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Our Name and Its Symbolism
The Mount of Olives, sometimes called Olivet is one mile long with four identifiable, summits east of Jerusalem, beyond the valley of Jehoshaphat, through which flows the Kidron stream. Gethsemane, Bethpage, and Bethany are on its slopes. Over the years, this region has become famous for its fruited olive gardens and lush landscaping.
Historically, the olive played an important role in the life of the early Jewish and Christian communities. It was used as a fragrance, for cooking, for medicinal purposes and as an ointment to link the early Christians to their faith (James 5:14). As a metaphor, the early Christians referred to the olive as the fruit of healing or the fruit of restoration.
Today, the term "extending the olive branch" has emancipated in meaning to suggest that the Christian believer (the olive) is at work bearing the fruit of healing and restoration, which is to be used in the Church (branch). Ultimately, the olive branch is to be connected to Jesus Christ, the Vine, and is to live such as to give glory unto the Vine (John 15:5). As the Church of Jesus Christ embraces the second millennium, the response of the Church to its modern day challenged must be symbolic to that of "THE OLIVE BRANCH."
Where there is spiritual decay in the individual or the institution of the family, we must offer restoration.
Where there are social ills, hurt, suffering and pain, we must offer healing.
Where there is economical imbalance and the lack of justice, we must offer the fragrance of hope.
This is why we are called "THE OLIVE BRANCH."
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Our Mission and Motivation
The MISSION of The Olive Branch Church at Woodforest is to provide restoration, healing, and hope for any person through the ministry of Christ Jesus. In addition, we are diligent in edifying and equipping Believers in pursuing the Kingdom of God through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we are committed to following the vision of the Senior Pastor—Charles L. Stevenson, Sr., as he leads The Olive Branch Church.
Our mission for ministry is motivated by the Word of God according to Matthew 28:19-20. "Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."
The focus of our ministry is based on II Corinthians 5:18, "And all things are of God who reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." Ultimately, the focus of this ministry is "soul winning." Every entity of the church's ministry and even its existence is centered on bringing the sinner into a right relationship through faith in Christ Jesus and receiving an inheritance into the eternal Kingdom of God!
However, some will reject him, but praise God, many will accept Him! Consequently, we strongly believe that if one person accepts Jesus as Lord, then that one person can touch the lives of many. As a result, the ministry of The Olive Branch Church becomes the ministry of reconciliation...
Our History
The Olive Branch Church began in 1953 as the Kashmere Garden Church of God in Christ under the leadership of The Reverend Allen J. Hines. Later, the church moved from Calvacade Street to Wippercht Street. In 1973, the church moved from the Kashmere Garden community to 7517 West Knoll Street, Houston, Texas. The church's decision to relocate inspired the idea of changing its name. Therefore, Pastor Hines and the congregation agreed to rename the church "Garden of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ." In April of 1984, The Reverend Charles Lowell Stevenson, Sr. succeeded Pastor Hines due to his demise. Today, the church continues under his leadership. However, in March 1997, the church's sanctuary was destroyed by fire due to arson. In 1998, having the responsibility of rebuilding, the pastor and congregation agreed to reorganize as "The Olive Branch Church at Woodforest," Member of Church of God in Christ, Inc.
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