Where the Journey Began...
Worship Praise Ministries was founded in the summer of 1989 by two passionate men of faith, Gregory Powell and James Leake, in the heart of Chester, Pennsylvania. As residents of McCaffery Village, they saw firsthand the challenges facing their community and felt a divine calling to make a difference — to win the lost at any cost.
What began as a vision between two friends quickly grew into a ministry committed to service, outreach, and transformation. Worship Praise Ministries started by focusing on the most vulnerable — providing meals to the hungry, clothing to those in need, and hope to the hopeless. Their mission extended to children and families, offering school supplies, holiday meals, and hands-on support.
In 1992, the ministry expanded to the streets. Gregory and James took the gospel directly to those who needed it most — outside of bars, in front of homeless shelters, and on the corners of the city — praying, encouraging, and spreading the message of God’s love.
More than just founders, these men were fathers and mentors. They ensured their sons were deeply involved in the work, learning the values of compassion, humility, and service. Together, they served as living examples of faith in action.
Over the years, Worship Praise Ministries has grown, but its heart remains the same: to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Chester and beyond.
What began as a vision between two friends quickly grew into a ministry committed to service, outreach, and transformation. Worship Praise Ministries started by focusing on the most vulnerable — providing meals to the hungry, clothing to those in need, and hope to the hopeless. Their mission extended to children and families, offering school supplies, holiday meals, and hands-on support.
In 1992, the ministry expanded to the streets. Gregory and James took the gospel directly to those who needed it most — outside of bars, in front of homeless shelters, and on the corners of the city — praying, encouraging, and spreading the message of God’s love.
More than just founders, these men were fathers and mentors. They ensured their sons were deeply involved in the work, learning the values of compassion, humility, and service. Together, they served as living examples of faith in action.
Over the years, Worship Praise Ministries has grown, but its heart remains the same: to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Chester and beyond.
Expanding the Vision...
In 2011, Pastor Kendon Gibson received a divine vision — one that would breathe new life into both the ministry and the city of Chester. This God-given vision went beyond the church walls and imagined a place where the spiritual and practical needs of the community could be met. A 24-hour daycare, a soup kitchen serving three meals daily, recreational spaces for both youth and seniors, Christian and pastoral counseling, after-school programs, and veteran support services — all under one roof.
With a heart full of purpose, Pastor Gibson turned to his father, James Leake, and asked to carry on the Worship Praise name through a new vision: a Life Center dedicated to empowering individuals and restoring the city.
Within a year, James embraced the vision as his own, recognizing it as God’s plan for a renewed Chester. Together, father and son joined forces once more — this time to build something lasting for future generations.
In 2012, Pastor Kendon Gibson officially became Senior Pastor of Worship Praise Life Center, standing alongside his wife, First Lady Malia Gibson, and their three sons. With faith as their foundation and love as their mission, the Life Center was born — a place of healing and hope for Chester and the surrounding communities.
With a heart full of purpose, Pastor Gibson turned to his father, James Leake, and asked to carry on the Worship Praise name through a new vision: a Life Center dedicated to empowering individuals and restoring the city.
Within a year, James embraced the vision as his own, recognizing it as God’s plan for a renewed Chester. Together, father and son joined forces once more — this time to build something lasting for future generations.
In 2012, Pastor Kendon Gibson officially became Senior Pastor of Worship Praise Life Center, standing alongside his wife, First Lady Malia Gibson, and their three sons. With faith as their foundation and love as their mission, the Life Center was born — a place of healing and hope for Chester and the surrounding communities.
Our Vision for Tomorrow...
At Worship Praise Life Center, our goal is to become a true Life Center — a comprehensive hub for spiritual, emotional, and physical support in our community. Through a wide range of programs and services, we strive to meet the holistic needs of individuals and families, offering resources for growth, healing, and empowerment.
Whether through worship, education, outreach, or practical support, our mission is clear: to be a place where lives are transformed, hope is restored, and people are equipped to thrive in every area of life.
Whether through worship, education, outreach, or practical support, our mission is clear: to be a place where lives are transformed, hope is restored, and people are equipped to thrive in every area of life.
