make real disciples
who experience
real change.
Too many people have grown up in the church, only to leave later in life.
They never encountered the real Jesus. Once you do, your life is never the same. There is no going back. Jesus becomes everything, all-consuming, all-transforming.
It’s time for the real thing. It’s not always easy and it’s not always glamorous, but it’s what we were created for. There is nothing more satisfying then walking in your purpose.
Values drive us
God’s Word is our Foundation
Without the Bible, we are a lie. God has revealed his will and his unchanging chracter to us through the Bible. We stand on this conviction and base our entire value system around the teachings of the Bible.
Prayer is our Plan
God has given us a beautiful gift in prayer. Because of Jesus we have direct access to God’s throne. But prayer is more than that. It’s our life source and connection with the almighty God. It’s our first option, not our last resort. In all things we will pray.
Servanthood is our Platform
In a social media world where like counts and followers rule, we seek a different platform. It was the one that Jesus sought, and it’s called being a servant of many. In this kingdom, the least are the greatest.
Generosity is our Privilege
As Jesus said, “...Freely you have received; freely give.” In view of Jesus’ sacrifice and generosity towards us, we are generous with what God has given us as individuals and as a church.
Jesus is our Model
Jesus lived a life full of miracles and sacrifice. He did not do this just for us to watch, but he has called us to follow him and do the same. Jesus is our model. We will live like he lived because who wouldn’t want to live like a king?
Excellence is our Approach
We give our utmost for the most high. To this day, scientists marvel at the intricacy and ingenuity of this world and our human bodies. That’s because the creator did so with excellence. Everything God does is with excellence, so why would lower the bar?
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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 & Outreach Director
Caleb handles media capture and publishing for Axess Church. Additionally, he organizes and recruits volunteers for outreaches and events that Axess Church is a part of in Glen Ellyn.
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Keilah Jude
Axess Kids Team Lead
Keilah is currently working on her Master’s in Bible and Theology at Wheaton College. Keilah has also spent time doing missions at Roland and Hedid Baker’s Harvest School of Ministry in Mozambique, Africa.
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.
FAQ
We’ve got answers to your most pressing questions.
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We aim for one hour total. Our times are fulfilling and motivating to continue discovering all of who God is.
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You will be set up with one of our hospitality team members who will meet you at the door when you arrive. They will tell you a little about our Welcome Center where we will have a gift waiting for you!
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If possible, bring a Bible with you! We believe in the Bible and love having it with us on Sunday. If you don’t have one, not a problem!
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Wear what you’d like! There is not dress code at Axess. Sandals, button downs, overalls, whatever.
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Absolutely! Sometimes it’s best to go somewhere new with someone you know, so bring a friend or family along if you’d like.
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We’d love to answer them for you, just email info@axesschurch.com