How it all started...

Center Church’s journey began in November 1988 when Pastor Earl and his wife, Gail Sumner, answered God’s call to plant Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship in Wahiawa, Oahu. With a deep passion for reaching the lost, they established a Christ-centered community that touched countless lives and spread the gospel throughout Oahu.

In November 2019, after decades of faithful leadership, Pastor Earl and Gail passed the mantle to Pastor Steve and Glas Rivera, leaders of Praise Chapel North Shore. The merging of these two congregations gave birth to Praise Chapel Oahu in Whitmore Village.

Over the past five years, God has done an extraordinary work in our church. As we transitioned from "Win, Build, Send" to "Connect, Cultivate, Cast," our mission has evolved, yet our commitment to discipleship and serving our community remains unchanged. “Connect” reflects our ongoing passion to reach the lost and point them to Jesus, “Cultivate” embodies our focus on developing strong, mature disciples, and “Cast” speaks to our vision of sending people out to impact the world for Christ.

In 2023, leadership recognized a powerful shift in the work God was doing within our church. The Lord began to pivot and refine our identity as a body, leading us to a deeper understanding of who we are called to be. It was in this season of reflection and growth that God gave us the name Center Church, inspired by Revelation 7:17, which speaks of the Lamb at the center of the throne. This scripture perfectly captures the heart of our vision: that Jesus would always be at the center of everything we do.

We are profoundly grateful for over 30 years of God’s unwavering faithfulness. As we look to the future, we are expectant for all He will continue to do in and through His church. The best is yet to come, and we invite you to join us as we connect, cultivate, and cast His love into the world!

Connecting People to Jesus

What does that mean?

Connecting people to Jesus is about introducing individuals to the life-changing love and grace of Christ. It's not just about bringing people into church or religious spaces; it's about making sure that people know they are loved, accepted, and called into a personal relationship with Jesus.

How does this happen, practically?

  1. Evangelism: We prioritize outreach through community events, missions, and digital platforms to reach those who haven't encountered Jesus yet. Whether through one-on-one conversations, small group gatherings, or large public events, we create opportunities for people to encounter the message of the gospel.
  2. 'Ohana Means Family: We strive to build a welcoming and inclusive church environment where people feel seen, heard, and understood, allowing them to take the first step in connecting with Jesus. When you step through these doors - you're considered family!
  3. Prayer and Worship: Through intentional prayer and worship services, our goal is to create spaces where people can open their hearts and encounter God in a real and transformative way.

Cultivating People to Understand Who They Are in Jesus and Who Jesus Is in Their Life 

What does that mean?

This step is about discipleship—helping people grow deeper in their understanding of their identity in Christ and the nature of Jesus' role in their lives. Cultivating involves nurturing spiritual growth through teaching, mentoring, and community.

How does this happen, practically?

  1. Bible Teaching: Through sermons, Bible studies, and core groups, biblical teachings are provided, that help individuals understand God’s word and what it means for their lives (outside of a Sunday service).
  2. Mentorship: We encourage a culture of mentorship where older believers invest in younger ones, guiding them through questions, struggles, and triumphs on their spiritual journey.
  3. Spiritual Formation: Offering classes and resources (youth camps, men's camps, and women's retreats, prayer nights, and foundational classes) to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Our leadership's goal is to help individuals embrace their identity in Christ through understanding their value, purpose, and the power of God in their lives.

Casting Them into Jesus' Purpose for Their Life

What does that mean?

Casting people into the purpose that God has for their lives is about mobilizing individuals to live out the mission and calling that God has uniquely designed for them. This is the next step where people move from personal growth and understanding into action—serving others and living out the gospel. 

How does this happen, practically?

  1. Service and Outreach: We actively engage with our local and global communities, providing ways for people to serve through local ministry within the church, missions, or partnering with other organizations for volunteer opportunities. This empowers individuals to put their faith into action by loving others in tangible ways.
  2. Equipping for Ministry: We provide practical tools and training for people to step into leadership roles, whether in the church, in the marketplace, or in their homes. We focus on equipping people to fulfill their God-given roles in the Body of Christ, whether it's as teachers, leaders, caregivers, friends, and so on.
  3. Life Missions: Whether through career, personal relationships, or specific callings, we believe that God has a purpose for each person. We help people understand that their purpose isn’t limited to church life but extends into every area of their daily existence. We aim to offer help for people align their passions and skills with God’s mission for their life.
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