After serving 40 years in the ministry, Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer retired as pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church. His successor is the Rev. Dr. John-Paul C. Foster, a man devoted to God and completely trusting in His guidance to lead the congregation in its next season.
Installed as pastor in January 2023, Foster joined the FCBC ministerial staff in 2015 after serving in ministry since 2005. Heading a megachurch and following a world-renowned theologian could be daunting, but this new pastor is embracing the opportunity to serve.
“My entire journey in life has been saying ‘yes’ to God. The preparation [to this point] was multifaceted, God navigating my steps personally and God bringing tremendous men and women into my life,” said Foster, who earned his Bachelor’s degree at Biola University, Master’s degree at Talbot Theological Seminary, and Doctorate degree from Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.
“When I came to Faithful Central, what greater teacher or mentor could you ask for than Bishop Ulmer? I know people would pay good money to experience the type of mentorship that I’ve been blessed to have.”
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And in response to comments such as, “You have big shoes to fill,” the pastor reminds people that not only is Ulmer still wearing his own shoes “and he’s wearing them pretty good,” but also that God gave Foster his own shoes and he’s trusting in the same God that blessed the bishop during 40 years of pastoral service.
Guided by that perspective, Pastor Foster’s focus is on the implementing programs and projects that will benefit the congregation and community. While spiritual healing and growth remains the ultimate goal, he is also tailoring resources to address the wholistic needs of people.
“When people think about Faithful Central, I want them see us as a place where they and their families can thrive,” insisted Foster, as he went on to list activities that the FCBC Community Development Corporation will concentrate on in the coming year.
“In this next season, we are going to open a child development center on our parking lot with a
new playground and basketball court. We want to give the community an opportunity for their children to thrive here,” the pastor said.
“Also, we recently opened the first smart health device in a kiosk inside of our church. That kiosk can help save people’s lives from heart attacks and strokes,” he explained.
The kiosk will gauge various dietary levels, suggest exercise tips, and recommend a doctor’s visit if needed. Also, community members can access the kiosk as well as congregants.
Foster and FCBC leaders will also focus on mental health awareness to address issues such as postpartum depression and mental concerns that men face. The church has partnered with Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, and Biola Universities to provide opportunities for student practitioners to provide therapy to those in need and conduct seminars to educate the community about the importance of mental health.
Another initiative Foster aims to expand on is the FCBC STEM program to help young people excel in those subjects and he plans to further enhance the church’s scholarship efforts, which distributes hundreds of financial awards to students.
“Again, I would love for people to see Faithful Central as a place where they can thrive in every area of life And they’re going to get the Word,” said Foster.
“Our major pillars are family, community discipleship, community engagement, and outreach. And I think if we can stick to those things and do them well, I think that Faithful Central will be the place where people are thriving for the future,” he noted.
No matter what the future holds, Pastor Foster will be motivated by his favorite scripture – Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” He’ll also follow his mantra – “stay humble and stay hungry.”
“I understand that God has called me to do this and it’s a privilege and an honor. He can use anyone, so don’t take it for granted. Give it everything you have, no matter what,” advised the pastor.
“My goal is to honor God and glorify God in everything I do every single day. I know if I can do that, the people will be blessed and ultimately God will be glorified.”
Hear Pastor John-Paul Foster at the 18th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage.
To learn more about Faith Central Bible Church, visit faithfulcentral.com.
