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ANTELOPE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CENTER |
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Tom Pickens is the Founder and Sr. Pastor of Antelope Valley Christian Center, more affectionately known as AVCC, located in Lancaster, CA. He is also the founder of Victory Christian Center now pastored by Pastor Al Zorn, located in Victorville, CA.
Antelope Valley Christian Center held its first Sunday Morning service on January 10, 1993 with 285 people who ventured out to hear the uncompromising Word of God. Since that time, the membership of AVCC has continued to grow to an average Sunday attendance of 1200 people.
Pastor Tom was called to ministry and found himself a laborer of the Lord in a Prison Ministry for seven years. This experience was a proving ground for him which helped to shape his commitment to winning souls for Christ. In January 1980, prior to pioneering Antelope Valley Christian Center, Pastor Tom taught at Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma for Kenneth Hagin Ministries. In 1983, Pastor Tom joined the ministerial staff at Crenshaw Christian Center with Dr. Fred Price, where he served as an Assistant Pastor for 10 years. Pastor Tom’s many duties at Crenshaw Christian Center included starting the School of Ministry and School of the Bible, teaching weekly Bible Study classes, and assisting with the varying needs of the growing ministry.
In addition to pastoring, Pastor Tom continues to travel to various ministries speaking at conventions, seminars, retreats, and workshops. In 2003, he led a Foreign Missions Ministry trip to Nigeria where hundreds were saved and ministered to about the glory of God. In August 2005 he will take the journey of discipleship to Nigeria once again to see and witness the fruits of his labor in the Lord.
The ministry of Antelope Valley Christian Center continues to flourish as the Word of God is taught uncompromisingly by way of fervent faith and prayer. In fact, the membership of AVCC has grown so much that the current facilities are now inadequate. In October 2004, Pastor Tom initiated the AVCC Capital Stewardship Campaign entitled “Building for the Future Today.” This three year campaign will raise the needed funds to erect three new facilities on 80 acres of recently purchased real estate located on the corners of Avenue L and 30th Street East in Lancaster, CA.
Antelope Valley Christian Center boasts several dynamic ministries aimed toward winning our youth to Christ. The Sr. High Ministry was established for High School age teens, while the Jr. High Ministry was created for middle school pre-teens. Both the Sr. and Jr. High ministries feature services and unique fellowship programs to include Winter Camps, Girl Talk 101, Foreign Missions Ministries to Mexico, and various community support efforts. Additionally, there is a colorful and fun Children’s Church for children ages 10 and younger with puppets, plays, videos, music, and joy in the Lord. Our tiniest members frequent the Nursery where they also, through coloring, singing, painting, and talking, learn about the love of God.
With ministries that include Evangelistic Outreach and Witnessing, Freedom from Welfare, Well Saints, Tutorial, Young Adults, Marriage, Debt Free, Hospital and Home Care, and the Life Training Bible School, the ministerial leadership of Antelope Valley Christian Center endeavor to help the people of God grow in Him and become seeds of a greater harvest.
Antelope Valley Christian Center is:
• A God-centered, Bible-based ministry entrusted with and diligent in leading the lost to Christ.
• A healing ministry where the needs of a hurting humanity are met.
• A family, community, outreach ministry devoted to serving the spiritual needs of the whole family.
• A teaching and discipleship training ground for the perfecting of the saints to do the work of the Lord.
• A giving ministry where we endeavor to share the Word God to all who are willing to listen. |
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