Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor Kevin Rogers.
Pastor Kevin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Pastor Kevin Rogers: A Change Agent in the Pacific Northwest
Born and raised in Linden, Alabama, Pastor Kevin Rogers was shaped early by strong values of character, faith, and perseverance—virtues instilled in him by his mother, Mary E. Rogers, whom he describes as one of the most graceful women he has ever known. His wife, First Lady Verndella Rogers, was raised in nearby Eutaw, Alabama, and together they share a deep commitment to serving God and transforming lives.
Immediately after graduating from high school, Pastor Rogers joined the United States Army, a decision that allowed him to travel the world while developing discipline, leadership, and a respect for authority that would later shape his ministry. After completing his military service, he sensed God leading him to plant in Washington State—a calling that would ultimately position him for regional impact.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Rogers worked for several years as a Network Engineer with Verizon Business. Yet when God called him into full-time pastoring, he made a defining decision: he would not simply occupy a pulpit—he would make an impact.
A Beacon of Hope in Lakewood
In the heart of Lakewood, Washington, Pastor Kevin Rogers and First Lady Verndella Rogers have dedicated their lives to leading City of Faith Christian Center, a church that has become far more than a place of worship. It stands today as a beacon of hope, a hub for community transformation, and a testament to faith in action. Through Christ, they have been empowered to serve as change agents throughout the Pacific Northwest.
A Mission That Transforms Lives
From its inception, City of Faith Christian Center has remained steadfast in its mission: to uplift humanity through the teaching, preaching, and demonstration of faith through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. Over time, this mission has expanded beyond the church walls, translating faith into tangible solutions for community needs.
The early years were marked by humble beginnings and significant challenges. The church initially had little influence within the Lakewood community. However, through consistency, prayer, and an unwavering commitment to their calling, influence began to grow.
Tri-Counties Back to School Bash
More than 21 years ago, the church launched what would become one of its most impactful outreach efforts—the Back to School Bash. The first event served just 23 children with basic school supplies. Today, it has grown into the Tri-Counties Back to School Bash, impacting 15,152 children, not including the thousands of parents who have benefited.
What began as a simple outreach has evolved into a comprehensive community resource featuring:
* Job fairs with major regional employers such as Boeing and Chick-fil-A
* Free sports physicals
* Complimentary haircuts
* Dental and vision exams
* Free eyeglasses for those in need
Families now attend from the three largest counties in Washington State. The city partners with the church by closing three blocks around the campus, and local hospitals provide shuttle services. With multiple corporate sponsors and attendance reaching into the thousands each year, the event continues to elevate families and strengthen the community.
Pastor Rogers is widely recognized as a change agent who equips others to rise above their circumstances and become catalysts for transformation.
Elevate Learning Center — Developing “Ten Times Better”
In response to growing academic challenges across the state, Pastor Rogers and a team of educators birthed the Elevate Learning Center, inspired by the Daniel 1:20 principle of becoming “ten times better.”
This academic platform supports both struggling students and high achievers, providing a pathway for educational excellence. Local schools increasingly recognize the need for supplemental academic vehicles to help offset classroom limitations caused by heavy educator workloads.
With his technology background and God-given creativity, Pastor Rogers envisions the Elevate Learning Center expanding beyond Washington to impact students nationwide. A future apprenticeship program is already in development to further equip young people for success.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
One of the most significant assignments God placed on Pastor Rogers’ heart was the launch of the Bread of Life Food Pantry in July 2022. Operating on the principle demonstrated when Jesus fed the five thousand, the pantry provides fresh groceries free of charge to families each month—without regard to background or origin.
As of January 2026, the ministry has served 11,381 individuals across 11 counties and 54 cities—and remarkably, they have never run out of food. Every family receives groceries according to their household size, ensuring dignity and genuine support.
Looking Ahead: Mercy Medical and Wellness Clinic
Continuing his commitment to community health care, Pastor Rogers is developing the Mercy Medical and Wellness Clinic, a free healthcare initiative designed to serve underserved populations while emphasizing preventive care and health education.
This vision is supported by medical professionals within his congregation, including First Lady Verndella Rogers. True to the pattern of his ministry, the project is being built through faith—step by step.
Honoring Spiritual Legacy
Pastor Rogers attributes much of his ministerial foundation to his spiritual father and mother, Dr. Bill and Veronica Winston of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, Illinois. Ordained by Dr. Winston over two decades ago, Pastor Rogers credits him with shaping his understanding of faith, leadership, business, and kingdom impact.
