About Us
History
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Evangelist Judy Shaw, December 1986, in Sioux Falls, SD, founded Center of Life Church, formerly called Deeper Life Church, under the leadership of Bishop Carl Roberson, Buffalo, NY.As Sis. Judy began pioneering in Sioux Falls, she started out with one family until it grew to where it is now.From hotel to hotel, from leasing one church to another church, she held fast to the vision that God had given her.To-date, the Center of Life is an international ministry, representing about 8 nations.Located in downtown Sioux Falls, Center of Life is committed to community ministry, while they continue to be a strong, present truth, life giving, body of believers building the Kingdom of God.
In November 1996, the vision began to unfold.Finally, after years of searching, a church home was found!That which was considered the city’s main bowling alley soon became a beautiful sanctuary filled with the Glory of God.After extensive renovations to a two-story 18,000 square foot building, in April of 1997, phase one was completed.
In May of 1997, the church had its grand opening “Founders Week”.In that week, three significant things transpired:firstly, the dedication of the sanctuary, then the official change of name from Deeper Life COGIC to the Center of Life Church, and the ordination and appointment of Pastor Judy. From that time on until now much has changed to Pastor Judy's elevation to the office of Apostle, to membership, leadership, and the place where we worship, but the mission has always been to "Keep the love of God at the center".
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In July of 2021, after 24 years of pastoring, Apostle Judy passed the baton to her spiritual son, Pastor Joshua Duncan. Pastor Joshua had served from leading the media ministry, youth ministry, and executive pastor in his 20 plus years of being at COL since he was 14 years old.
Our Mission
To Love, Equip, and Deploy people.
Our Vision
To be a ministry where emerging leaders mature into their Kingdom calling within the fivefold ministry gifts. We endeavor to equip and activate leaders to reach the lost in their specific community.
Our Values
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FAITH ( Heb 11: 6 )
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LOVE ( 1 Cor 13 )
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BIBLICAL AUTHORITY ( 2 Tim 3:16 )
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COMMITMENT ( Jude )
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INTEGRITY ( Proverbs 10: 6 )
Statement of Faith
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We believe that the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and the authority on which we base our faith, conduct and doctrine.
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We believe in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to this earth as Savior of the world.
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We believe Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe that salvation is found by placing our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again.
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We believe that water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and a testimony to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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We believe in the regular taking of Communion as an act of remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross.
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We believe every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God’s Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ.
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We believe that as children of God, we are over comers and more than conquerors, and God intends for each of us to experience the abundant life He has in store for us.
Leadership
Pastor Joshua S. Duncan, Phd,
Senior Pastor
Sioux Falls has been Pastor Joshua's home since age two, and he loves his community. Adopted by that
time and through various life experiences, parental and mentor influence, and his faith Pastor Joshua
discovered his life calling of being a pastor and therapist to help people unbecome to become. His passion is to see every person healthy, healed, and whole living our their kingdom call to its fullest!
Pastor Joshua started working in the addiction field in residential treatment in 2016 and has recently
shifted into mental health in 2021. Joshua is a licensed addiction (LAC) and mental health
counselor (LPC-QMHP). Joshua graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a BA in
Media Studies in 2011. In 2016 he graduated from Sioux Falls Seminary with a master’s in
divinity with a counseling specialization. In July 2021, Pastor Joshua was installed and ordained as the
senior pastor of Center of Life Church. Joshua has his Ph.D. in Development Psychology with a specialization
in leadership and organizational development from Walden University (2024). Along with pastoring Pastor Joshua has his own mental health practice The Becoming Agency Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting. He is married to Hailey, and they have a daughter Ivy.
Our Ministries
Worship
Our worship ministry’s mission is to worship fully. Our vision is to give our whole hearts to God, and release a worthy worship and praise that not only pleases Him, but also encourages the people of God to fully engage in a worship experience. The result produces glory, power and expands God’s kingdom in the earth.
Worship Team
Audio/Visual Team
Prayer Ministry
Life Development
Our life development ministry’s mission is to equip people for successful Christian living. Our vision is to prepare people from childhood to adulthood to live successful Christian lives.
Men's Ministry
Women's Ministry
Children's Ministry
Pastoral Care
DISCIPLESHIP
Our discipleship ministry’s mission is to offer Biblically-based wisdom and one-on-one guidance to support spiritual growth. Our vision is that every member be connected to a disciple, elder, mentor or coach
School of Ministry
Evangelism/Outreach
Sister to Sister
LIFE CONNECTIONS
Our Life Connections ministry’s mission is to develop and nurture relationships with Center of Life members. Regular visitors and supporters feel welcomed. Our vision is that every member feels connected, every visitor feels loved, and regular supporters and guests are appreciated and informed of our events
Member/Visitor Connections
Hospitality
Ushers/Greeters
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Our business operations ministry’s mission is to provide accountability in financial functions and seamlessness in facility operations. Our vision is that every penny is accounted for and reported regularly to the church’s membership, and our building and grounds facilitate worship, learning and growing.
Finance Ministry
Facility Ministry
