About Our Church

Our Story

God’s Living Word Church began with a calling, a family, and a vision. In 1998, God led Bishop Leslie L. Gales, Sr., along with his wife, Missionary Rose Gales, and their five children, from New York City to Northern Virginia. In 2000, the ministry began humbly in their home, where a vision to share God’s Word, demonstrate His love, and transform lives began to take root.

Over the years, God has faithfully expanded that vision. From its humble beginnings, the ministry has grown into a Spirit-filled fellowship committed to equipping believers, building ministries around people, and sharing the Gospel both locally and beyond. In May 2020, Bishop Gales and Elder Clemmon Hough, III, established God’s Living Word Churches of Christ, Incorporated, marking another important milestone in the ministry’s continued growth.

Today, we remain focused on where God is leading us: teaching the Word of God, preparing believers for the work of the ministry, reaching the lost through the love of Christ, and fulfilling the Great Commission. We believe that everybody is somebody, Jesus is Lord, and God’s love and His Word have the power to change lives.

Vision

To be a beacon of God’s love and truth to a world in need, preparing people to know, love, serve, and proclaim Jesus Christ. We envision a global fellowship of believers who are spiritually equipped, biblically grounded, and committed to carrying the Gospel to all people and nations. We desire to be the Church in the heart of the city, with the people of the city in our hearts, chosen by God to be a blessing to multitudes.

Mission

God’s Living Word Churches of Christ, Inc. exists to fulfill the Great Commission by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples of all nations, and bringing the lost into the family of God.

Through genuine worship, sound biblical instruction, corporate fellowship, personal evangelism, and worldwide outreach missions, we equip believers for effective Christian service. We are committed to meeting the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of people, while extending God’s love and His Word to our communities and beyond.

We will go into the hedges and highways, compelling people to come into our Father’s House so that it may be filled. We will be a Beacon of Light to a dying world, proclaiming that there is a Savior—the Lord Jesus Christ—for lost humanity.

Core Values

Our ministry is built upon these foundational values:

1. Christ-Centered — Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, and the center of all we believe, teach, and do.

2. Biblical Truth — We are committed to the authority of God’s Word and to sound biblical teaching that prepares believers for faithful Christian living and service.

3. The Great Commission — We are committed to proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and taking the message of Jesus Christ to all people and nations.

4. Missions & Outreach — Missions are the heartbeat of our ministry. We seek to reach beyond the walls of the church and bring the hope and love of Christ to communities, cities, and nations.

5. People Matter — We believe every person has value because every person is created by God. We strive to meet people’s spiritual, emotional, and social needs with compassion and love.

6. Worship — We believe in genuine, heartfelt worship that honors God and draws believers into His presence.

7. Fellowship — We cultivate a loving and united family of believers where people experience belonging, encouragement, accountability, and Christian fellowship.

8. Discipleship & Equipping — We prepare believers through Christian education, spiritual development, and training so they can effectively serve the Lord and proclaim Him.

9. Love & Compassion — We demonstrate the love of God through our words, actions, service, and concern for others.

10. Unity & Inclusion — We embrace believers of every nationality, language, and background, recognizing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people.