The Faith Community Assembly was “born” from the Zion Tabernacle Pentecostal Church in May 2005. Pastor Odelia Simpson was the pastor of “Zion Tabernacle”. Upon her request to retire, Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, Diocesan of the Illinois District Council asked Eld. Kenneth L. Gogins of his interest in becoming the pastor in this location.
Eld. Gogins and his wife relocated from the Chicagoland area in April 2005. The installation as pastor of Eld. Gogins took place in June 2005.
The church was renamed Faith Community Assembly of the Apostolic Faith Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. in 2006.
Since its inception, Faith Community Assemblies has established the following ministries:
Christian Education, Helping Hands, Marriage and Family Counseling, Faith Community Education Institute and FCEI (an adult education program).
Faith Community Assembly (FCA) is located on the near west side of Decatur, Illinois. We endeavor to reach those beyond the church walls to include those who live within the neighboring areas.
Our theme: One service in the house of the living God can change your entire life!
Former Pastor Kenneth L. Gogins(deceased 2022) and Lady Norma Gogins
Pastor Gogins was born and raised in the City of Chicago. He is a retired Chicago public utility executive with 34 years of service.
Pastor Gogins served in the United States Army 1968-1970.
Pastor Gogins served as interim pastor/teacher while in the military; under the auspices of the United Pentecostal Church, Frankfort, Germany, 1969-1970.
Prior to moving to Decatur, Illinois, Pastor Gogins served as Interim Director of Pastoral Care at University of Illinois, Chicago Medical Center –1997-2004.
Pastor Gogins has been in the ministry for over 40 years. He is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW, Inc.), since 1974.
His educational accomplishments include: 1979 BA Business Administration –Governors State University 1982 Certification in Christian Counseling – Chicago School of Ministry 1994 M.A. Theological Studies – McCormick Theological Seminary 2003 D.Min. Pastoral Care and Counseling – G.M.O.R. E. Theological Seminary
Pastor Gogins served faithfully as choir director and minister at the Apostolic Faith Church, Chicago, Illinois under the pastorate of Late Bishop John S. Holly until 1979.
Pastor Gogins continued at the Apostolic Faith Church, Chicago, Illinois as an assistant to the Pastor, Dr. Horace E. Smith 1980-2000.
He later served as an Associate Minister and Manager of Finances at the True Holiness Pentecostal, under the pastorate of Eld. Harm Jackson, Chicago, Illinois-2000-2004.
Pastor Gogins accepted the call to minister in Decatur, Illinois as extended by Bishop Arthur M. Brazier in January, 2005. He was installed as pastor of Zion Tabernacle (now Faith Community Assembly) in June, 2005.
Pastor Kenneth L. Gogins, also, serves as Director of Faith Community Educational Institute (FCEI) Adult Education.
Lady Norma F. Gogins has been a public school teacher for over 25 years. She retired in the year 2000 as Attendance Dean from Bloom High School District #206 in Chicago Heights, Illinois.
Her accomplishments include:
1974 B.S. Business Education-Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois
1974-present—Illinois State Teaching Certificate Grades 6-12
1979 M.S.—Education/Administration & Supervision-Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois
1979 – Illinois State Administrative Certificate Type 75 Endorsement
1979-1994 – Bloom High School, District #206, Chicago Heights, Illinois
2003-2004 —Brothers Keeper Community Resource Center, Chicago, Illinois--Administrator/Program Manager
2004-2005 – Marion Williams Bible Institute, Dixmoor, Illinois – Adult Education Instructor
2005-present—Faith Community Educational Institute, Decatur, Illinois; Lead Instructor/Administrator
2006-present—Decatur Public School, District #61, Decatur, Illinois; Substitute Administrator.
Lady Norma F. Gogins is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW, Inc.), since 2009.
She presently serves as the Assistant Pastor at Faith Community Assembly Decatur, Illinois.
Former Pastor Kenneth L.(deceased 2022) and Evangelist Lady Norma F. Gogins were married in November, 1964. They have two adult children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They moved to Decatur, Illinois in 2005 from the Chicago area to assume the pastorate of the Zion Tabernacle Pentecostal Pastor Kenneth L. Gogins was born and raised in the City of Chicago. He is a retired Chicago public utility executive with 34 years of service.