Our History

Life Church began as Colonial Heights Assembly of God in 1965. The first service was held on August 6, 1965, in the Colonial Heights Community Center.

The new congregation met there for 20 months, growing both spiritually and numerically, under the leadership of Founding Pastor Willie Tatem. During this time, property was purchased on Temple Avenue on which to construct a church building. A ground breaking service was conducted December 11, 1966, and in a few months the building began to take shape for worship. The first service was held in the new sanctuary on May 28, 1967. God continued to bless the Church and in November of 1969 excavation began for a two-story Sunday school addition. This building was completed and ready for use the first Sunday of October 1970. Pastor Willie Tatem, and his wife, Donna, served the congregation from 1965 to 1976.

At this time, Rev. Clifford Burroughs and wife, Virginia, became part of God’s plan to bless Colonial Heights Assembly of God. Pastor Burroughs was pastor until early 1980. During his pastorate the indebtedness of the church was paid off and plans were made to construct a third building, a larger sanctuary to accommodate the growing fellowship of believers.

In August of 1980 Rev. Larry and Jane Briggs assumed the pastorate. They served faithfully through June of 1988. In February 1981, the church voted to sell the Temple Avenue church building and property in order to purchase 22 acres of land on Harrowgate Road in southern Chesterfield County. To accommodate the needs of the growing congregation, a new sanctuary which included new educational facilities was completed in 1985.

In 1986 plans were formulated for the construction of an 11,000 sq. ft. Family Life Center that would provide additional classrooms and a gymnasium. The Family Life Center would also accommodate the Ministry of Evangel Christian School. In August of 1987 Evangel Christian School opened its first year with an enrollment of 97 in classes from K-4 thru the 9th grade. The Family Life Center was completed in May of 1988.

In 1990, Rev. Bob Duncan became the pastor. He and his wife, Paulette, pastored the church through 1998. During the time of his ministry two Assembly of God churches were planted. Those churches are still in existence today. Also, during this time the school flourished reaching upward of 220 students. They faithfully served God with their gifting.

Rev. Gary and Charlotte Jenkins were called to serve as interim pastors in 1998. Then, in 1999, Pastor Jenkins was elected to become Senior Pastor. Under Pastor Jenkins, cell group ministry was established and ministry to the homeless became an outreach ministry. The church was deeply saddened by the sudden death of this beloved pastor.

Rev. J. Paul Furrow was elected Senior Pastor in April of 2000. He and his wife Shirley still serve in that capacity. During his ministry the church and school facilities have been refurbished. The parking lot has also been expanded and refurbished. The name of the church, Colonial Heights Assembly of God, was changed to Life Church in 2008 to depict who we are and where we’re headed as a church family.

God continues to write the story of Life Church. The ministry continues under a wonderful anointing of the Holy Spirit. God has supplied our needs in every area. We live in anticipation of our bright future and coming Hope.

Come be part of the next move of God. Help us make history by taking HIStory to the world.