Living Word Fellowship Church is at 7350 West T.C. Jester Boulevard in Houston, Texas 77088. It is known for a distinct Sunday pattern: Praise & Worship at 8:00 a.m., Life Application at 10:00 a.m., and a Contemporary Service at 11:00 a.m., with Children’s Church offered during both worship services. The Houston church also maintains ministries from early childhood through senior adulthood, a worship department with many choirs and creative teams, and The Reach Christian Outreach Center at 4333 W. Little York Road, where food assistance, recovery classes, counseling, clothing, and other practical support are offered. Living Word’s motto, “Living the Word, Changing Lives,” joins worship and practical service to the life of the church.
Praise at 8, Contemporary at 11
At 8:00 a.m., the service carries a traditional musical profile. The Traditional Choir supplies a musical foundation for congregational participation, and the Traditional Praise Team leads accessible, singable songs intended to encourage the congregation. At 11:00, the Contemporary Service centers on the Contemporary Praise Team, whose energetic and heartfelt worship style is intended to make praise accessible and relevant in a contemporary setting. The different service names describe a real distinction in the music-led worship pattern while keeping Jesus Christ and the Word of God at the center.
Children’s Church is in person at both 8:00 and 11:00, while the 10:00 a.m. Life Application class is designed to teach people how to apply the Word of God practically. That class is offered in person and through a free conference call. Immediately after the 11:00 service, additional small-group discussions meet for married people, single people, men, and women. The Prayer Ministry also gathers at 7:30 a.m. in Legacy before the 8:00 service, praying for worship with an attitude of thanksgiving.
People who join from home can watch services on YouTube, Facebook Live, or Church Online. Living Word also provides worship-song collections through Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, together with sermon notes and Bible study notes. These resources help visitors and congregants become familiar with the songs sung in the room and continue studying the biblical message.
A first Sunday on West T.C. Jester
Living Word describes a first-time guest as an honored guest and says the church exists “to love anyone, from anywhere into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” At the main gathering at 7350 West T.C. Jester Boulevard, the First Impressions team greets first-time visitors, while the First-Time Visitors Team helps people feel seen and valued and provides information for an informed decision about joining. Ushers and Greeters assist with seating.
Visitors can arrive for the 8:00 a.m. Praise & Worship or the 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service. Children’s Church runs at the same times, and Life Application begins at 10:00 between the services. A first-time visitor can also use the church’s visit form to provide basic information before arriving.
LWFC Kidz, Awana and childcare
LWFC Kidz is the church’s in-person children’s ministry at both 8:00 and 11:00 on Sundays. Its goal is to communicate God’s Word through music and creative activities so children can connect intellectual understanding with real life. The ministry also seeks to develop in each child a deep love and respect for the Lord Jesus Christ, involving both the mind and the heart. Awana Bible Club meets in person every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m., adding a regular midweek rhythm for children and their families.
Children’s Director Sylvia Edwards is a retired teacher and principal with more than 20 years of experience serving the Eastern District Association Youth Convention and Congress. She has led Vacation Bible School initiatives and participated in mission trips to Belize and Haiti. Her stated aim for children’s ministry is to educate and nurture them into strong spiritual leaders who love the Lord and walk confidently in their purpose.
Living Word also lists Christian childcare for children 18 months through 5 years old. Its preschool program offers before- and after-school options for children ages 5 through 12. The church’s education connections include ABC Word Academy and Living Word Christian Academy, giving families several options for care and Christian education alongside the Sunday ministries.
Legacy students and school-age ministry
Legacy is the youth ministry for students in grades 7 through 12. Its primary goal is for middle and high school students to grow in a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, learn to love God, exemplify Christ’s teachings, and serve others. Legacy gathers on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
The Pre-College Ministry gives students and parents information about college and university programs, applications, and scholarships. A College and Career Life Application gathering also meets every second Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for students in grades 9 through 12. That gathering includes food, a team focused on students, and an invitation to bring laptops while considering career choices and preparation for life after high school.
Youth Minister Brandon Crenshaw centers his work on spiritual formation and personal transformation through a Christ-centered approach called Thought to Purpose, or T2P. He also leads the Adopt-A-School Initiative and the Juvenile Justice Mentorship Program, which ministers to justice-involved young people in Harris County and City of Houston District 278. His ministry extends to students through his work as an instructor at Open Bible Academy.
Ministries for adults, couples and every generation
Young Adult Ministry is specifically for men and women ages 18 through 30. Director Keron Brown also oversees L.E.G.I.T. Young Adult Ministry, the church’s discipleship structure, Life Application Classes, and Titus 2 ministries. The stated purpose is to help young adults grow in their walk with the Lord, use their spiritual gifts and talents, serve the body of Christ, and build genuine relationships with one another.
Kingdom Builders Men’s Ministry organizes opportunities for men to spend time together and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Its activities include basketball and helping with youth football training. Women’s Ministry meets on the first Saturday of every month through Women of Grace. Its activities include book-club discussions, retreats, conferences, Bible studies, and opportunities to serve, all centered on maturing in relationship with Christ and building genuine relationships.
