Vision, Mission and History of The Worship Center

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Our vision is to reach as many people as possible with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ and to help them become transformed by renewing their minds to the truths of the Word of God. Using every means available, we reach out corporately and individually to our friends, neighbors, co-workers and service providers to bring the empowering and liberating Gospel to them.

"Jesus said that the thief comes not, but for to steal, kill and to destroy, but that Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. There is a thief in life. This thief works day and night to trick people out of their happiness, out of their blessings and to steal their spirituality from them. As a result, we are living in the midst of hurting, aching and empty people. People who need God. People who need a miracle. People who need a good word of hope, life and encouragement.

God raised up this ministry to not only reach people who are searching in life, but to equip and empower those people to bring this same good news message to their friends and loved ones. That was Jesus' method. Not building a big institution, or an impersonal "super-church," but to reach individuals and then to send those individuals out to reach others . . . and for those others to do the same thing. By working this way, by using ordinary men and women, Jesus Christ changed the world of His day, and throughout history, this has been His method. Not raising up "Gospel Superstars," but by touching the lives of the common people, who in turn reach out and touch others, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That is how I was reached, and it is how our people were reached. From our homes, our jobs, our neighborhoods, to our local church and our community, the Lord is using common people with an uncommon love to meet a worldwide need and hunger."
— Dr. Steve Davis

HOW WE GOT STARTED

THE BEGINNING OF WHAT BECAME THE WORSHIP CENTER BEGAN IN JAIL AND ON THE MISSION FIELD.

What has become The Worship Center had it's origins in Bible Studies held by a Maryland Department of Corrections Chaplain. In these discussions, he found that, even in prison, there were men who had accepted Jesus Christ, or had been brought up in Christian homes, but somewhere got lost in life, and ended up making a mess of their lives. Many of these men had tried everything they knew, and yet they kept being defeated. During these Bible studies, Chaplain Steve Davis developed a method of breaking Bible truths into nuggets that were not only easily understood, but that would produce lasting change whenever and wherever they were acted on.

Then, in 1979, the Lord called Steve and his wife, Linda, to minister with Operation Mobilization in England. While in England, Steve honed his skills at gleaning the practical truths of the Scriptures in a way that people could readily apply and even teach to others! For four years, he and Linda ministered throughout England, Ireland and Wales, as well as spending time in ministry in Belgium and Germany . . . with an intense time of ministry in India. During these years, they were mentored by some of the best Bible teachers and prayer warriors in World Missions.

George Verwer, the Founder and International Coordinator of Operation Mobilization, made a profound impact on Steve and Linda's lives and ministries. He kindled in them a passion for prayer, evangelism, spiritual reality and balance, as well as for world missions.

Upon returning to the United States, Steve and Linda were approached by some local Believers and were asked to lead a Bible study teaching these truths and to bring healing and strength to many who had been hurt in their local churches. This home Bible study grew steadily until it became clear that a larger meeting room was needed. So, we moved into a small warehouse on Rte 925 in Waldorf.

After a few years of trying to create space for the people who were benefiting from the power and truth of the Word of God, the Lord opened the way for them to move to a larger warehouse on the north end of the same road. When we moved to the warehouse, we started using the name "The Worship Center."

In the warehouse location, we had 7700 square feet of ministry space! It was a dream come true! We set up food distribution, clothing distribution and made our facilities available to various "12 Step" groups. Before long, we ran into a problem: lack of parking space. We could fill our parking spaces and still have room for people!

So the search began for larger facilities with more parking. We began to pray, seek the Lord and look at real estate... all while saving our pennies. With the prices of land, buildings and construction in the Southern Maryland area outpacing the incomes of the people, our quest was especially daunting. We definitely did NOT want to become just one more church beating our people with requests for money every time they came to worship. At the same time, we needed money!

God came through for us in late 2004, when Pastor Steve heard that the Civista Health Center in Bryans Road, MD was going to be closed. This building was totally renovated in 1996, and boasts nearly 14,000 sq feet, along with adequate parking.

 

While the new building was in excellent shape, it needed extensive renovation before it could be used as a church. We had to have several load-bearing walls removed so we could have a large sanctuary. It has taken more than 18 months for the permits, renovations and inspections to be completed. Our first Sunday morning service was held  in May 2006!

In Bryans Road, we have already established Food Distribution, an Annual Coat Give Away, Summer Day Trips, Back to School Parties, and more! As we get settled in, more ministries will be established. Who knows . . . maybe YOU will head up one of them!

Our Music Ministry is lead by K.I. and Lizzette Smith.  The Smiths are an exciting couple, whose love for each other is a reflection of their love for the Lord. It's out of the abundance of their hearts that they direct our Choir to bring us anointed and superbly arranged musical offerings. In addition to his musical talents, K.I. is a gifted Bible teacher and mentor. Lizzette, a former professional dancer, as well as former "Miss St. Thomas," models spontaneity in worship and devotion to the House of God.

The Worship Center is a multi-racial congregation that is active in the community, as well as influential nationwide. It has been called a model of racial harmony and of faith-based service in the community. We have people from nearly every type of background and economic status - but all have a genuine love for the Lord and for His people.