The History Of AWLC Ministries
Agape Wholisitic Life Changing Ministries is an Apostolic ministry which was newly organized under the leadership of Pastor Earnest L. Deas in 2009. We will forever remain indebted to our former Presider, Bishop Edward Smith, Bishop Paul Johnson, and the Progressive Church organization for their gracious handling of our formal move to Agape Ministries.
Our ministry began in October, 1975 with Brother Earnest Deas teaching Bible study in the home of Sis. Grace McGill for nearly two years. After that time the church rented various facilities in the Atlanta area for nearly 10 years before purchasing its present edifice at 2857 Zane Grey Drive in March, 1985.
The purchase of our present edifice was a miracle within itself, because the congregation consisted of a very few faithful members, and the tithes and offering were even less. On the way to the closing for the church purchase, we didn’t have enough funds to complete the transaction, but after a month of fasting, preaching and teaching on faith, God showed up and demonstrated what faith in Him could do and the closing was completed. Mr. Dave Parrish, the initial mortgage holder, had never met Minister Deas prior to him requesting the mortgage loan to purchase the church. However, God granted Minister Deas favor with Mr. Parrish and the loan was granted. After paying Mr. Parrish consistently, Mr. Parrish volunteered to remove $30,000 off our mortgage if we paid the balance in full. We paid Mr. Parrish in full, and our former parent church became our mortgagor. Our mortgage was later paid in full, March 2000.
The church has had many tests and trials during its years of ministry. However God showed us many victories as we remained faithful to Him. We were able to completely renovate the main sanctuary, purchased new pews and pulpit furniture, install central air and heating upstairs and downstairs, renovate downstairs, create a new pastor’s office, furnish all of the offices, pave the parking lot, establish a church library, purchase a church van, and give benevolent offerings to those in need. The church’s value is now 10 times what we initially paid! Our current goals include expanding the ministry to further provide training, jobs, and social services to those in need, especially those of the household of faith.
The name Agape Wholisitic Life Changing Ministries was derived from our church’s motto, “A Church Where Love Abounds.” Agape Ministries held its first service on Sunday, April 1, 2012, however we have been ministering to God’s people for over 40 years. Although we now have a new name, and have established a new ministry, we remain the same people, preaching the same Word and are focused on building the Kingdom of God and ministering to the whole person. We praise God for what He has done and is doing. We thank and praise God for a pastor of GREAT faith, and VISION!! The Lord continues to add souls to the church and the people of God are growing through the word of God!!
Please be sure to check our web site regularly as we continue to grow.
Our ministry began in October, 1975 with Brother Earnest Deas teaching Bible study in the home of Sis. Grace McGill for nearly two years. After that time the church rented various facilities in the Atlanta area for nearly 10 years before purchasing its present edifice at 2857 Zane Grey Drive in March, 1985.
The purchase of our present edifice was a miracle within itself, because the congregation consisted of a very few faithful members, and the tithes and offering were even less. On the way to the closing for the church purchase, we didn’t have enough funds to complete the transaction, but after a month of fasting, preaching and teaching on faith, God showed up and demonstrated what faith in Him could do and the closing was completed. Mr. Dave Parrish, the initial mortgage holder, had never met Minister Deas prior to him requesting the mortgage loan to purchase the church. However, God granted Minister Deas favor with Mr. Parrish and the loan was granted. After paying Mr. Parrish consistently, Mr. Parrish volunteered to remove $30,000 off our mortgage if we paid the balance in full. We paid Mr. Parrish in full, and our former parent church became our mortgagor. Our mortgage was later paid in full, March 2000.
The church has had many tests and trials during its years of ministry. However God showed us many victories as we remained faithful to Him. We were able to completely renovate the main sanctuary, purchased new pews and pulpit furniture, install central air and heating upstairs and downstairs, renovate downstairs, create a new pastor’s office, furnish all of the offices, pave the parking lot, establish a church library, purchase a church van, and give benevolent offerings to those in need. The church’s value is now 10 times what we initially paid! Our current goals include expanding the ministry to further provide training, jobs, and social services to those in need, especially those of the household of faith.
The name Agape Wholisitic Life Changing Ministries was derived from our church’s motto, “A Church Where Love Abounds.” Agape Ministries held its first service on Sunday, April 1, 2012, however we have been ministering to God’s people for over 40 years. Although we now have a new name, and have established a new ministry, we remain the same people, preaching the same Word and are focused on building the Kingdom of God and ministering to the whole person. We praise God for what He has done and is doing. We thank and praise God for a pastor of GREAT faith, and VISION!! The Lord continues to add souls to the church and the people of God are growing through the word of God!!
Please be sure to check our web site regularly as we continue to grow.