WHO WE ARE

 

International Church is a community of people who want to know and follow Jesus. Our Church Ohana exists to love and serve Christ, Oahu and you!

 

We are people who have been changed by the Gospel – the Good News – about Jesus and we want to live out and share this good news with others.

 

International Church has been loving and serving the people of Oahu and reaching them with the gospel for over 50 years and we look forward to continuing that ministry and being about God’s kingdom for many more years to come!

OUR STORY

 

The story of a church can hardly be summarized in a few short words. Ours is the story of God and the story of people. Many folks have come and gone over the five decades of life, but God has been faithful and generous toward us through it all. Here is the story as told through the leaders God has brought to International.

 

In 1966 God led Dr. James Cook to found International Baptist Church, which began meeting in the International Center (now called the ‘Blaisdell Center’), as part of the Conservative Baptist Association of Churches (now called the ‘Pacific Church Network‘). Two years in God miraculously provided a special property for the congregation along the Pali Highway, just 2.7 miles from downtown Honolulu. Through Dr. Cook’s vision and leadership the International College and Graduate School was launched. If you would like to read more about Dr. Cook’s life and the early years of our church we highly recommend reading his biography, Under His Majesty’s Command.

 

Our second pastor, Dr. Dick Lindeman, completed the three-story education wing and offices during his time on Oahu. Then God sent our third pastor, the Rev. David Witila in 1994. After serving for many years the Lord then brought Dr. Stan Ponz, the Founder and President of Make It Clear Ministries, to lead International through its next season. Dr. Ponz served faithfully for over a decade and recently left the island to follow the Lord’s call to serve as the President of Florida Bible College.

 

Now Rev. Scott Custer is serving as the Lead Pastor after assuming the position in early 2016. While he is new to the island he has family roots here and at International Church. Scott’s father played football at Radford High School and became a Christ-follower through the ministry of International Church in 1971. He later attended International’s College and Graduate school, while Scott’s mother received a Nursing degree from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. His parents became missionaries in 1979 with WorldVenture and have been supported by International Church ever since. Scott is very excited to be ‘at home’ on Oahu and serving at International Church with his wife and four daughters. 

 

The future is bright and exciting as God continues to move in and through us for the purposes of his glory, his kingdom, and his gospel. We look forwarding leading people into life-changing relationships with Jesus Christ through our love and service. 

 

 

 

WHAT WE BELIEVE  |  LOCATION & TIMES  |  OUR STAFF  |  GET CONNECTED

New to International?

Join us for our next Discover International class. On a Sunday after church, we’ll share a meal together and tell you more about who we are, what we value and how you can join the faith family at International.

 

This class is the best first step into the life of our church.
Plus… did we mention free lunch?