Contentment, a biblical exploration of what it means to live with genuine peace and satisfaction while still trusting God for what is ahead. The series pushes back against the idea that contentment comes from having more or achieving more, and points instead toward knowing who God is, trusting His provision, and recognizing His presence in every season.
The service is livestreamed on YouTube, so anyone can worship with WCC from home. Guests who attend in person are welcomed into a relaxed environment where there is no pressure to stand, speak, or be singled out. The dress code is whatever feels comfortable - jeans are common, and "Sunday best" is welcome too.
Kids and Youth: A Place for the Next Generation
WCC places a strong emphasis on raising up children and teenagers in faith. Three programs serve the next generation every Sunday morning, all meeting in the main building at 1016 Grand Avenue.
Kids Ministry
WCC Kids Ministry serves children from nursery age through elementary. At the 10:30 AM service, kids ages 4 to 12 are invited into a vibrant Children's Church after the opening praise. The morning includes age-appropriate worship, Bible lessons, crafts, and small-group time, with dedicated volunteers who are screened and trained to provide a safe, nurturing environment. Parents of infants and toddlers can also arrange baby and child dedications, a public moment when the family and the church commit to guiding a child in faith and love. Parents who want to walk their child through baptism can connect with the Kids Ministry team as well.
Youth Ministry
WCC Youth Ministry welcomes students in grades 7 through 12 every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The schedule opens with arrival and hangout time, moves into youth worship at 10:30, and continues with a message and activity before closing in prayer. The ministry is built around the idea that students grow by participating, not just listening, so conversations, activities, and mentorship are woven into every gathering.
On the third Sunday of each month, students take the lead in the main worship service during Lions Youth Sunday, a worship experience where the next generation leads through music, Scripture, service, and creativity. The afternoon of the third Sunday is set aside as a date for outreach and connection, and the rhythm continues from September through August each year.
Women's Ministry: W.I.N.G.S.
The women's ministry at WCC is called W.I.N.G.S. - Women in Godly Services - and it is led by First Lady Michelle Obleton. WINGS exists to empower women of every age and background through prayer, Bible study, and authentic community. The ministry offers Bible studies, a young girls ministry, outreach, care support, special events, and a connection to the church bookstore.
Meeting times shift throughout the year, with Bible studies, breakfasts, fellowship gatherings, and special events appearing on the calendar at different seasons. One recurring study is Shalom Girl, a study in the Book of Genesis that explores seven women who shaped their world and continue to speak into the church today. Shalom Girl meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in person and on Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 AM online, making it easy for women with different schedules to join.
WINGS also hosts a sewing class for women who want to learn or sharpen practical skills in a welcoming environment, and the ministry maintains a Prayer and Praise wall where members can submit prayer requests and share praise reports.
Men's Ministry and Intentional Manhood
WCC Men's Ministry gathers men who want to grow in faith and build genuine brotherhood. The ministry is built around the conviction that today's men carry a lot of unspoken burdens and need a place where they can show up as they are without comparison or judgment.
The anchor study is Intentional Manhood, a Bible study through the Book of Genesis that meets in person every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The gathering includes food and study, and is designed to give men space to study Scripture together, connect, and engage in meaningful conversation around what it means to live with intention as a follower of Christ.
The men's ministry also runs Football Fellowship afternoons at The Hero Center on South Genesee Street in Waukegan, a relaxed chance for men to gather around the game, share a meal, and build friendships outside the walls of the church.
Millennials and T.H.R.I.V.E.
Two ministries at WCC are designed for adults navigating the middle seasons of life. The Millennials Ministry is shaped around young adults, with Bible-centered discussions that explore real-life topics, open dialogue, and meaningful conversation. Meeting times are listed as TBA, with contact information available through the church office.
The T.H.R.I.V.E. Ministry serves both Christian married couples and singles who want deeper, healthier relationships rooted in faith. The name is an acronym built around six values: Trust, Honor, Respect, Integrity, Virtue, and Encourage. Gatherings happen every other month and include welcome time, icebreakers, real conversations, encouragement and devotionals, and fellowship.
