The Center of Praise Ministries was conceptualized from the visionary directive given to our founder and visionary, Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. While a student at Oral Roberts University, Bishop Lovelace was given the mandate to begin a ministry in his native home of Sacramento, California. The ministry would serve to embrace people of all backgrounds with the message of unconditional love and abundant grace. Bishop Lovelace, upon returning to Sacramento, continued serving in his home congregation for 3 1/2 years prior to being sent out under the leadership of the late District Elder Robert B. Holman, Sr.

Center of Praise Ministries had its first organizational meeting on October 17, 1989 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy C. Jones (Evelyn). The church met in various hotels until acquiring facilities on Investment Circle in Rancho Cordova, which was purchased in 1995.

The 10,000 sq. foot mission-centered complex served as the hub for those who gathered for weekly worship services and studies.

In January 2003 a beautiful historic 25,000 Sq. foot edifice was purchased. "The Cathedral" is located in the heart of downtown Sacramento at 1228 23rd Street at Capitol Ave. The Cathedral is accessible by Regional Transit Light Rail and Bus Line 36.

Our Bishop, who serves as a prolific expositor and teacher of God's Word, also sought to implement the importance of praise and worship as a means of communion with God and fellowship with other believers.

Center of Praise is non-denominational; evangelistic in spirit; diverse in culture and ethnicity; embracing the traditional and contemporary forms of worship (music and the fine arts); committed to the sacraments of the church; progressive in thought, and deliberate in entrepreneurial pursuits. There is an expressed effort to warmly welcome and care for those from a non-church attending background.

Many have expressed their appreciation for the warmth, humor, and vibrant presentation that is maintained throughout the outreach of COP. Many opportunities of ministry and service are available to all attendees. Several events are held annually to support the mission and purpose of COP and the community. They include:

• Community Christmas Events
• Praise and Worship Conference
• Men and Women's Ministry Retreats
• Youth Conference
• Children's Conference
• Singles Retreat
• Married Couples Advance
• Servant Leaders Advance
• Teaching Church Conference
• Joint Services with our affiliated churches

Our Pastoral Team:

Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr.
Founding and Senior Pastor

Alex Vaiz
Senior Associate Pastor

Joseph L. Slade
Pastoral Care

Ronn Elmore
Marriage, Family and Singles

Elett Ricks-Chambers and Aladrian Elmore
Focus Worship and Arts

Wayne Kirkling
Ministry of Helps

Rhonda E. Carroll
Global and Cross Cultural Ministry

Kimberly Stokes
Outreach

Samuel Brown-Dawson
Clinical Pastoral Services Liaison

Chryell English
Living Stone Ministry

Our Advisory Council:

Wayne Kirkling
Alex Vaiz
Michael Wall
Nathan Cox
Freddie Lewis
James Ricky Williams
Christian Espejo
Eliseo Ruiz
Gabriel Gallego

Our Associate Ministers:

Troy Nichols
Youth

Emerson B. Luke
Young Adult/College and Career

Karen Wallace
Ministers in Training Coordinator

Anne Adams
Darren Bowie
Lloyd Brumfield, Jr.
Stephalyn Cherry
LaSandra Edwards
Lanard German
Dwight Hamilton
Gwen Hamilton
Vera King
Arnebra Knox
Gwen McNeal
Michelle Mitchell
LaQuinta Page
Antwan Reaves
Veronica Riley
Althea Russell
Jabari Sekou
Lloyd Speese
Carol Stanford
Howard Thomas
Cynthia Waters
Emelda Wade
Dwaine West
Shurlone Wright

Our Administrative Team:

Lyn Corbett – Chief Administrative Officer
Andre O. Jordan – Executive Director of Business Administration
Yvette L. Mosley – Office Manager
Obed V. Hasette –Administrative Assistant
Karen Nalpantian – Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
Annette Vanenburg – Contributions and Gifts
Linh Vuong-Luc – Bookkeeper
Christopher Pompey – Facilities and Transportation
Larry Wilson – Facilities Technician
Tony Alcantara – Facilities Technician