The Church

Atlanta West Pentecostal Church is affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International. We are located in Lithia Springs, Georgia. We are a multi-cultural church with many ministries and opportunities available. We believe that at Atlanta West, there is a "place for you."
 

Pastor Darrell Johns

Pastor Darrell Johns has a strong interest in youth and family ministry. Clear, understandable biblical teaching is a hallmark of his ministry. Prior to his coming to Atlanta West in September of 1995, he served as General Youth President of the United Pentecostal Church International. His ministerial history includes seventeen years in youth and family ministry and a substantial amount of leadership training. He served as a pastoral staff member at the First Pentecostal Church in Jackson, Mississippi from 1978 to 1988. During that time, he also served as a Bible college instructor and Administrator of Jackson College of Ministries.

Rev. Darrell and Sis. Carol Johns were married in 1978 and have three sons: Ryan, Joel, and Justin. All three young men have graduated from our Christian school, Atlanta West Christian Academy. Ryan has continued his education and completed his Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing from the University of West Georgia and now works full-time at the church. Joel completed his Bachelor of Theology from Gateway College of Evangelism and is currently serving as youth pastor and administrative assistant in Titusville Florida. Joel has a wonderful wife named Alonda. Justin attends Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis, Missouri having already completed his Associates in Theology. As a family unit, the Johns family is a great blessing to our church. 
 

History of Atlanta West Pentecostal Church 
 

Atlanta West Pentecostal Church began its ministry in 1961 as Northwest Pentecostal Church. The first congregation gathered in the basement of Myrl and Louise Harper’s home. The people at that first meeting had no idea their early commitment would lead to the thriving congregation that exists today. This early church sacrificed, prayed, and grew until a different location was needed to house the new believers.

Through sacrificial giving, a building was purchased on Chestnut Street in Atlanta and revival continued. The new pastor, Billy Harper, preached the first sermon in the new building. His message entitled “Lord, It’s All I’ve Got, but It’s Yours” could not have been more prophetic. As those pioneer saints poured out of themselves, God’s spirit was poured out on them. The generous spirit of our founders symbolizes what it means to be a part of the Atlanta West family.

Soon after the congregation began meeting on Chestnut Street, the church realized the need for larger facilities. In the early seventies, property was purchased on Cooper Lake Road in Smyrna, and they prepared to grow again. Through various leadership changes, the focus of Northwest Pentecostal Church remained "Revival".

During the Cooper Lake years, a revival of historic proportions broke out. Many souls were born into the kingdom of God. New ministries were added to the church such as Cobb Christian Academy, a place where children received a wholesome Bible-based education. Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Youth Ministry and various adult support groups helped our church grow and remain strong. Evangelism was placed as the highest priority with home Bible studies reaching many unsaved people.

As God continued to bless, the congregation began to suffer growing pains again, and the search was on for a new building location. God blessed our congregation with the twenty-seven wooded acres we currently occupy, allowing it to be purchased at a substantial savings. A united congregation began to work as never before to erect the sanctuary and adjacent facilities. As a team, the men worked long hours on top of their existing jobs to help build the new church. Ladies gave their time and energy as well, providing nourishing meals, moral support, and prayer. After much hard work, the newly named Atlanta West Pentecostal Church met on Easter Sunday in 1986, and rejoiced together in the new 600 seat sanctuary. After completion, the campus also included the educational wing, and in June 2002 the Family Life Center was completed.

In 1995, Reverend Darrell Johns arrived and carried Atlanta West to a new level. With a strong leadership background in various national as well as local church positions, Bro. Johns began to challenge our saints to evangelize the lost and disciple the converted. Through the leadership of Bro. and Sis. Johns, the Lord is steadily adding to the congregation. We anticipate additional facilities to accommodate our growth as God is faithful to the promise of revival.