About LIFE Church

In 2009, the Lord placed a vision in the heart of Dr. Terence A. Merritt to establish a ministry in the city of Atlanta. That vision became LIFE Church, rooted in the promise of John 10:10 (KJV) — “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

With no initial members and no outside financial support, Dr. Merritt stepped out in faith. He leased a small building at 344 Candler Park Drive NE and began renovations. That space became the birthplace of LIFE Church. Before a single service was held, hours of prayer were poured into that building. LIFE began as a house of prayer—and it remains one to this day.

On January 20, 2010, LIFE Church held its first Wednesday night Bible study. The following month, Sunday worship services began. On March 7, 2010, the church officially opened its doors—and seven people joined the ministry on that first Sunday. For the first year, LIFE gathered every Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon. Worship later transitioned to Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM, where it remains today.

In 2013, God favored the ministry to purchase its first property at 3243 Stone Road SW, a 25,000-square-foot facility—just three years after its founding. By God’s grace, LIFE Church was approved for a mortgage of over $1 million, marking a major milestone in the ministry’s growth.

Soon after moving in, God expanded the vision. Across the street sat a shopping plaza, and it became the next target of faith. In January 2016, LIFE Church officially closed on its second property—LIFE Plaza. Bishop Merritt boldly declared the plaza would be paid off in full. On Super Seed Sunday 2021, over $100,000 was raised, allowing the church to retire the mortgage early. In January 2022, the mortgage was ceremonially burned—debt-free to the glory of God!

As part of its expanding vision to serve families, LIFE Academy Child Development Center was born. Plans were drawn, construction began, and the dream of offering quality after-school care and early education to the community is now coming to life. In that same year, a new sanctuary balcony was constructed to accommodate a growing congregation.

LIFE Church is a place where lives are transformed and miracles are common. Since its founding, LIFE has embodied the spirit of the early church in the Book of Acts—a Spirit-filled, power-driven, people-loving church.

Our mission remains clear:

To passionately love God and intentionally love people.

This unwavering commitment has cultivated a faith-filled, miracle working atmosphere where the presence of God is tangible, and lives are changed forever. At LIFE Church, the love of God is evident, and His power is real.