Imagine founding a church with 300 followers unexpectedly. That’s the story of True Light Fellowship Church. It began in 1995 when Dr. Wesley Pinnock felt called to leave Deliverance Evangelistic Church.
True Light’s story is one of faith and community. It shows how a small group can make a big impact. The church first met in a rented facility. This was at 11th and Grange Avenue. It was in the Olney section of the city.
Quickly, True Light grew to over 530 members. Many were new Christians. The church held two early morning services. One was at 7:00 AM and another at 9:30 AM. Weekly services included Wednesday night prayer and Bible study. All-night prayer sessions occurred monthly.
Finding a permanent home wasn’t easy for True Light. Banks hesitated to lend to new ministries. But Dr. Pinnock received an offer from The New Covenant Church of Philadelphia. They were selling their former building. It was located at Ardleigh and Johnson Streets in East Mt. Airy. True Light moved in March 1997.
The early days taught True Light valuable lessons. Sharing space taught humility and patience. Members learned to work together. They focused on Jesus, not personal space. These challenges strengthened the church. They depended on God for everything. True Light started with no money or staff. They only had faith.
Dr. Pinnock emphasized freedom in worship. He encouraged expressing love for God. He valued personal connection with God. This love flowed into concern for others. The goal was to become more like Jesus Christ.
True Light embraces holistic ministry. They focus on discipleship and spiritual growth. The church ministers to families. They nurture young people. Members practice discipleship by serving others. They rehab homes. They feed the homeless. They offer tutoring and counseling.
Dr. Pinnock wants True Light to reach the alienated. He believes the church should impact the community. True Light aims to win the lost to Christ. They nurture believers and help them grow. The church’s structure supports this mission. About 45 ministries meet the needs of all people. Teaching and discipleship are key. Church members use their gifts to serve. Elders and laity govern the church.
True Light envisions planting churches. They want to impact other neighborhoods and conduct missions worldwide. The congregation includes people from diverse backgrounds. They come from Africa, the West Indies, India, and England.
True Light’s mission continues today. They win the lost to Christ. They nurture new converts. They equip members for ministry. They seek to transform society. Worship is central. The ministry has four phases: membership, maturity, ministry, and missions. True Light strives to fulfill the Great Commission. They teach all nations and baptize them. They observe Christ’s commands.
True Light’s global missions extend far. They cross cultural and geographical boundaries. They take the gospel to the lost and suffering.
In the past, True Light held missionary boot camps. Seasoned missionaries trained new ones. They simulated field experiences. Missionaries traveled to Jamaica to teach. In 2007, they joined a global worship in Burkina Fasso. In 2008, they built the True Light Fellowship Academy in Nigeria.
Today, True Light feeds the homeless. They preach in prisons. They visit the sick and shut-in. They witness in the streets. They collect toys for children. True Light offers food giveaways to the community.
True Light is committed to serving. They preach to the brokenhearted. They set captives free. The members have a mind to work.