In 1984, Bishop Paul l. Fortson and his wife Evangelist Carolyn, under divine guidance, founded the Paradise Church of God in Christ. This humble beginning started with a calling from God during a revival at Victory Church of God in Christ. The Lord said, “Start a Church!” and thus Paradise COGIC was born.
In The Beginning ...
The Birth of Paradise Church of God in Christ
The Early Years
Faith in Action – The First Steps
The first Bible study was held in the living room of Bishop and Evangelist Fortson’s home on October 11, 1984. With just a small group of family and friends, they gathered every Thursday night. As the ministry grew, they moved from house to house, touching hearts and souls as they followed the example set in Acts 2:46-47.
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October 11, 1984: Birth of the church in the Fortson home
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1985: Launch of the monthly Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
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Growth through House-to-House ministry
The Prayer Breakfast Ministry
Vision of Brotherhood and Outreach
In 1985, Bishop Fortson felt led by God to host the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, emphasizing brotherly love and unity among different faith communities. What started with a small fee quickly transformed when Bishop and Carolyn decided to make the breakfast free, allowing people to give as they were led by God. This decision led to the flourishing of the ministry, with lives healed, delivered, and set free.
Expanding the Ministry
A Place to Call Home
After years of faith and trusting God’s direction, Paradise COGIC moved to a new location in 1989. God provided an extraordinary opportunity when the church secured a building with no money down and a lease-to-own agreement. Within five years, the church fully paid off the $560,000 building, just as God promised, marking a significant milestone in the church’s growth and testimony.
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September 17, 1989: The church moves into a new building
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1994: The church’s mortgage is paid off in less than 5 years
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A testimony of God’s provision and faithfulness
A New Beginning – The Church Moves Forward
A Vision for the Future
In 1997, Paradise COGIC expanded its outreach to the community with the opening of the Paradise Nursery and Child Care Development Center. This initiative marked the church’s ongoing commitment to serving the local community, ensuring that the ministry reaches all ages and stages of life.
Invitation to Connect
Join Us in Our Journey of Faith
Paradise Church of God in Christ has grown tremendously since its inception in 1984. But our journey is far from over. We invite you to join us as we continue to grow in faith, love, and community. God’s vision for our church is always unfolding, and we welcome you to be part of it.
