make real disciples
who experience
real change.
Common Questions
Too many people feel stuck in a cycle of ‘when I’m ready… when life slows down… when I’ve got it all together.’ But waiting has a way of turning into wasting. Jesus never called people to follow Him later — He called them to drop their nets now. We exist for people who are tired of putting off real change, real healing, and real purpose.
The time is now.
If you’re done settling for half-hearted faith, we’ll challenge you to take your next step today. If you feel like your prayers have grown cold, we’ll help you pray today. If you’ve been drifting, doubting, or just going through the motions — this is your place to break the cycle. We’re not playing church. We’re here to see lives transformed, families restored, and ordinary people stepping into the extraordinary things God has for them — not someday, but today.
The story of Axess Church
Some moments in life unfold with such perfect timing that they defy mere coincidence. In early 2020, a stirring began at Hobson Road Community Church in Downers Grove, IL. A deep conviction pressed upon its leadership—God was calling them to plant a new church in the western suburbs of Chicago.
At the same time, Garrett Black, their associate pastor, felt an undeniable pull toward something new and uncharted. As he sought God’s direction, his heart aligned with the church’s deepening sense of mission. It wasn’t a question of “if” but “where.” And through prayer, discernment, and a series of unmistakable confirmations, the answer became clear: God was leading Garrett to plant a church in Glen Ellyn, IL.
Thus, Axess Church was born—not as an isolated venture, but as an extension of Hobson Road Community Church’s very heartbeat. The two churches formed a Parent-Affiliated relationship, a structure backed by the Assemblies of God denomination, ensuring that Axess Church would launch with strong spiritual and organizational support.
But this was more than the start of a new church; it was the unfolding of a divine movement. God was weaving together people, places, and purpose, calling Axess Church to serve Glen Ellyn and its neighboring communities—Wheaton, Lombard, and Carol Stream.
On October 2, 2022, Axess Church held its first official worship gathering at the Main St. Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL. That day was not the result of human ambition but God’s design—a gathering of people ready to extend His love and transform their community.
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Garrett Black
Lead Pastor
Garrett holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Northern Seminary in Lisle, IL. In addition to pastoring Axess Church, he is also an assistant-director for content creation at Seminary Now.
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Caleb Vasquez
Media Director
Caleb serves as the media director at Axess Church, where he oversees video production, photography, and digital content for services and events. With a heart for ministry and creativity, he is passionate about using media to help share the Gospel and connect the church community.
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Amber King
Axess Kids Director
Amber King serves as the Axess Kids director at Axess Church, where she’s passionate about creating a fun, safe, and faith-filled environment for children to grow in their relationship with Jesus. With a heart both for kids and families, she’s committed to building a strong foundation of faith for the next generation.
God
God is One, self-revealed to his creation in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). God is fully righteous, holy, and just in all he does. Although there are many false gods and those who claim to be gods, the God of the Bible reigns supreme, creator and ruler of all.
The Bible
The Bible (66 books) is God’s inspired Word — true, relevant, and the only reliable foundation for what we believe and how we live. The Bible is alive and active and unlike any other book in this world. Reading and studying scripture is a daily practice.
Jesus
Jesus, the Son of God, is both fully man and fully God. Born of a virgin, walked the earth in flesh, died on the cross, buried, and raised to life once again in bodily resurrection. He will return again to set all things right and bring about the New Creation of all things. At this time, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.
Salvation
Salvation is by grace, through faith. It is the free gift of God which we cannot earn apart from the saving grace extended to us in Christ Jesus. Although salvation is not earned by works, true salvation will produce good works in our life as the Spirit empowers us to live like Jesus. All that we freely receive in this gift of salvation, we freely give to those around us.
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is fully God, present in eternity with the Father and the Son. He is the advocate sent to us by Jesus to dwell within us, bring new life to the children of God, convict the world of sin, and much more. He is worthy of our praise and worship.
Communion & Baptism
We practice full immersion water baptism and communion in accordance with the Biblically assigned sacraments. Anyone who has confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord is eligible to receive communion and be water baptized. You do not need to be a member of our church to receive communion. We do not water baptize infants, as they are not yet able to make their own confession to follow Jesus. We do practice infant dedication to the Lord, like Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1.
Gifts of the Spirit
The gifts of Spirit, as outlined in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 are still in operation today and available for each member of the Body of Christ. We affirm the gifts of prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, and miracles. Additionally, we seek the five ministry offices that Jesus has given to his church as outlined in Ephesians 4 (Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists).
Additionally, we emphasize the necessity of the Baptism of Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues for each believer. Although this is not necessary for salvation, it is a vital endowment of the Spirit’s power for victory in this life.
The Church
The Church is Christ’s bride, for whom he will return for in the end. It is the people of God as distinguished by the mark of the Holy Spirit and water baptism. Gathering as the local church is not optional, but a vital part of one’s growth and establishment as a follower of Christ.
What do we believe?
You’re welcome here! There are many people at Axess Church from Catholic backgrounds — and we honor that. Historically, the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements didn’t start to replace Catholicism but to renew the church by re-emphasizing the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, just like the early Christians experienced in the Book of Acts.
Did you know there was a Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the 1960s when Catholics around the world experienced the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit — speaking in tongues, prophecy, healings — just like what we see today. Millions of Catholics today still practice these gifts within the Catholic Church, which has never condemned this renewal. In fact, multiple Popes (Paul VI, John Paul II, and Pope Francis) have supported the renewal, recognizing it as legitimate.
So if you grew up Catholic, you’ll probably recognize much of our faith — the Bible, prayer, the Trinity, salvation through Jesus — but you’ll also experience a fresh emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives today.
You don’t have to abandon your past to find what God has for you today. You’re welcome to come, see, and decide at your own pace.
What if I’m Catholic?
Just so there is no confusion upfront, we are not an affirming church. But, we offer this section as an open invitation to any and all who may consider themselves to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. For those of you who choose to come to our church despite our differences, this is what we can promise you:
You are wanted here.
You will be loved like everyone else.
You will not be judged or looked at differently.
You will be valued and respected.
You will be invited back.
If you’d prefer to meet with a pastor before visiting the church, as this would be easier for you, we’d love to do that. Just send us a message to set that up.
What if I’m gay?
Energy
Axess Church is a high-energy church from top to bottom. You will hear a mix of gospel music and Christian pop music over the speakers before and after service. When worship begins, people will raise their hands, sing out loud, move around the space, and worship on their knees. Our worship is a little on the louder end, and that’s by design. We do have ear plugs available if it’s too loud for you though.
What should I expect?
Community
You will be greeted by multiple people, starting from the moment you get to the door. Before service, people will introduce themselves to you. After worship, we take a brief break for people to connect with each other. Also, you will be invited to get Raising Cane’s with the pastor. We call this Party with the Pastor.
Encounter
We strive to create an atmosphere where people encounter the presence of God. Each Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, we pray that God would encounter you in a powerful way. While you’re getting ready, we’re setting the atmosphere for God to show up. On top of that, each week you can receive prayer from our trained prayer team immediately after the message.