Our Foundation

Just prior to the armistice marking the end of World War 1, in July of 1918, the Rev. Frank Gray, part-time wheat farmer and part-time preacher, responded to the invitation by a group of Christians in Tacoma to become their pastor. He moved his family from Spokane to Tacoma and thus began the ministry which has endured for almost 90 years.

Life was not easy. The nation was at war. Financial support was meager. Tragically, Pastor Gray had been in the city six months when the influenza epidemic, which was sweeping the country, took his wife. He was left a widower with two small boys.

Under the leadership of Pastor Gray, the congregation grew steadily in size. In 1926 this group of believers chose to build a permanent place of worship. Lots were purchased at South 12th and G streets in Tacoma and the building was constructed and dedicated in 1926.

During the tenure of Pastor Gray's ministry, he also served as the District Superintendent of the Northwest District of the Assemblies of God. As the congregation grew and the churches in the district increased, it became apparent that one individual could not serve in both capacities. He concluded his ministry in Tacoma after 20 years.

Following Pastor Gray, the Rev. Harry Steil began his ministry in 1938. Five years later he was succeeded by Rev. Dwight L. McLaughlin, who served for seven years. Rev. William Kirschke, Rev. Everette Ewing and Rev. Otis Keener were the successors in this ministry.

In 1965, land was purchased at the present location of the church facilities - South 18th and Union. This was the year that Reverend Fulton Buntain became the seventh pastor of this congregation. During this period two sanctuaries were built - the first destroyed by a devastating fire. In addition to these two edifices, there have been added to the church campus: a Christian education building, the school of 1,000 students, the Life Manor assisted-living and retirement facilities, two gymnasiums, and office facilities.

After 40 years of ministry Pastor Buntain retired in late 2005, but has maintained an active presence on campus as Pastor Emeritus. Dean Curry, who has served for 15 years in multiple capacities at Life Center, was elected by the congregation to become the Senior Pastor.

Our Beliefs

The Inspired Scriptures

We believe the Scriptures, both the Old and New testament, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible authoritative rule of faith and conduct.

God

We believe the one true God has revealed himself as being the eternally self-existent Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as a Trinity, that is, one being existing in three Persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Lord Jesus Christ

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal son of God, as revealed in the Scripture, by His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His death on the cross, His bodily resurrection from the dead and His position at the right hand of God.

The Creation and Fall of Man

We believe that man was created good and upright. However, man willfully sinned and thereby was subject not only to physical death but also to spiritual death, which is separation from God.

Salvation

We believe man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Ordinances

Water baptism: We believe the ordinance of baptism by immersion the water is commanded of all who repent and believe on Christ as Savior. It represents having died with Christ and being raised with Him to walk in newness of life.
Communion: We believe the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s suffering and death and a prophecy of His second coming. It is commanded of all believers “until he comes”.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

We believe all Christians are entitled to and should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues according to Acts 2:4. This experience gives a Christian power to witness by his/her life and words.

Sanctification

We believe sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God.

The Church's Mission

We believe the Church is the body of Christ with a divinely called ministry. Its purpose is to evangelize the world, worship God and encourage believers to grow in the likeness of Christ.

Divine Healing

We believe deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement and is the privilege of all believers.

The Return of Christ

We believe the hope of the Church is Christ’s return from heaven to take Christians who have died, together with those who are alive, to be with Him forever.

End-time Events

We believe Christ will return with His saints to establish a 1,000-year reign of peace. After this will come the final judgment of the wicked, and then a new heaven and a new earth.