Johnny received a divine message instructing him to start a church, leading them to consider Wichita, Kansas. During the search for a storefront building, Johnny felt another prompting from God to establish the church in Ponca City. He emphasized the importance of obedience, fearing that disobedience might hinder the ministry’s blessings.

 

The First Location

In 2002, the Thompsons rented a storefront on First Street. Despite the challenges, they dedicated their evenings to crafting a fully furnished church, with Johnny designing the pulpit and Gail handling the decorating. Their hard work culminated in the church being ready for service within a month.

 

The Church’s Name!

CoPastor Gail, inspired months before the storefront’s opening day, that the church name was spiritually birthed “PowerHouse of Faith.”

While Bishop Johnny was on a military assignment in North Carolina, He asked his wife Gail to pray about getting a name for the church. 

The name reflected the powerful preaching of Pastor Johnny, the house of prayer as mentioned by Jesus, and the importance of faith in their journey.

 

The Second Location!

After six months of successful services in the storefront, Bishop Johnny sought a permanent church building. While searching online, a nearby church for sale miraculously appeared, but its listing disappeared during their meeting with the former pastor. The church was purchased at a favorable price, and in May 2003, the congregation marched from the storefront to their permanent location.

 

Television Broadcast and Recognition!

From 2003 to 2005, Powerhouse of Faith became the first church in Ponca City to broadcast its Sunday service on television every Saturday morning. The syndication reached unexpected distances, with a Chicago family relocating to Ponca City expressing their enjoyment of the televised messages. The church became well-known in the community, emphasizing the impact of their ministry beyond physical boundaries.

 

CoPastor Gail was the first female that preach her first sermon in Powerhouse of Faith storefront church on the first third Sunday in November 2002 and it was at that service she received her licensed as a minister to preach the gospel.

 

In May 2003 the church moved to its current location and adopted a new theme:

“Empowering a Generation to be Empowered”

 

New Ministries were birthed into existence:

Audio/Video, Pastor’s Aide; Youth Ministry; PHOF Soldiers, Media Sponsorship and Men’s Ministry called MOVE which stands for Men of Vision and Excellence.

 

In June 2003 the new church location was dedicated and Bishop’s new encouraging formula was announced:

Faith + Obedience = Success

 

In October 2003 was the one year celebration of first the Pastor and Co-Pastor Anniversary followed by the first church anniversary in November.

 

In Jan 2004 Simplicity of Women was birthed and led by Pastor.

 

In November 2005, Pastor Gail made history by becoming the first female to receive her ordination certificate, officially becoming an ordained minister. The momentous event took place the new location of PowerHouse Church on 114 N Oak St. The ceremony was officiated by Bishop Dr. Lorenzo Stephanson from Brownsville, Texas, and witnessed by several local pastors who played a crucial role in facilitating this significant milestone in God's plan.

 

Also in 2005 the Church Chronicle newsletter was created and maintained by minister Mayola Jones.

In 2006 -Two new Deacons were ordinated and three new Ministries were started.

Church Library, Teen Father and Mission Ministry evolved.

 

In 2007 - The Sanctuary, Pastor’s office and the Library were remodeled to its current design.

 

Two new Ministries were birthed such as the First Usher Day service and Men’s Day Service. 

Then two other new ministries were put in place. That was the children

Nursery and Maintenance Ministry.

 

In April 2009 Co-Pastor Gail gave her first speaking engagement for the Full Gospel at the First Ladies only conference in Oklahoma City, OK.

In Aug 2009 the Fellowship Hall was remodeled to its current design and the first bus “the Lady” was purchased and we the church took their first trip to Omaha, Nebraska.

 

In 2010 the Pheobe Ministry was birthed with 5 Deaconess being added to the Deaconess board. Also in the same year the Praise Dance Team was formed.

 

In Feb 2011 Unification Christian Fellowship International was birthed through the PHOF and is currently active in Africa, Kansas and Oklahoma.

 

In Nov 2011 the Production Ministry was added.

 

In Feb 2014 Pastor Gail held the first Annual Women’s Conference.

 

September 2015 marks the day a second bus was purchased by the Thompson family to be used by the church.

 

November 2016 the King Foods Food ministry was launched.

 

Like what our motto says on the wall “we are the church that is Empowering a generation to be empowered”

 

What we believe: 

Vision and Mission Statement: We are devoted to Jesus Christ., led by the Spirit, and committed to preparing you for your eternal home in heaven. Our journey involves leading you to Jesus, equipping you for impactful ministry, fostering spiritual maturity, and inspiring you to share your faith with others. Come and join our close-knit family on this transformative path of faith and purpose.