CHURCH HISTORY

Minister Cecilia Grimsley went to talk with her spiritual leader Dr. Jerry L. Maynard about her childhood vision that she had at the age of twelve about a dark cloud over the city of Dickson and God calling her to teach the gospel and break the bondages that seemed to have many bound. Dr. Maynard told her he was entrusting her to find a location in Clarksville to begin a weekly Bible study.

Word of Life Ministries evolved from the inspiration of God and Dr. Jerry L. Maynard’s obedience to begin a teaching ministry in the community of Clarksville. Dr. Maynard under an equipping anointing is often used by God in starting up new works. On April 23, 1996, Word of Life Ministries held it’s first Tuesday Night Bible Study at the Holiday Inn Exit ll. Minister Cecilia Grimsley and host of associate ministers which include their present pastor Elder John C. Mathis were instrumental in the initial upstart of the Clarksville ministry and continued to work diligently in the vineyard to ensure that this vision became fruitful under the umbrella of the Church of God in Christ.

Minister Grimsley could still hear the beckoning call to return home. She got permission from Dr. Maynard to begin a work in her hometown of Dickson, TN. Word of Life Ministries of Dickson, the second satellite of Pentecostal Tabernacle Church was launched April of 1997. Minister Grimsley began to host Thursday Night Bible Study at the Comfort Inn Meeting Room. After about six months of evangelism, the spirit of excitement of walking out destiny, the meeting room could not hold them and Minister Grimsley began to look for a larger facility to meet weekly. The Bible study was moved into the old armory building located off of Hwy. 70 west from Oct. 1998 to Nov. 1999. During this time we had many revivals and bible studies that lead to souls being saved, healed and delivered to the glory of God.

During the tenure at the armory Minister Grimsley along with a few faithful members were fasting and praying for a place to worship and hold Sunday service. God was faithful. A beautiful Wedding Chapel became available for rental. December 3, 1999 Word of Life Ministries held its first Sunday morning service in the Wedding Chapel On South Charlotte and Walnut Street.  We continued to hold Thursday night bible study as well. Membership began to grow.

Minister Grimsley knowing at an early age that God had called her into the Pastoral office, was already serving and operating in the capatity of a Pastor full-time, took a leap of faith and resign from her associate position with the Churches of God in Christ. With nothing but the Word of God to stand upon and a vision in her heart, Minister Grimsley began to walk towards her destiny.

Putting her hand to the plough and not looking back, Word of Life Ministries became Word of Life Tabernacle Church and was birthed January 7, 2001. In March 7, 2003 a new building was purchased for the church at 1019 Harmon Springs Road which is where the ministry is presently located. Word of Life Tabernacle is a non-denominational, multicultural church where the Spirit of the Lord dwells, the Word of God is preached, and JESUS IS LORD!!

Our Motto Is : “We do big time ministry in a small town”.

Word of Life Tabernacle Church travels extensively spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. WHY? Because : It’s All About HIM!