Bernice Bean and Verbal, her 17 year-old son, felt the call of God to pioneer a church on the east side of Houston. Beginning with home meetings and a strong emphasis on the power of prayer, they moved to Woodland Acres Elementary School in the east side of Houston. When Bernice’s health failed, Verbal and his wife, Anita, became pastors of the First Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ on Dewey Street.

While returning home from Louisiana, Verbal Bean was instantly killed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Charles and Bonnie Free were installed as pastors. The church moved from Dewey Street to a new location at 13334 Wallisville Road, and the name was changed to Christian Tabernacle. Our Pastor, a successful crusade evangelist for 19 years, came on staff as co-pastor, and the following year became senior pastor. To survive financially, the small group of 70 members had continual fundraisers, such as: peanut brittle, pies, tamales, take-out dinners, and newspaper inserts.

On a Sunday morning in October, a remarkable divine visitation forever transformed our concept of “having church.” As our pastor read from the Book of 2 Chronicles, the power of God struck the pulpit, split it in two parts, and threw him backward to the floor. So dynamic was this visible manifestation, some saw angels and others experienced miraculous healings and demonstrations of the Spirit. For almost three months, unpredictable services focused on repentance and seeking God’s face, rather than His gifts. This dramatic encounter not only revolutionized our pastor’s ministry, but left a perpetual anointing upon this congregation.

As a future expansion, 48.2 acres of prime property was purchased on Beltway 8 at Garrett Road. As preliminary building plans were formulated, a Capital Stewardship Campaign was introduced in May 2008 for the new facility. However, in September of that year, Hurricane Ike hit the Houston area, causing major church damage, followed by the worst economic recession in modern times. Emergency repairs included new floor tile for the first level of the building and a complete church make-over. Instead of our intended $7 million stewardship goal, we raised a total of $3.3 million, which was spent on architectural fees, several building expenditures, and in 2014, full payment of the land. (What a blessing that we postponed building during the recession!)

The church moved from Wallisville Road to our current location, and the name was changed to Inspire Church. Since moving, we have had to expand parking multiple times, as well as install additional seating to accommodate our growing family. God is GOOD!

To lift our spirits into God’s holy presence through anointed music, prayer, and praise. To reveal the personal, intimate relationship with our Father that is available to all.

Psalm 34:3, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100, John 4:23, Colossians 3:16

To bring believers into the fellowship of our church family by inspiring them to commit to the responsibilities and benefits of church membership.

Romans 12:5, 15:7, Galatians 6:1-2, Ephesians 2:19, Hebrews 13:17

To develop mature Christians with new habits, changed behavior, strong convictions, and godly character, resulting from the study of God’s Word.

John 13:34-35, Romans 6:13, Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:28, 1 Timothy 4:12

To help believers discover their destiny and purpose, spiritual gifts, interests, personality, and life experiences—then equip them to use their gifts to minister to the unsaved and the hurting.

Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 12:4-13, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31, Ephesians 4:7-13, 1 Peter 2:9-10