Deliverance Outreach Temple Church is celebrating 30 years of service to the community with a two-day event this month.

The celebration events are based on this Scripture: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” – John 14:12

How it all started

Deliverance Outreach Temple Church, formerly known as “House of The Lord,” was started April 26, 1992, by Timothy W. Grant and his wife, Stephanie Y. Grant. Pastor Grant received a vision from God that the church motto would be “hands reaching out to the community.” The first church meeting was held in the Grants’ home.

The search for a place to worship led them to 924 Power St. The Grants were drawn to the large, symbolic picture of a cross that remained on the window of the vacant building. On May 2 and 8 of that year, the church hosted evangelistic meetings on the street. These community outreach meetings prefaced the first worship service on May 10, 1992.

In March 1993, House of The Lord’s name was officially changed to Deliverance Outreach Temple, D.O.T. There were several churches named “House of the Lord” already established in Tennessee at the time, so after constant prayer and consideration, the name was changed.

The church moved a few times as membership grew, first to a larger facility at 201B Providence Blvd. In 2001, the church purchased 13.84 acres on Garrettsburg Road. In September 2007, they held their first service at 851 Garrettsburg Road.

Along the way, new ministries have thrived. In May 1998, the church revamped the clothing and food ministries, purchased a church van and a piano. In December 2009, the church purchased a second van. In May 2010 they opened a computer lab for the church members and community use. In June 2013, D.O.T. began a Summer Feeding Program that provided free breakfast and lunch to children 18 and under.

Anniversary celebration

Anniversary celebration events begin Saturday, June 18, from noon to 2 p.m. with an outdoor barbecue.

On Sunday, June 19, at 11 a.m. the worship service will feature guest speaker Dr. Bruce D. Woods from Jacksonville, Florida.

“We are filled with excitement, and overflowing with the joy of the Lord as we celebrate the awesome works of Christ Jesus and the elevations he has brought our way,” Bishop Grant said. “May our lives be an expression of God’s love, grace, and power to our community.”

For more information, visit www.deliveranceoutreachtemplechurch.com.