Leadership
Pastor David
Lead Pastor
Pastor David T. Hawkins was born the youngest of eleven sons and one daughter. He received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Masters of Arts in Theology from Covenant Seminary.
At the age of twenty-one Pastor David Hawkins accepted the call of Pastor at Living The Word Church Fellowship. In 1998 he took over as Pastor with two members and a bankrupt church. Through his dedication and Kingdom Focus, he has seen God grow the ministry to worshipping with over 600 people per weekend. He believes in Teamwork for the Kingdom and is known to make the work of God lots of fun. He enjoys sports and is an avid reader. He finds tremendous joy in being a father to a young son, and husband to Valencia.
His desire is to help create a place of worship where there is a felt difference in our love, our lives, and our worship.
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Pastor Monique
Executive Pastor
Pastor Monique R. Green is a native of East St. Louis, Illinois. She received her bachelor’s degree in pre-professional studies and economics from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She brings over 25 years of domestic and international business experience to her role as Executive Pastor of LTWC.
During her spiritual journey, Pastor Monique has been involved in many areas of ministry both within and outside of the church. She has served within the Body of Christ as a volunteer, ministry department head, small group leader, church staff member, Bible Study Fellowship Administrator, and board member of several ministry-based non-profit agencies. Her passion is in recognizing a member’s spiritual gifts and placing them in position, whether inside or outside of the local church, to flourish in their areas of gifting. She strongly believes that without a vision, the people will perish; but with God’s perspective, in all situations the possibilities are unlimited.
Pastor Monique and her husband, Kevin, love serving the community of East St. Louis and are passionate about the spiritual and economic revival of the city. They have four adult children, three sons and one daughter. In her spare time, Pastor Mo (as we affectionately call her) enjoys traveling and reading.
James
Creative Video Director
James is dedicated to kingdom building through media! Creative storytelling and team building is a passion. He is married to Kristy Jackson and the Father of Kelsie & Jada.
Cathy Holmes
Executive Assistant
Cathy exudes a strong passion for operating with a spirit of excellence. Utilizing her gift of administration, she thoroughly enjoys transforming vision into reality.
Gary
Men's Ministry Leader
Gary is passionate about seeing men grow as leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ. As the leader of the Men’s Ministry, Gary brings fresh ideas and great energy to his work in the Kingdom. He enjoys being a husband and father.
Allen
Prayer Team Leader
Minister Wicks has a passion for people coming to know Christ. He leads and trains our Prayer Counselor Ministry. He has ministered in the Metropolitan area for a number of years and loves to see God change lives. He has authored two books and travels around the country to speak.
Ukyah
Guest Services Team Leader
Ukyah is dedicated to helping people connect with the ministry and become a part of the LTWC family. She reflects the heart of God and longs for those who are looking for a connection with Christ, a church home, and a family to all fellowship and build a heavenly bond that will last a lifetime. Ukyah is married to Cameron.
Corn
Magnification (Worship) Leader
Corn’s passion and drive musically are simple: He wants people to feel closer to God with every song. As the Magnification Leader, Corn is “fired up” about the amazing ministry gifts in the music department. Corn’s original worship music can currently be heard on Gospel radio. Corn is married to Connie.
Christine
Ascension Teen Ministry Team Leader
Christine has the uncanny ability to connect with the next generation in real and relatable ways. Her passion for youth extends beyond the church and into meaningful community work. Our teens find a safe place, a listening ear, and Godly encouragement with Christine in Ascension Teen Ministry (A.T.M.)
To learn more about A.T.M., click here.
T.J. Tutson
RARE Lead
Jeff
Audio Team Leader
Jeff is adamant about making things work for the church. His technological “bent” allows him to serve wonderfully as our Lead Sound Tech. He is passionate about seeing people find their place in the Kingdom and his heart yielded towards tremendous growth in the Lord. Jeff is married to Tranecia.
Valencia
Community Groups Leader, Women's Ministry
Valencia exemplifies the heart of discipleship. She is a student of the Bible and loves to see people grow in their faith. She has been with Living The Word Church since 2003 and has seen the church experience explosive growth from 15 people. Valencia is married to David.
LaTonya
Administrative Lead
Latonya is a wonderful and compassionate worker. She has been with Living The Word Church since 2006. She enjoys the freedom of worship and loves the behind-the-scenes task at the church.
She works closely with Pastor Hawkins in order to ensure objectives are met as we walk in excellence.
Lillie
Healing and Deliverance
Evangelist Lillie Purchase serves as our lead intercessor for healing and deliverance. As a dedicated servant to the body of Christ, she leads powerful healing services, and teaches on the Biblical principles of healing and Godly deliverance.
John White
Facilities Manager
John believes the LTWC grounds and landscaping should be just as welcoming and inviting as the people who worship at LTWC. Seeing souls being saved and added to the kingdom is energizing to John. A well-kept environment enhances the worship experience, and John is committed to that effort. John is married to Katre.
Community Life Pastors
The Community Life Pastors (CLPs) help carry the weight of the ministry as we enter the next expression of what it means to be Living The Word Church.
CLPs will be present for a host of needs within our church community such as weddings, grief and emergency support, counseling, teaching, and every other aspect of what it means to do life together.
Napoleon Mond
Pastor Mond has an irrefutable anointing on his life to meet people where they are without judgment. He loves breaking down the Word of God to talk about the tough subjects that are often left unaddressed. He is a proud U.S. Army veteran. He is married to Tina.
Ernest McDonnell
Pastor McDonald sees the image and likeness of God in all humans. He brings a wealth of experience and passion to community outreach and his heart to serve is always on display. He has been a member of the United States Air Force Reserve Command since 2013. Pastor McDonald is married to Jennifer.
Jeff Collier
Ministry Elders
The Elders of LTWC help to ensure effective operations within each ministry, serve as support and counsel to ministry leaders, help cast vision, and provide guidance as the church grows and expands.
- Elder Kenya Leonard
- Elder Jeff Fort
- Elder Archie Moore
- Elder Craig Towns
Business Team
Led by the principles of Biblical stewardship, our business team makes prayerful decisions concerning the operations and financial matters of the church. The team regularly meets to ensure LTWC operates in a way that honors God, follows all applicable laws and regulations, and serves the members in excellence.
- Kevin Davis
- Karla Perry
- Prentice Motley
- Michael Johnson
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