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About Us

Our Vision is to show and share God’s love with everyone, everywhere. Our Mission is to be a gateway where people of every nation connect, grow and develop into faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

  • It’s All About JESUS!  John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:15-18
  • Real love never fails.  1 Cor. 13:8
  • The WORD of God is true, alive and powerful.  John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12
  • Pure worship is life changing.  John 4:24
  • Prayer works!  James 5:16
  • All things are possible to those who believe.  Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23
  • Excellence honors God and inspires people.  2 Chronicles 2:5-9; Colossians 3:17,23
  • We build people because people really matter.  Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:7-16
  • You can’t beat God giving.  Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
  • Life is to be enjoyed.  Proverbs 17:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18,19; John 10:10; Romans 14:17
  • In the triune God – one God, eternally existent in three co-equal Persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
  • Jesus Christ is the Son of God
  • The Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God
  • All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
  • Salvation is provided for all men through Jesus Christ
  • In Water Baptism and the observance of the Lord’s Supper
  • It is the will of God that every believer be filled with the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4
  • The Church (i.e. the Body of Christ) consists of all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
  • Healing is provided in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and is the privilege of all believers
  • In the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust
  • In the imminent, personal, and visible return of Jesus Christ

Meet The Team

At Agape, we believe that we are better together. Our staff has a blast serving Jesus, His people, and each other. Let us know how we can help you grow in your relationships, develop your gifts, and find success in your life.

Dr. Lawrence Powell

Senior Pastor

Lawrence Raphael Powell is the Senior Pastor of Agape Family Worship Center in Rahway, New Jersey. With over thirty years in ministry, Lawrence is transforming lives with his powerful, prolific and practical presentation of the Gospel. Thousands of families from across the tri-state region flock to Agape every week to experience warm fellowship, dynamic worship and anointed teaching. Through outreach, evangelism and multimedia broadcasting, Lawrence is bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to people all over the world.

His beginnings were humble when he first answered the call of God to pastor in 1990. The first service was held in his parent’s garage in Rahway. He along with ten others, were in attendance. From a small garage, to the now state-of–the-art facility known as Agape Pointe, Lawrence’s vision still remains the same, “to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God to the world.” His humble spirit and genuine heart for people endear him to diverse audiences of every ethnicity. With a strong commitment and genuine passion for outreach and evangelism, Agape provides assistance to the local community by supplying resources, materials and support services. Countless testimonies of hope, healing and transformation pour in from those being touched and liberated through Agape’s outreach efforts.

A much sought-after speaker, respected Biblical teacher and author, Lawrence earned a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a Master’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. It is obvious to all who know him that he is preparing and positioning a mighty generation of leaders at Agape. It is a generation of world changers, poised to advance and expand the Kingdom for the glory of God. Lawrence is also the doting father of three young adults—Adria Janelle, Aaron Raphael and Ashlyn Gabrielle.

Loren Dawson

Executive Music Director

Loren oversees the entire music and audio department. He makes sure all responsibilities of the music department are filled, or provides a replacement for all individuals under the audio and music ministry.
This Includes:
Worship Director
Vocal Director
Administration
Funerals
Weddings
Rehearsals
Programming
Band
Choir
Praise Team
Special Services / Events
Guest Musical Artist
Audio Department ( Sylvester and his Team )

Dr. Odessaa McNeil

Dean, Pneuma Life School of Ministry

DOdessa McNeill, Th.D. has served on staff since 2002 as Staff Elder, Director of Christian Education and Academic Dean of Pneuma Life school of Ministry

Nelly Guzman

Accounts Payable

Nelly Guzman has served on staff since 2007 as AP/AR Manager Accounts Payable/Receivable & Contributions.

John McClure

Worship Director

John McClure Jr. has served o staff since 2015 as Worship Director and Praise & Worship Leader.

Brandon Johnson

Creative Director / Youth Pastor