Covenant Keepers Marriage Ministry serves married couples young and old. It encourages couples to grow in their walk with the Lord, serve the body of Christ, and participate together in conferences, retreats, social outings, and outreach events. The marriage ministry also provides premarital counseling. Jeffrey Allen, Director of Family Ministries, oversees marriage, women, men, counseling, and finance ministries.
Silver Stars is devoted to Christ-centered fellowship for congregants age 55 and above. The ministry promotes lifelong spiritual growth through education, health initiatives, and fellowship, with quarterly lunch meetings and field trips to museums, cultural places, and historical landmarks. Singles Ministry is also part of the church’s ministry family. Faith & Fitness combines fitness, nutrition, and building the body of Christ through faith.
A.N.E.W., short for Affirming, Nurturing, and Encouraging Women, provides a community of love and support for women facing an unintended pregnancy, a pregnancy termination, or uncertainty about whether to end a pregnancy. The ministry also supports women dealing with the guilt of a past termination. A.N.E.W. emphasizes each woman’s worth, spiritual growth through small groups, mentorship and counseling, emotional support, and connections to appropriate resources. Women of all ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds, along with their families, are included in that support.
The Reach: food, recovery and community support
The Reach expands R.E.A.C.H. into Restoration, Evangelism, Assembly, Change, and Healing. It is Living Word’s Christian Outreach Center at 4333 W. Little York Road in Houston, with a Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. Its programs include crisis improvement, biblical substance abuse counseling, community resources, support groups, a food pantry, clothing, and parenting classes. The name represents both the location’s purpose and a direct connection to the church’s wider outreach ministry.
The food pantry is open from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for registered participants. Thursday hours are also 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., with access for seniors age 65 and above and walk-ins. Restoration and Recovery classes meet from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with a new orientation class for participants on Wednesdays during the same hours.
Allen Boutte serves as Pastor of The Reach and Community Engagement. He is the founder and CEO of the Recovery and Restoration Faith-Based Treatment Outpatients Program at The Reach and holds an LCDC with a specialty in addiction. He also serves as chaplain for the church’s motorcycle ministry, combining pastoral care, community engagement, and a willingness to support people affected by addiction.
Several other ministries extend this practical care. The Health Services Ministry brings together licensed nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians to help manage health emergencies and inform the church family. Comfort & Care gathers people going through a family loss or health crisis to offer light and strength. The NET Team helps spread the gospel of Christ throughout the community, while the motorcycle ministry combines evangelism, prayer, and fellowship among riders.
Evangelism, baptism and missions
The Evangelism team meets on the second Saturday of every month. Its work is described as the proclamation of the historical, biblical “Christ as Savior and Lord” in the community and the world, with the intent of seeing individuals reconciled to God. Opportunities include neighborhood evangelism, evangelistic outreach, prison and jail ministry, discipleship, and on-sight ministry.
Baptism classes are held every third Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at Living Word Christian Academy. Baptism is available to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and desires to be baptized. Living Word’s teaching describes baptism as immersion in water, a public identification of a commitment to Christ that illustrates His death and resurrection. The church expressly teaches that baptism does not save; it makes public what was done privately.
The missions ministry organizes mission training that is required before teams travel and connects the church with mission work in U.S. and international settings. The Cross-Cultural Ministry also reflects a congregation made up of people from cultures across the globe and offers opportunities for congregants to build relationships across cultural lines through service and shared experience.
A worship service built by many teams
The Worship Ministry organizes the Traditional Choir, Contemporary Service Ensemble, youth and children’s praise teams, puppet ministry, drama groups, musicians, and other participants into a coordinated order of service. Music Director Christopher Kinsey is responsible for the music and overall sound, Worship Ministry Manager Melita Washington oversees ministry activity, and Dr. Eric Levels serves as Vocal Director, teaching vocal parts and leading the choir and praise teams.
- Traditional worship: Stephanie Fields coordinates the Traditional Choir, which provides the musical foundation for the 8:00 service. Sherlone Kay Robertson coordinates the Traditional Praise Team and its accessible, congregational songs.
- Contemporary and youth praise: Tradon Black coordinates the Contemporary Praise Team for the 11:00 service. Bobbie Lawrence coordinates Youthful Voices of Praise, a choir for children ages 6 through 12, and Jay Myles leads the Youth Praise Team and Choir. Living Soul, the men’s choir, is coordinated by Arnoldo Gomez.
- Media and production: Roderick Williams leads the Media Ministry, which handles television recordings, technical support, media supplies, and camera operations for worship. The Production Team manages livestreaming, switching, stage management, and backstage assistance. Training is provided, and no prior experience is required. Arnoldo Gomez also leads the Audio & Sound Ministry.