He describes their relationship as reminiscent of the Apostle Paul and Timothy—a mentorship marked by wisdom, impartation, and spiritual covering. Through Dr. Winston’s example of integrity, resilience, and global influence, Pastor Rogers has learned how to rise above adversity and lead at exceptional levels.
“I honor him in all that I do,” Pastor Rogers often says, recognizing the profound role God has used Dr. Winston to play in his life.
A Life Marked by Faith and Impact
Everything Pastor Kevin Rogers and City of Faith Christian Center have accomplished has been the result of a continual faith walk with Jesus. Guided by vision, grounded in the Word of God, and fueled by compassion, Pastor Rogers remains committed to building environments where lives are transformed, communities are strengthened, and the Kingdom of God is demonstrated with power. He is not merely pastoring a church—he is cultivating change, raising leaders, and leaving a legacy of faith for generations to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The Road I Had to Take
The road was not smooth — but it was the road I had to take.
When we first started the ministry, we were leasing space in the very building that we now own. In those early days, we were simply trying to do enough to get the rent paid. For a season, my wife and I paid the rent ourselves. There were moments of discouragement, moments when it seemed like nothing was happening.
Then one day I visited my spiritual father, Dr. Bill Winston. His church was located in a mall he owned in Forest Park, Illinois. I had never seen anything like it in my life. I sat there in absolute awe and quietly asked myself, How can a pastor own something like this?
As I sat there, I asked the Lord, “How?”
And I heard the Spirit say:
“You are standing on the ground of faith. Everything you see — faith did it.”
I took it all in. When I returned home, I began consuming everything he taught.
One Friday, I was sitting alone in the back of my church, struggling to attract members and trying to make something happen. Feeling like I must have been doing something wrong, I wrote Dr. Winston a heartfelt letter.
About a week or two later, I received a yellow padded envelope. I was excited — certain it contained a personal letter filled with wisdom and direction.
But when I opened it, the only thing inside was a CD titled “The Spirit of Wisdom.”
That CD became my daily companion.
I listened to it in my car.
I took it to work and played it on a CD Walkman.
At night, it played on repeat while we slept.
For eight to nine months, I saturated my spirit with that message.
Then one night, I had a dream.
I was in Miami sitting outside at a restaurant with Dr. Winston. From across the table, he looked at me and said, “Here you go.” Then he threw a set of keys toward me.
My entire body absorbed them. I could literally feel it.
I woke up praying.
From that moment forward, I knew the Spirit of Wisdom had come upon me. I understood that wisdom — not effort alone — was what I needed to build a church and impact a community.
Years later, we purchased the entire campus, and things began to move forward with undeniable momentum. It felt like I had crossed a point of no return in the Kingdom.
Now, the journey has not been without pain.
I’ve had people walk away — people I believed would always be there. Some lied. Others said they were committed but left when ministry began to transform and grow. Ministry is transformative; it never remains the same, even though the Word does. Some people can only go so far.
And I love them.
But one thing I will never forget is this:
My purpose in the Kingdom is bigger than who goes and who stays.
I love people — but I love Jesus more.
As a pastor, my heart is for everyone to grow and continue the journey, but I understand that everyone will not.
Is it challenging? Absolutely.
But you must keep moving forward.
When I think about the struggles along the way, one word comes to mind:
Consistency.
I am a very consistent person, and I believe every struggle must eventually bend and bow to the person who keeps thinking forward and moving forward.
Resistance always bows to faith.
I’m a long-distance runner. I run seven miles, four days a week. Many times my mind tells me I can stop at five.
But what keeps me going is simple:
I continue to run.
I may slow down — but I never stop until I hit seven miles.
And that is how you fulfill purpose.
You don’t stop.
You don’t quit.
You keep running.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Senior Pastor, with a technology background. I am always thinking creatively to reach people for Jesus and help be a change agent to help elevate their life professionally and personally. I believe helping people discover untapped potential is what set me apart from others. I challenge people to rise to the top and be the best and glorify God in all they do. I always pray and ask God what will you have me to do to change things in the city or county. I believe you cannot be fearful in doing things others have never done and you cannot be afraid to do something that have never been done. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. This past year Back to School Bash, I was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. It was a surprise and great honor.
What are your plans for the future?
To rebuild the current campus, but to eventually have a multi-campus. We are in the early framework of developing the medical clinic, this is in the early stages. Also to expand our Elevate Learning Center to fully expand the apprenticeship programs for adults and add a technology portion become the only testing center in the county.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cityoffaithcc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityoffaithchristiancenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityoffaithchristiancenter
- Twitter: https://x.com/krm1970
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kvrogersmin
