A Gospel-Centered Family Church in Wichita
Greater Pentecostal Church of God in Christ stands on North Cleveland Avenue in Wichita, Kansas, where it has set out to be a ministry where people are stretched, connected, and helping others reach their full potential in Christ. The congregation describes itself as a growing, family-oriented church committed to promoting childhood, womanhood, fatherhood, and manhood, and to helping people reach their destiny in God.
The motto printed across the front of the church's own materials is direct: "We are not called to fill the pews with members; we are called to fill the world with disciples." That framing shapes the life of the church, from its gospel-centered preaching and passionate worship to its outreach beyond the building. Wichita, the church notes, is Kansas's largest city, with significant aviation and western heritage, arts and culture, entrepreneurs, festivals, and places to dine, shop, and play. Greater Pentecostal wants its presence in that city to count.
Superintendent Herman Hicks and Lady Anadina Hicks
Superintendent Herman Hicks is the pastor of Greater Pentecostal. In June 2021 he was appointed by the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, to serve as Assistant Commissioner and Endorser for Military and Institutional Chaplaincy. He also serves as First Administrative Assistant to the Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Mark L. Gilkey, of the Kansas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, and as District Superintendent of the James Watson District, formerly the Wichita District. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the COGIC International Men's Ministry and the COGIC Men Perfecting Men Conference.
Pastor Hicks is a retired United States Air Force Colonel. After 25 years on active duty, his final military assignment was Commander of the 22nd Mission Support Group at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, where he oversaw support for over 4,000 civilian and military personnel, a $98 million annual budget, and $416 million in infrastructure. He is originally from Greenville, Mississippi, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mississippi (1980), a Master's in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota (1982), and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College. Across 38 years in ministry he has served as pastor of three churches and was one of the founders of Maranatha Tabernacle of Praise COGIC in Mackenbach, Germany.
Lady Anadina Hicks, originally from Wichita Falls, Texas, has been married to Pastor Hicks since 1987. They have four adult children and one grandson. She has served as First Lady at three COGIC churches and directs the Women's Ministry at Greater Pentecostal, with a vision for women to be saved, holy, and examples in the home, the church, and in their community.
What Greater Pentecostal Believes
The church's statement of faith lays out eight core beliefs. 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 Blessed Hope is the rapture of the Church of God at Christ's return. Cleansing from sin comes through repentance, faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and water baptism. Regeneration by the Holy Ghost is essential for personal salvation. The redemptive work of Christ on the Cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing prayer. The baptism in the Holy Ghost, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it. And the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit enables the Christian to live a holy and separated life in this present world.
Worship, Bible Study, and Prayer Through the Week
The weekly rhythm of Greater Pentecostal centers on three regular gatherings. Sunday Morning Worship begins at 10:15 a.m. Central Time. Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study meets at 6:30 p.m. Central. Saturday Night Sunday School convenes at 7 p.m. Central. Daily 6 a.m. prayer is hosted by District Missionary Sandra Bland, and those who want to join can call the church office for call-in information.
Music plays a central role. The Music Ministry exists to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through song, encourage believers in their walk with Christ, lead the congregation in worship and praise, and provide an avenue for individuals to share their gifts. Choir members are encouraged to grow spiritually by committing their time and talents to God, and the ministry provides music for assigned worship services as well as special services outside the church.
On the first Sunday of each month the congregation shares communion together. Members prepare a small amount of juice or water and bread or a cracker, or stop by the church and pick up a communion packet from the church secretary during temporary office hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Instructions are given during the live broadcast on when to partake.
A Ministry for Every Generation
Greater Pentecostal organizes its life around the conviction that a healthy church reflects the family God has given. The Women's Ministry helps women explore, become empowered, and engage in Christ and the biblical purposes of the church, encouraging women in every season of life through spiritual growth, fellowship, mentoring, service, and prayer support.
The Men's Ministry is built around gathering men for "Straight Talk with the Pastor," a candid setting for the issues men actually face. It exists to move men from acquaintances to brotherhood and to equip and encourage men to fulfill their God-ordained purpose through fellowship, workshops, mentoring, and community outreach.
The Children and Youth Ministry serves kids and teens with the conviction that God is a great big God and they can have a great big life. Staff who work with or around children are screened, trained, and required to follow child safety protocols. Worship is designed to be age-appropriate and uses praise and worship, arts and crafts, puppeteers, Vacation Bible School, drama and fine arts, praise dance, and fellowship to help children learn about God's Word, reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, and experience God's abundant life through the Holy Spirit. Minister Jay Crayton serves as Children and Youth Pastor.
The Young Adults Ministry, directed by Paris and Mark Walker, supports young adults as they navigate faith and life together. The Sunday School is led by Deacon Todd Coley as Superintendent. Mother Arementa Burton serves as Church Mother, and Elder Andrew Freeman serves as Chief of the Armor Bearers.
Reaching Beyond the Four Walls
The Evangelism and Missions team operates under the vision to "Disciple the Church to Impact the World." Members are equipped to pray, give, and go, fulfilling the Great Commission. The team visits prisons, jails, hospitals, and nursing homes to show the love of Jesus Christ, and provides food and clothing to those in need. As the ministry says, quoting Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., "Evangelism is not an option, it is a mandate. Not only is it a mandate, it is a survival strategy."
The Urban Initiative focuses on changing a generation through five strands: Education, with attention to access, excellence, and equity; Economic Development, including job training and job creation; Crime Prevention, through reduction, prevention, and rehabilitation; Family Life, by developing healthy men, women, and children; and Financial Literacy, covering earning, saving, investing, and spending wisely. Missionary Vernetta Dixon directs this work.
The First Impressions Ministry is the church's front door. Made up of ushers, greeters, the technology team, mass media, photography, and membership nurturing, it provides a warm and well-organized welcome to members and visitors, with safety in the parking areas, friendly greetings at every entrance, and attentive care during the worship service. Jackie Rolfe directs this work.
The Pastoral Team
Around Pastor and Lady Hicks, the Greater Pentecostal leadership team includes Elder Rondell Love as Assistant Pastor and Elder Clinton Moss as Associate Pastor for Church Development. Elder Dennis Fontelroy serves as Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Missions. Elder David Jennings directs the Men's Ministry, and Brother Keston Rolfe serves as Minister of Music.
Joining From Anywhere
Greater Pentecostal streams services live on Facebook through the Greater Pentecostal COGIC page, with Sunday Morning Worship at 10:15 a.m., Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday Night Sunday School at 7 p.m. all available online. Members can join through the Zoom app or by phone at 1-346-248-7799, Meeting ID 7695210022 with passcode 818. A free conference call option is also offered at 1-302-202-1112, code 210529.
Giving is available online through the church's donation page. A sermon archive is available on the Video on Demand page, and a Decision page walks visitors through the gospel message in plain language, with the option to leave information so the pastor can follow up personally.