Drama Ministry: One Voice
WCC's creative arts ministry is called One Voice, a drama team that uses storytelling, music, and performance to bring the message of Christ to life. The ministry is directed by Faith Johnson and welcomes anyone willing to try, from seasoned performers to first-timers. One Voice serves during special church services, seasonal productions, and major ministry moments throughout the year, including Christmas and Easter celebrations. Meeting and rehearsal times vary depending on upcoming presentations.
Small Groups and the Rhythm of the Fourth Sunday
Small groups are at the heart of life at WCC. Groups meet on the fourth Sunday of the month, often over a shared meal, and offer a place to study God's Word, pray together, and support one another through the joys and challenges of everyday life. On Small Group Sundays, the church holds a potluck fellowship after the morning worship service, and everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to share.
Beyond the monthly rhythm, WCC also runs a 14 Days of Prayer season twice a year, gathering on a weekday-morning conference prayer line to seek God's direction, strengthen faith, and intercede for families, the church, the community, and the nation. Past themes have included "Being a Disciple: Counting the Real Cost."
Local Outreach: VITA, Grief Share, and Connection
WCC's local outreach is practical, hands-on, and embedded in the life of Lake County.
VITA Tax Assistance
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at WCC has been running for more than twenty-four years. Each tax season from February through April, trained volunteers provide free, confidential tax preparation to individuals and families who might not otherwise be able to afford professional services. The program has served residents from twenty-eight different communities.
Grief Share
Grief Share is a support ministry for people navigating the loss of a loved one. The group meets in person once a week, offers a safe and compassionate space to process grief, and is open to the broader community, including participants from other churches. The ministry equips participants with practical tools for moving forward and provides insights they can share with others walking through loss.
Connection Ministry
The Connection Ministry makes sure that every visitor feels welcomed from the moment they arrive. The team is fully self-funded and prepares for more than two hundred visitors a year with welcome bags, cups, letters, and gift cards. Through the Connection Card system, more than one hundred fifty visitors annually receive a personal thank-you letter and a text message follow-up.
Each One Reach One
Each One Reach One is a relational outreach ministry that encourages members to share their faith naturally within their own circles - family, friends, neighbors, coworkers - through simple acts of invitation and consistent encouragement.
Homegoing Celebrations: Walking With Families in Loss
WCC's Homegoing Celebrations ministry provides funeral and memorial support for families in the Waukegan area. The pastoral team and trained volunteers help with coordinating services, providing pastoral care and grief support, arranging music and worship, planning Scripture readings and tributes, and offering compassionate follow-up in the weeks and months after a loss. The ministry sees every Homegoing as a sacred moment of remembrance and a celebration of the believer's transition into eternal life, and the team approaches each service with sensitivity and cultural respect.
Global Outreach: Africa, Haiti, and Beyond
WCC supports six active missionary efforts across Africa, Haiti, and the United States. Partnerships in Africa include South Africa, Chad, and Eswatini (Swaziland). In Chad, Abel and Priscilla Ndjerareou serve as Christian leaders and educators at a Christian school, mentoring students with biblical foundations and leadership skills. In Haiti, the church supports Christ-centered educational and leadership development work. Closer to home, WCC partners with ministry efforts in Detroit, Michigan, and Round Lake, Illinois.
Locally, the church continues to strengthen relationships within Lake County by partnering with landlords and community leaders, hosting monthly meetings to discuss neighborhood concerns, community needs, safety, and ways to build a healthier environment for families near the church.
Annual Community Events: Harvest Fest and Halls of Fright
Twice a year, WCC opens its campus for events that have become signature moments in the Waukegan community.
Harvest Fest is a free afternoon of fall fun for families. Held on the church grounds at 1016 Grand Avenue, the event features free pumpkins, face painting, pony rides, games, bounce houses, Gospel karaoke by Big Drew, a chili cook-off, giveaways, and food trucks with special meal deals. Harvest Fest is designed as a safe alternative to traditional Halloween trick-or-treating and gives families a welcoming place to enjoy the season together.
