About District Heights
true deliverance cog
We Believe
Principles for daily living that promote a successful Christian life.
We believe that commitment to God and the local church is essential in order to prosper and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. As Ecclesiastes 5:1–6, 10:4, Psalms 37:3–7, and Hebrews 13:7 & 17 affirm, commitment is the foundation for spiritual growth and obedience. Faithfulness to God, the vision of the Pastor, and the local church is equally important. Proverbs 29:18, Psalms 31:23, Matthew 24:45–51, Matthew 25:23, and Luke 12:41–48 highlight the blessings tied to spiritual loyalty. Just as a wife carefully prepares a meal for her husband, believers are encouraged to remain connected to their spiritual home, except during travel or vacation, trusting God to provide a Word-filled experience in the interim. Jeremiah 23:2–4 confirms that God provides for those aligned with His vision.
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Consistent church attendance is critical for learning the Word and experiencing growth. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of the importance of regular fellowship, especially as the return of Christ approaches. Attendance at Sunday School and Bible Study supports this growth. Servanthood is also a key component of spiritual development, both in the church and in one’s personal life, as taught in Luke 12:41–48, Luke 16:12, and Matthew 24:45–47. We acknowledge that God has purposefully placed each believer within the body of Christ, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 12:18 and Ecclesiastes 5:1–7.
Witnessing is a command of Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to invite others to church and share the Gospel, even if results are not immediate. Acts 1:8 and Luke 14:15–24 support this mandate to evangelize and reflect God’s light through joy, enthusiasm, and devotion. Faithful and scriptural giving is also vital to spiritual prosperity. Scriptures such as Hebrews 7:1–7, Malachi 3:6–10, Deuteronomy 12:4–6 & 11–12, 2 Corinthians 9:6–12, Luke 6:38, and Proverbs 3:9–10 affirm God’s promise to bless generous and obedient givers.
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We uphold the importance of holy living and separation from all forms of ungodliness. This is not optional, but rather a clear call from God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14–18, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15–17, Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:15, Romans 12:1–2, Ephesians 5:3–12, Hebrews 12:1–2, and 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 & 6:18–20. Walking in divine love is also essential. Believers must remain rooted in patience and unity despite misunderstandings, allowing God to bring resolution through prayer and pastoral guidance. Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 13:3–7, Ephesians 3:17–19, 4:29–32, 5:1–2, Colossians 1:11, and 3:13–18 emphasize the power of love and unity in maintaining God’s presence and miracles within the local church.
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Producing the Fruit of the Spirit is a mark of Christlikeness. According to 1 John 4:17 and Galatians 5:22, believers are called to operate in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. No church is perfect, but through prayer, forgiveness, and perseverance, God’s purpose is fulfilled. Galatians 6:9–10 encourages believers not to give up, even in challenging seasons. Leading others to salvation and baptism in the Holy Spirit is also central to our belief. Romans 10:9–10 guides us in helping others confess, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, while Romans 10:13 offers assurance of salvation to all who believe.
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Our Mission
To carry GOD’s WORD to everyone; to lead all people to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; And to teach the in-depth Word of God with understanding and conviction.
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Our Vision
Our vision through the teaching and preaching of the gospel is to lead God’s people to Christ and to understand, how to live, a separated life according to God’s Holy Word. Our vision is to discipline souls to work and serve the community through a plethora of outreach programs that change the lives of those in need.
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Our History
The history of True Deliverance Church of God Ministries began on November 12, 1967, when six people gathered with the Late Apostle Albert Venson to hold the first service at 1223 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC. As the ministry grew, it relocated on May 4, 1970, to a larger space at 2107 10th Street, NW, where many were saved, healed, and delivered. Apostle Venson and members of the church often went into the streets to pick up people for service and feed the hungry.
In August 1972, Apostle Venson shared a vision from God for a new sanctuary. By October, a groundbreaking service was held at 1804 Quarter Avenue in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Apostle Venson, guided by God, designed the building himself. He and other dedicated members worked tirelessly to complete the new edifice. The first service in the new church was held on May 20, 1973.
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Apostle Venson’s vision remains alive today. Before his passing on January 1, 1998, he heard his son, Bishop Alvin David Venson, preach and told his wife, Mother Clara Venson, “He’s got it, he can lead the whole ministry. I feel comfortable now.” Bishop Venson now serves as the Presiding Prelate, alongside his wife, Elder Dr. Agnes R. Venson, Co-Pastor of the headquarters in Capitol Heights.
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Apostle Venson was a man of faith and vision. Through his leadership, God birthed the 24-Hour Prayer Tower, the Victory Drug Center, and the Bealeton, Virginia church. In May 1997, Apostle Venson appointed his daughter and son-in-law, Dr. T. Tyronne and Co-Pastor Felicia Champion, as pastors of TDCOG-Bealeton, which began with just one member. They also founded Community Touch, Inc., located on church grounds. After their transition in February 2022, Pastor John T. Hawkins and his wife Keisha Hawkins stepped in, and Pastor Hawkins was officially ordained on May 21, 2023.
The Bealeton location also features inspiring biblical replicas, including Noah’s Ark, Joseph’s Tomb, Calvary’s Hill, and Abraham’s Sacrifice. God continues to grow the ministry. On March 26, 2021, TDCOG-Manassas was established under Pastor Elder Charles and Evangelist Beverly Ellerbe. The ministry also supports a mission in Pakistan led by Brother Faryard Younas.
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Mother Clara Venson, a faithful servant of the Lord, transitioned to glory on September 10, 2022. Bishop Venson reflected, “She gave every drop of herself to the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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As Bishop Alvin D. Venson, Sr. declared, “We will not miss a beat for the Lord, because we have great expectations.’