Abundant Life Church of God in Christ

Our History

After many years of being saved, praying, and seeking the Lord for direction, the Lord led Elder Hawkins to the property that would become Abundant Life Church of God In Christ while he was out working on his daily occupation in November 1999. When he saw the for sale sign on the property, the Lord gave Elder Hawkins a vision that this was the place that he would begin the ministry in which he was called. Immediately, Elder Hawkins went to his pastor, Bishop James M. Scott Sr., seeking godly advice and wisdom. Then, they both went to view and check out the building and property. With confirmation from the Lord, Bishop James M. Scott sr agreed that this property at 3001 N. Chamberlain ave, would be a great investment for the future in furthering the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While pursuing and purchasing the building, the Lord blessed in miraculous ways, showing forth His confirmation and favor througout the process. Not only was Elder Hawkins blessed to obtain the building and property, but an additional lot was given to him from the owner to be used for parking in the rear. After many months of renovation, this vacant and former Upholstery building was transformed into a beautiful sanctuary for worship and praise. By January 2000, Abundant Life Church of God In Christ was birthed and our first service and dedication was held later that year in October.

Never Stagnant in the work of God, the Lord continued to bless the church, supplying our need for a church van for our children and other souls desiring to come to church. In 2010, the Lord blessed Abundant Life to purchase the property directly across the street. This was a definite asset to the church! All the while, God had laid on the Pastor's heart a desire to enlarge the church. God granted that desire. In February 2011, while on his way to church, the Lord gave Pastor Hawkins a vision of the old existing building and told him "It's time to move." While being obedient to the spirit and voice of the Lord, Pastor Hawkins started by faith pursuing the vision that the Lord had given him. Each step was a step of faith with God opening every door that man tried to close. In March 2011, a ground breaking ceremony was held and in teh following month, the foundation was laid for what would become Abundant Life's new sanctuary. The former sanctuary was converted into a fellowship area for the saints and for more community involvement making sure to be good stewards of God's blessings toward us.

Although those months of expansion weren't easy, however, with much prayer and perseverance, we knew God had done it before and he could do it again. God blessed Abundant Life Church of God in Christ church family to march into our NEW sanctuary in April 2013. following the leading of the Lord and adhering to the CDC guidlines, in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Abundant Life sanctuary doors were closed for 16 months. The doors were closed on the brick and mortar building, but the CHURCH and the ministry continued on social media and via zoom. The saints contined to worship, praise, and magnify our God like never before. God blessed the Abundant Life church family to reunite in person in July 2021, with no members succumbing to the Covid Virus. God and his faithfulness to Abundant Life enabled the church to pay off the mortgage in December 2023.

The Lord has certainly set his approval on this ministry and has added to the church. The Gospel is being preached, souls are being saved, sick bodies being healed, the Joy of the Lord is being restored, and strength is being renewed. To God be the Glory!