Our History
1986-1995 - Building the Foundation
In the summer of 1986, a small group of believers gathered on the campus of Bishop College, unaware that God was planting the seeds of what would become Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. What began as a campus Christian fellowship meeting in Bishop College’s Zale Library soon grew into a unified vision. On September 15, 1986, the church was officially organized, a pastor was elected, and the late Reverend Karry D. Wesley answered the call to lead 539 charter members.
As the congregation grew, Antioch sought a permanent place to worship and found its first long-term home at the Hillcrest Family Life Center on South Hampton Road. By December 1987, the church had established a foundation rooted not just in a physical space, but in faith, community, and a shared commitment to God’s purpose.
1996-2005 - Building the Space
With growth came expansion. Trusting God’s provision, Antioch stepped into a season of bold faith, selling its existing facility while construction of the Antioch Family Life Center was underway. During this transition, Paul Quinn College’s Richard Allen Chapel served as a temporary worship home.
On Mother’s Day in 2002, Antioch moved into its 80,000 square foot Family Life Center, designed to support worship, education, and fellowship. Just two years later, the church celebrated another milestone with the opening of a 54,000 square foot Worship Center seating 2,800 people, marking a new chapter in Antioch’s physical and spiritual growth.
2006-2015 - Building the Community
With space established, Antioch turned its focus outward, deepening its commitment to people and purpose. Ministry opportunities expanded as Brother 2 Brother, Sisters Conferences, and Youth Conferences emerged, creating spaces for spiritual growth, leadership development, and authentic connection. As the church’s reach increased, staff expanded and ministry capabilities flourished, allowing Antioch to serve more effectively both within the congregation and beyond its walls.
This era also marked a pivotal step into media ministry. The establishment of a media department opened new doors, and in the winter of 2007 Antioch entered living rooms across the region through A Word to Live By, a television ministry led by Reverend Dr. Karry D. Wesley. In the fall of 2011, the church paused to celebrate twenty five years of God’s faithfulness, honoring a journey shaped by service, sacrifice, and steadfast belief.
2016-2025 - Building the Future
The future-focused season of Antioch began with gratitude and vision. In the fall of 2016, the church celebrated thirty years of ministry, reflecting on decades of growth while preparing for what was still to come. On September 8, 2019, Antioch experienced a powerful moment of victory with the burning of the deed, symbolizing that the debt on the church property had been fully paid.
Later that year, the church faced a profound transition. Reverend Dr. Karry D. Wesley, who had faithfully led Antioch from its earliest days, entered eternal rest on November 13, 2019. His legacy of leadership, faith, and vision continues to shape the church today. On February 9, 2020, Pastor Chris Wesley was named Senior Pastor, ushering Antioch into a new chapter rooted in continuity and renewed purpose.
During this season, Antioch recentered its values and clarified its mission, establishing what became known as the Antioch DNA and the Antioch Way. This framework has since evolved into the church’s Love Languages, aligning the congregation with a clear vision for the future. Antioch now moves forward with a shared declaration: a community living God’s love by praying, growing, worshiping, and serving together to transform the world. Guided by a mission to love deeply, pray expectantly, serve boldly, worship passionately, and give generously, the message remains clear and unwavering. Love Lives Here.