Leadership

Senior Pastors & Staff

Garry T. Rodgers - Founder, Sr. Pastor

Visionary Leader, Bishop Garry Rodgers is one of Hampton Roads leading visionaries who uses his knowledge and experiences to lead others into their destiny, even in areas that expand beyond the realm of the church. His approach to leadership transcends the four walls of ministry and has helped him reach people of all socio-economic backgrounds and races. As a published author and master communicator, Bishop Rodgers has trained, mentored, and counseled people in both written and spoken forums. An advocate for education, he holds degrees from Regent University in the areas of Christian Ministry and Christian Theology. As an entrepreneur and business coach, he is directly responsible for many start-up organizations, Non-Profit Organizations, Real Estate and Development Companies and currently serves as mentor to the owners of the businesses under his care. His corporate knowledge and business savvy has culminated into almost 40% of his congregation owning and operating successful businesses of their own.
A faithful pastor for of 15 Years, devoted Husband and Father, Bishop has helped countless individuals realize their purpose in God through his dynamic ministry. Starting with only 3 members meeting weekly in a local community center, House of God Worship Center has expanded to now owning two locations in neighboring cities. Proverbs 29:18, the bedrock of Bishops leadership style declares, “Where there is no Vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he”. Bishops goal is to promote the pursuing of purpose and the fulfillment of ones’ dreams through the knowledge of God and the understanding of his word. Bishop Garry T Rodgers is a man on a mission, and his Vision is to Empower God’s People.

Lisa Rodgers - Executive Pastor

Pastor Lisa Rodgers is a dedicated humanitarian, philanthropist, speaker, and community leader who champions the voiceless and underserved. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, her commitment to helping vulnerable populations stems from her faith, strong family values, and passion for public service. As the third of four children, she learned empathy and the importance of service from her family.
Educated in the East St. Louis public school system, Lisa graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. She went on to study Business Management at Harris Stowe Teachers College and Greenville College. She has passionately served in various ministries throughout her life, focusing on the youth and those in need.
Lisa helped launch House of God Worship Center in 2006. Since its inception, Lisa has developed meaningful programs to support her community's at-risk youth, veterans, and homeless individuals throughout Hampton Roads. Her work extends beyond ministry to include producing plays, annual holiday events, and community gatherings aimed at reunifying families. Now retired from a career in finance, Lisa continues to serve as the Executive Pastor of House of God Worship Center and CEO of Empowered To Change, a nonprofit that empowers individuals to lead balanced lives through creative programs, as well as the founder of the globally recognized “Jumpstart” prayer ministry, which broadcasts weekly and connects people worldwide in prayer.
She is married to Bishop Garry T. Rodgers and is the proud mother of her daughter, Sharda, and grandmother to one beautiful granddaughter MaRee. Guided by the principle “To Cry Loud, and Spare Not,” Lisa ministers to people from all walks of life.

Meet the CORE.

Shirlean Whichard

Associate Pastor
Pastor Shirlean Whichard is the most senior spiritual advisor under the Bishop and Executive Pastor.  She is responsible for mentoring and training ministry staff as well as ensuring Pastoral Care is accomplished throughout the ministry.

Justin Taylor, MBA-PM

Operations Manager
Justin holds a Graduate degree from Saint Leo University in Project Management and Organizational Leadership.  He is directly involved in all areas of ministry planning, scheduling and operations. His focus is ensuring ministry goals align with the vision and appropriate strategies are in place to meet them.  

Tramaine Brown, BA

Events Planning and Site Coordinator
Teacher, Counselor, Facilitator,   Tramaine Brown is the ministry's events planner and coordinator.  She works in Logistics and Scheduling, and oversees multiple ongoing site operations. 

Bessie Smith, MSW

Women's Department/CKZ Director/Pastoral Care
Bessie has a Masters Degree in Social Work and Human Services. Her heart is geared towards helping people.  She has applied that same focus to her ministry!! Mentoring women and pushing them towards excellence is her goal.  She also pours that same love and careful consideration into the children of House of God Worship Center.