- Welcome and hospitality: Lula Hayes and Sherry McKinney coordinate the Ushers and Greeters, while Linda Durant coordinates the First-Time Visitors Team. Ushers and greeters assist with order and seating, and the first-time team helps newcomers feel welcomed and valued.
- Movement and mime: Serenity is a youth praise dance team for ages 13 through 18 coordinated by Darian Ward and Naja Brooks. Charmaine Yarborough coordinates Serenity II for children ages 5 through 12. Natasha Jackson, Natalie Jackson, and Natividad Smith coordinate Adoration, the adult praise dance team. Valarie Miller coordinates Silent Voices of Praise, a mime ministry that communicates through expressive movement and silent storytelling.
- Drama and puppetry: Creative Jams is the church’s drama ministry, coordinated by Rita L. Hughes and Melita Washington, and presents biblical messages through acting and real-life themes. Nehemiah Johnson coordinates Youth Drama Ministry, while Sylvia Edwards coordinates Kidz Drama Ministry. Kandice Ryans coordinates the Puppet Ministry, which uses puppetry to communicate messages of faith, hope, and love.
Pastors and ministry leaders
Senior Pastor Paul Cannings holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Theological Studies in Religion and Society from Oxford Graduate School and a master’s degree in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. His books include “Give Fear a Knock Out Punch,” “Making Your Vision a Reality,” and “Leadership Training Manual.” Paul and Everette Cannings are passionate about people finding Jesus as Savior, discovering their value in Him, and standing for justice.
Pierre Cannings is Executive Assistant Pastor and Associate Pastor of Youth and Missions. He is also dean of the DTS-Houston campus and the author of “Leading Beyond: Biblical Leadership That Unifies Opposition.” Associate Pastor Duane Lawrence serves in children, youth, evangelism, and shepherding ministry, and founded Train Up a Child Seminars. His background includes Children’s Ministry Workshop leadership and radio ministry in the Houston area.
Specialized ministry leadership is distributed across the church. Sylvia Edwards directs children’s ministry, Keron Brown leads young adults and discipleship, Jeffrey Allen directs family ministries, Brandon Crenshaw leads youth, and Valarie Miller directs missions while also counseling women and young teens. Taylor Haynes directs marketing, visual content, and digital communication so that the church’s message can be shared clearly and consistently.
Allen Boutte’s leadership connects the church to The Reach, recovery services, community engagement, and the motorcycle ministry. Christopher Kinsey, Melita Washington, Dr. Eric Levels, and the choir, praise, media, welcome, drama, dance, and puppet leaders create the worship environment around the Sunday services. Together, these roles reflect the church’s emphasis on the Word, worship, discipleship, leadership development, and service.
Living Word’s central beliefs
Living Word states that the Holy Scriptures are the verbally inspired Word of God, authoritative and without error in the original manuscripts, and that the Old and New Testaments provide practical instruction in faith and conduct. The church believes the Godhead eternally exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are one God. Jesus Christ is confessed as the eternal Son of God, the Redeemer who was born of the Virgin Mary, took human nature, died as the sacrificial Lamb, rose from the dead, and now stands as head over the church and advocate for the saved.
The Holy Spirit is believed to dwell in every believer immediately after faith in Jesus Christ, providing grace and spiritual ability to function within the body of Christ. Salvation is described as being born again through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ’s blood accomplishes redemption as God’s unmerited gift of love rather than the result of human works. Those who receive Christ by faith pass immediately from spiritual death into spiritual life and fellowship with God.
The church understands itself as the body of Christ, gathered for practical biblical instruction, fellowship, and witness to the unsaved. Its common goal is to grow toward Christ’s likeness. Living Word also states that the church has a responsibility to pursue justice for people who are defenseless, beginning within the family of God and extending into society. The second coming of Christ, the eternal state of people, and the final separation of those who reject Christ are also part of its stated beliefs.
All believers are called to walk by the Spirit, separate from worldly practices, and witness by life and word to the truths of Scripture. Living Word observes baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordinances until Christ’s return. The Lord’s Supper is a privilege of remembrance intended to develop unity and loving relationships rather than become a ritual. Baptism is immersion in water that publicly identifies a believer’s commitment to Christ and illustrates death and resurrection, but the church teaches that it does not save.
Cash, text, mail, Zelle and online giving
Living Word offers several ways to give. During weekday office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., contributions can be made in person by cash, check, or credit card. A text gift can be sent by texting “Give” to 281-884-3886. Contributions can also be mailed to 7350 T.C. Jester Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77088, or sent through Zelle using give@lwfellowshipchurch.org. Online giving is available through FellowshipOne Giving.
At Living Word, the rhythm continues through Sunday prayer at 7:30, Praise & Worship at 8:00, Life Application at 10:00, and the Contemporary Service at 11:00, with Children’s Church, student gatherings, Bible study, worship rehearsals, family ministries, evangelism, and outreach filling the week. Living Word Fellowship Church remains centered on worship, prayer, Bible study, leadership, and service in Houston.