Our Story

In the summer of 1989, Gregory Powell and James Leake founded Worship Praise Ministries. These two Chester, pennsavainla  residents had a passion to change what they saw the city becoming. As they raised their families in the Mc Cafe Village projects in Chester,pa  they seen the need to help the community and win the lost at any cost, so they did just that. Starting a ministry that would help children,  feed the homeless and save souls at the same time.The Lord had given them just what they were seeking him for. Brother Leake was given the vision for the ministry and Minister Powell stood right by his side every step of the way. The street ministry started in 1992, where both Gregory Powell and James Leake found themselves outside of bars and homeless shelters, praying for people and giving them a word to keep them encouraged. These brothers made sure that their sons was also involved in the ministry and could get a hands on experience as well. The sons helped feed people, hand out school supplies, give out meals for the holidays and even provide people with clothes that they needed. 

In 2011, Pastor Kendon Gibson was given a vision from God concerning the ministry and the city of Chester. This vision included, a 24 hour daycare, three meals a day soup kitchen, recreation for youth and retirement age, Christian and Pastoral counseling, after school programs, and veteran programs.. Minister Gibson asked his father for the Worship Praise name to start a life center in the city. This life center would have all of the resources needed in the city of Chester and the surrounding areas. After a year brother James decided to work with his son to do what God was calling him to do, he to grasped hold to the vision and seen the city coming back from its current state. In 2012, Pastor Kendon Gibson became the senior pastor of Worship Praise Life Center alongside his wife First Lady Malia Gibson and their three boys.

Our ministry’s goal is to become a  Life Center—an all-encompassing hub for spiritual, emotional, and physical support within our community. By offering a variety of programs and services, we aim to meet the holistic needs of individuals and families, providing resources for growth, healing, and empowerment. Whether through worship, education, outreach, or practical assistance, our mission is to be a place where lives are transformed, hope is restored, and people are equipped to thrive in every aspect of their lives.