Halls of Fright is a live interactive experience that takes guests through ten rooms and ten realities, using live actors, immersive sets, Scripture, and thought-provoking moments to explore real-life choices and spiritual truths. The walk-through is designed not as a haunted house attraction but as a conversation-starter about life, eternity, and faith that stays with guests long after they leave.
Beliefs and Baptism
WCC's beliefs are rooted in Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ. The church holds that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior, that following Him is a lifelong journey, and that His life and teachings shape how members live. Core values include loving God with the whole heart, loving people from every background, growing together in community, and serving the city with humility and purpose.
Baptism at WCC is an open, joyful celebration. The church offers a brief baptism orientation, guidance on what to bring and wear, and support from the pastoral team. Baptisms are open to anyone who has accepted Jesus, at any age, and can include young children through adults. The church also offers child dedications for families who want to make a public commitment to raise their child in the faith without baptizing them.
The Obletons' Calling and the Converge Connection
Dr. Winfred Obleton is the founding and lead pastor of WCC. A native of Detroit, his vision for a Bible-centered, urban-conscious, community-driven church was shaped by firsthand experience of inner-city life. He holds a B.A. in Christian Education from William Tyndale College and both a Th.M. and D.Min. from Dallas Theological Seminary. Before launching WCC, he and Michelle served at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship under the leadership of Dr. Tony Evans.
Pastor Obleton continues to serve Converge Worldwide as the African American Coordinator for Converge MidAmerica and as Coordinator of Transform, a national training initiative for African American pastors. He also partners with Trinity International University, teaching in the Adult REACH Program and supporting The Mosaic Initiative, a strategic effort to engage the Millennial generation in Lake County.
First Lady Michelle Obleton is a published writer whose work includes monthly articles in a Chicago newspaper and a popular blog called Everyday Faith. She serves as Executive Director of Ministries at WCC and as Director of Lions Math and Science Christian Academy, the church's associated Christian school. She also serves on several community boards, including the Waukegan Housing Authority.
Leadership Team
WCC's staff and ministry leaders include:
- Dr. Fred Obleton - Senior Pastor
- Michelle Obleton - Director of Ministries / First Lady
- Jonathan Cadet - Connections Director
- Scharema Hannibal - Music Director
- Faith Johnson - Drama Ministry Director
The WCC Bookstore and Everyday Faith Blogs
The WCC Bookstore, located in the main building, offers Christian books, Bible study resources, ministry materials, WCC apparel, gifts, and select publications from authors within the church family. The bookstore stocks materials for Sunday School classes, WINGS, Men of Integrity, and other church ministries, and the team can also assist with special orders. The shop is open during regular office hours and for one hour after Sunday worship, accepting credit card, check, or cash.
Michelle Obleton writes a weekly blog called Everyday Faith, with posts in categories including Faith and Reflection, Prayer and Encouragement, Christian Living, Faith in Today's World, Stories and Life Lessons, and Inspiration and Growth. The blog is one of several ways members stay connected during the week.
Visiting WCC
WCC is located at 1016 Grand Avenue in Waukegan, Illinois. Parking is available on-site, and greeters are ready to help direct guests to the right space. Adult Education starts at 9:15 AM, with the main worship service beginning at 10:30 AM. Children can stay with their families or join Kids Ministry after the opening praise, and students in grades 7 through 12 have their own gathering in the Youth Ministry.
Guests are invited to come as they are. There is no dress code beyond comfort, no requirement to speak or stand, and no follow-up pressure. The church encourages anyone who is new - or returning after time away - to fill out the Connect Card, either online or in person, so a pastor or ministry leader can reach out and help with the next step.
WCC also operates Lions Mathematics and Science Christian Academy at 1011 Porter Street in Waukegan, an associated Christian school with office hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Giving is available online through SecureGive, by check or cash in the offering basket, by text at (847) 584-1500, or through non-cash gifts such as appreciated stock, retirement accounts, or vehicles. A Building Fund, marked as the Gold Envelope, supports the ongoing care and improvement of the church facility.