Our Name
The name United Faith was given to Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago by the Lord in 2006 as they prayerfully sought His will for the future church that He would entrust to them. God gave specific instructions as to how He wanted to run this church and promised to be with them every step of the way. Since that time, United Faith Church has been molded and shaped by God, moving together as a family of believers truly united in faith for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ - and God has kept his promise by remaining with HER every step of the way.
the journey
Every journey has a beginning. Abraham’s journey began when God called him out of his familiar surroundings and set him apart to raise up a generation to follow God.
Our journey and history of United Faith Church in Barnegat, New Jersey began in a similar way when God called Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago out over 30 years ago to teach others to keep the way of the Lord.
“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”
THE CALL
It all started with a willingness to answer God’s call to the children’s church ministry of their home church. Over the next few years that they faithfully served in this ministry, God planted an eternal vision in their hearts to raise up a young generation that would honor the Lord. Shortly after, God blessed them with a youth ministry of their own.
Many fun-filled nights and pool parties were held at the Santiago’s home for the youth that grew into a group of more than 50 kids. This then expanded into many other facets of church leadership, including discipleship for young adults, mentoring, counseling, preaching, ministries in healing and prayer, assisting in church planting, as well as establishing churches abroad.
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction”
Sold out to the Lord, the Santiagos were then commissioned to establish United Faith Church which today includes multiple youth and young adult ministries, children’s church and nursery classes, leadership ministry school, men’s and women’s ministries, Sunday services, Bible studies, music and media ministries, and prayer ministries… not only here, but in our church plant ‘Tegus’ as well!
GOD'S PRESENCE
Since it was established in 2006, United Faith Church has learned how to worship God in the place He has chosen, much like the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.
From our first church services under a tent, to services in hotels, community centers, schools, on the beach, in backyards, and now in our own church building, we have learned the true meaning of church: a gathering of people to worship God His way, not our way.
We are witnesses today of the miracle of transformed lives that has come through learning to worship God His way so that His Name and His presence would remain with us forever.
“But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go.”
FOLLOW ME AS I FOLLOW CHRIST
Sixteen years after accomplishing the mandate from the Lord, the Santiagos have grown to be an example as a family in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Today, their children as well as their children's spouses, serve not only as competent leaders in United Faith Church, but as successful leaders in diverse careers as well. This family has shown to demonstrate to the church their great love for God as they and their spouses, along with their children, follow in the footsteps of their parents in serving the Lord. This has encouraged the church to also follow in their footsteps and declare that the generations belong to the Lord.
The journey continues as the church’s vision expands and grows to accomplish great things for the glory of God.