A Look at our church history………
The founder, Elder Raymond Cooper was called to the preaching ministry in 1980. Elder Cooper was saved in 1967 under the pastorage of Elder E. McGilvery Jr. at the Prayer Tower COGIC. He proved to be a loyal and faithful worker for the kingdom of God. He served in the local church as the YPWW president for a number of years and later as the Sunday School Superintendent. His gift made room for him and was appointed to the position of deacon in 1976 and as the Chairman of Finance.
He accepted the call to the preaching ministry in 1980, and was ordained an Elder in the Texas Northwest COGIC Jurisdiction in 1982. Pastor E. McGilvery Jr. noting his love and concern for the well being of the pastor and church appointed him to be the first assistant to him in 1982. He served faithfully until the Lord called him to pastoral ministry. In the winter of 1983, Elder Cooper consulted his pastor about the plans God had established in his heart, “The Way of Life Church.” Elder McGilvery Jr. prayed God’s blessings upon him for the mission God had ordained.
Elder Cooper, along with his wife Missionary Margaret Cooper was led to a five-room house on an 87x150 feet corner lot located at 4928 Trentman. After paying the down payment, they begin renovating it for a house of worship.
The first service for the newly organized congregation of The Way of Life Church was January 29, 1984 with the Craig family uniting in the service of the Lord. Within a few days, Mother Ruby Turner and Deaconess Pearline Mayberry joined in the ministry of the church and remained until they were called home to be with the Lord. God blessed and the church property was paid off in 10 years. Since then a new edifice was built in December 1999 with parking facilities across the street and named “The Way of Life Ministries”.
On April 26, 2003, Missionary Margaret Cooper went home to be with the Lord. Missionary Margaret Cooper’s dedication and faithfulness to the work of the Lord not only at The Way of Life Ministries but where ever she saw a need will never be forgotten.
Pastor Raymond Cooper continued in his calling and work for the Lord with the church family by his side. In April 2007 Pastor Raymond Cooper married Missionary Helen Jo Collins of Fort Worth, Texas. Missionary Helen Jo Collins-Cooper had served under the leadership of Superintendent Robert E. Sample of The Holy Tabernacle COGIC for thirty years. Missionary Helen Jo Collins-Cooper served the Holy Tabernacle church faithfully in ministries including Evangelism, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Worship Leader, Church Choir, Prayer Meeting Leader, Hospitality President and Decorating Coordinator.
Missionary Helen Jo Collins-Cooper worked along side Elder Raymond Cooper till he was called home to be with the Lord on October 16, 2011. The Way of Life Ministries continued under the leading of the Lord and with much prayer.
Elder Timothy David Henderson was selected by the church body to become pastor of The Way of Life Ministries. Elder Timothy Henderson was ordained in 1996. He had spent the last twelve years serving under the leadership of Superintendent Charles Ray Beard of the Assured Faith COGIC in Fort Worth, Texas. Elder Timothy Henderson served the church loyally in various ministries including Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday Worship Leader, Church Officer, Evangelism, Prayer Meeting Leader, Bible Study Teacher, Pulpit Coordinator and District Chaplain.
Elder Timothy Henderson was led to accept the charge to become pastor of The Way of Life Ministries. On March 4, 2012, Elder Timothy Henderson along with his wife Sis. Arzetta Marie Henderson officially became the Pastor and First Lady of The Way of Life Ministries. Along with their son Darius Henderson (D. J.) they have been a blessing to the ministry.
On October 18, 2014, Missionary Helen Collins Cooper went home to be with the Lord. Missionary Helen Collins Cooper’s faithfulness and dedication to the work of the Lord and to the members of The Way of Life Ministries will never be forgotten. ....."God Is Faithful".
God has set his approval on this ministry and has continued to bless the church. The Way of Life Ministries is thankful to God for His infinite and eternal love toward us. We continue to pray that Christ leads us and dwells in all our hearts through faith.
The church maintains that “Holiness is the Way of Life” that God requires according to the Word of God. Many souls have been blessed and some has gone on to other works, however everyone that has been a part of this ministry will always be a vital part of the grand history of….
“The Way of Life Ministries”