On December 31, 1964, when Bill Herald was eight years old, he knelt beside his bed and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior following a New Year’s Eve service at his church. When Bill was fifteen years old, while attending youth camp at Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, Ohio he answered God’s call to surrender his life to full time ministry. He told the Lord that he would do whatever God wanted him to do. He has been on this journey ever since.

Phylis joined him on the journey June 25, 1977. God blessed them with three children, Kristi, Adam and Billy Jr. And then four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Anna, Graham, and Savannah. Bill began his ministry as a youth pastor in Oregon, Ohio. His first lead pastorate was in Scottsville, Kentucky. Since then, Bill and Phylis have led churches in Kentucky and Illinois. September 2017 Bill accepted the pastorate of First Baptist Church, Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Bill received his training at Baptist Bible College, Springfield, Missouri. His love for God’s Word is evident as he preaches. He is a gifted communicator and storyteller who is able to hold the attention of both children and adults. His preaching style is Bible exposition with history and current events, delivered with animation and a touch of humor.

Pastor Bill's Office Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
8AM - Noon

Thursday
Miscellaneous

Friday
Off

There are times when Pastor Bill will need to meet with someone or do visitations during office hours. Please call the office before coming in to make sure Pastor is here. If you need to speak with Pastor Bill outside of the office hours, please call 815-459-2731 or send an email to billherald@fbccl.com and he will arrange a time to meet with you.