A Bible-Teaching Church on Kentucky Street
Since November 18, 1990, Christian Gospel Center Church of God In Christ has stood at 19901 Kentucky Street in Detroit. The congregation is known for its deep commitment to Bible teaching, its purpose-driven approach to ministry, and a holistic vision that addresses the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of every person who walks through the doors. Founded by Bishop Marcus R. Ways, Sr., the church calls itself "the Loving, Teaching, Training church," a description that captures the pastoral heart and the discipleship focus at the center of its identity.
The Bishop's Vision: Reach the Lost for Christ
Bishop Marcus R. Ways, Sr. has walked with Christ for more than fifty years and has spent over thirty years in ministry. His vision for Christian Gospel Center is straightforward: to reach the lost for Christ, to invest in the lives of people, and to encourage God's people to reflect outwardly the internal working of the Spirit and the Word of God. He describes the church as a beacon of hope that seeks to positively impact the community for Christ.
Beyond the local pulpit, Bishop Ways serves as the Jurisdictional Bishop of the Michigan Southwest First Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ, providing spiritual oversight for more than fifty churches. He has held leadership roles at every level of the denomination - local, state, national, and international - including service as International Finance Chairman and Executive Board Member for the Music and Youth Conventions of the Church of God In Christ. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Ashland Theological Seminary, and is a candidate for an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College.
Before entering full-time ministry, Bishop Ways spent years as a Senior Manager at DaimlerChrysler (now Fiat Chrysler), serving as a corporate representative to the NAACP, Urban League, Congressional Black Caucus, Black MBA, and the Leadership Education and Development Program. That civic experience shaped his approach to community engagement. He was invited to the White House under President Barack Obama as a panelist on education and policy reforms, was commissioned by Mayor Mike Duggan to lead the Bridge Builders Transition team and to serve as Director of Faith Based Programs for the city of Detroit, and has taught church administration to pastors and elders in São Paulo, Brazil. In 2019, he joined a Compassion International mission trip to Africa. The Michigan Chronicle honored him at its inaugural Salute to Pastors.
A Week at Christian Gospel Center
The church gathers for Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., followed by Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. Midweek, believers return on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. for Prayer and on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for Bible Study. A second Prayer gathering takes place on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel so members who are traveling or homebound can join in real time. Giving is available online through Pushpay.
First-time visitors will find a welcoming environment built around the teaching of the Word. Members are encouraged to grow through small groups, the CGC First Lady's Book Club, and personal discipleship. The church's mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, keeps the congregation connected to sermons, events, announcements, and online giving.
What We Believe
Christian Gospel Center teaches a Pentecostal faith rooted in the Church of God In Christ tradition. The Statement of Faith holds that:
- The Bible is the inspired and only infallible written Word of God.
- There is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The church looks for the Blessed Hope, which is the rapture of the church of God, which is in Christ, at His return.
- Cleansing from sin comes through repentance, faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and acceptance of the gospel according to Romans 10:9-10.
- Regeneration by the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential for personal salvation.
- The redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing in prayer.
- The baptism in the Holy Ghost, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it.
- The Holy Spirit sanctifies believers, enabling them to live holy and separated lives in this present world.
First Lady Patricia A. Ways and the Heart of Women's Ministry
By Bishop Ways' side for more than four decades is Evangelist Patricia A. Ways, Esq. - a licensed Evangelist, Registered Nurse, and Licensed Attorney who has served in ministry for more than thirty years. She leads the church's Women's Department, chairs the annual Women's Day celebration, founded the CGC First Lady's Book Club, and advises the Youth Department. At the jurisdictional level, she mentors wives of pastors, elders, and ministers across more than fifty churches.
Evangelist Ways holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Juris Doctorate in Law. She has taught as adjunct faculty at Siena Heights University, worked in managed health care and governmental law at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and currently serves as an attorney for the County of Wayne, State of Michigan. The Michigan Chronicle honored her as part of its inaugural Salute to First Ladies.
Reaching Detroit and Beyond
Beyond the sanctuary, Bishop Ways has founded the Christian Gospel Center Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) organization that runs a scholarship fund and partners with Genesis House II Women's Shelter, the Transition of Prisoners program, and the Wayne County Sheriff's chaplaincy. The church invests in children, families, and returning citizens across metro Detroit through these long-standing partnerships.
Member Services and Staying Connected
Christian Gospel Center offers a wide range of pastoral services through online request forms. Members and visitors can request prayer, baby dedications, weddings, funeral services, baptisms, hospital visitations, building rentals, and event space. Forms are available for requesting meetings with Bishop Ways or with First Lady Ways, and the church maintains active profiles on Facebook and Instagram to keep the community informed.
Those interested in learning more can call (313) 345-9160 or text questions to (855) 350-6065. The church is located at 19901 Kentucky Street, Detroit, Michigan 48221.