About Our Pastors

Pastor Jim DiPalma is originally from New York City. He has been in ministry preaching the Gospel since the age of 17.  At age 3, he was diagnosed with a kidney disease and spent nearly two years in a hospital bed.  At that time, God’s presence visited his room. Through that supernatural encounter, before his fifth birthday, he was healed and called to the ministry.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and is also the author of two books, ‘The Last Hour Church’ and ‘Covenant Keeping’.

He has a unique calling to bring the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit into the lives of everyday people.  He delivers a timely prophetic word that results in many being refreshed, renewed and restored.

Pastor Joni has been a Chicagoan from birth and in 1986 she and Pastor Jim were married.  She has been by his side ever since.  Together they have two children.  In 1993 they founded World Overcomers Church, which is now Encounter Church. 

About Our Church

Since our first official service on September 5, 1993, God has been faithful to us and evident in His Presence in our services. We began in a rented hotel meeting room located in Elgin, IL and have had other locations throughout our history, ultimately culminating at our current location in Bartlett, IL.

We are Christians that believe in God as our Father, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter! We are here to proclaim that the Lord still mends broken hearts, heals sick bodies, gives hope to the hopeless and power to overcome the trials of life. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! We believe in every promise of God's Word from beginning to end!

As we often say, “We are more than a congregation, we are family!” At Encounter Church we pray that you will truly Encounter Him, Experience His Presence, and forever be changed!

For more information on our vision, what we believe and explanations, click here!