Our Story

Apostolic Church of God was incorporated and the first service was held in October of 1981, in a small, one-room building.  Service was held on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings. The Lord anointed each service, and on one particular Sunday night God began to overshadow our young people with the Holy Spirit and fire. Our Pastor, a man of faith, immediately began to implement the things God was putting into his spirit. The Pastor instructed the congregation that not a month would go by without fasting and fervent praying before the Lord. Under the auspices of our leader, we held all night prayer services, glorifying and praising God all night. Lost souls began to wonder in and God began to send families into the church.
 
Just as God had promised, the ministry began to expand, and the need for more space became necessary. Our leader began to pray and ask God for guidance in which path to take. By faith, our pastor, deacons, and trustees began the task of finding a new facility. A building fund drive was developed and implemented and by the faith, sacrifice and hard work of the people of God, our building drive fund grew from a beginning balance of $200 in the account to $21,000 within sixteen months. On a bright Sunday morning in May of 1983, Apostolic Church of God relocated to our present facility at 10917 Miles Avenue where the first service was held. The Rest is History!
 
In 2006, our pastor, in prayer acknowledged the direction of the Lord to change the name of the church to Benevolent Love Ministries Incorporated. This change reflected the mighty work that God was performing in our ministry and in the community. The name Benevolent Love Ministries emphasizes the purpose and calling of what we do: Benevolent - existing to give love. Benevolent Love Ministries has striven and continues to be a resource in the community and the city of Cleveland these 35 years. God continues to bless the ministry from its infancy to the present. There is an old saying that “history has a way of repeating itself”. We know this to be true. Our God has brought us full circle since that bright sunny Sunday morning in May of 1983.
 
To this day, we are more determined than ever before to seek the face of God; to "stand in holy place" declaring the goodness of God; to remain in a state of kingdom-mindedness and; to practice "pure religion, un-defiled (visiting, widows and orphans) and keeping our lives unspotted from the world."
 

Articles of Faith
 
We firmly believe that there is “One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism”; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  (Ephesians 4:5-6)
 
We embrace the scriptures concerning the baptism (full immersion in water) in the name of the Lord Jesus. We firmly believe in the infilling of the Holy Spirit with an initial evidence of speaking with tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance. (Acts 2:38)
 
We further believe that as children of God we must live holy according to the Holy Scriptures, abstaining from all forms of tobacco, intoxicating drinks, and the use of any habit forming substance for the sole purpose of recreation and pleasure. We embrace the scripture that we, as the children of God, “…must put a difference between holy and unholy, clean and unclean”(Leviticus 10:10) and to exhibit a Godly life in the world using modesty in our behavior and in our attire. For the scriptures have declared, “Ye are the salt of the earth; the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill.

Benevolent Love Ministries Inc. envisions a world where every individual and family experiences the transformative power of God's love and grace. We aspire to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and support, radiating the light of Christ to our community, neighboring cities, and beyond. Through unwavering dedication to evangelism, holistic community outreach, expert family counseling, and education rooted in timeless biblical principles, we aim to foster a society where lives are enriched, relationships are restored, and hearts are healed. Our vision is to create a world where the love and message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ empower individuals and families to thrive, fulfilling their God-given potential and contributing positively to the world around them.

At Benevolent Love Ministries, we are on a sacred journey toward a future filled with hope, compassion, and transformation. Our path is guided by our unwavering commitment to spreading the love and message of Jesus Christ to every corner of the world.

As we journey forward, we envision:
Deepening our roots: Strengthening our foundation in faith, prayer, and community, ensuring that we remain firmly rooted in God's love and grace.

Expanding our reach: Extending our arms of compassion and support to reach beyond our community, embracing and uplifting individuals and families in need around the globe.

Innovating for impact: Embracing creativity, innovation, and adaptability as we seek new ways to share the Gospel and meet the evolving needs of our world.

Building bridges: Fostering unity, reconciliation, and understanding among diverse communities, breaking down barriers and building bridges of love and acceptance.

Cultivating growth: Nurturing the spiritual growth and development of every individual, empowering them to live out their faith boldly and authentically in their daily lives.

Together, with God's guidance and the support of our loving community, we are forging ahead toward a future filled with boundless possibilities. Join us as we continue this journey of faith, love, and service, making a difference one life at a time.

Onward and upward, toward the abundant life that God has promised us all.