Declare Victory Prayer Call

Reverend Doctor Lawrence E. VanHook has been preaching since 1979. During this time, he has touched and saved many lives. He has been an adjunct professor at several colleges, within the Peralta Community College District and Patton University. Pastor VanHook serves as a life skills coach through the Wesleyan Coaching Network to empower people to reach their true potential. Since 2000 he has been Pastor of the Community Christian Church for Christ better known as “The Community Church”. As Founder and Pastor, he oversees the structure of the Church, all programs, activities and outreach ministries. Some of these outreach ministries include: The Charis House (House of Grace), a five-bed re-entry facility designed for men who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. The Community Church also houses The Soup Kitchen. Every Thursday the Soup Kitchen provides hot meals and outreach management services to the homeless and less fortunate members of the community. Rev. Dr. VanHook provides broad-based spiritual leadership having served as President of the Bay Area Action Council (BAAC); an affiliate of Regional Congregations and Neighborhood Organization (RCNO) where he was Lead Organizer. As lead organizer, he led the Northern California charge around re-entry and policy change from the faith-based organization prospective. Pastor VanHook served as President of the Baptist Minister’s Union (BMU) until his term ending in 2013.  As past president of the BMU, he assisted in overseeing 75 churches and pastors in the greater Bay Area.  As previous vice-president at large of the BMU he supports, mentors and advises BMU pastors on intermediate policy change within the organization. He has also actively served on several boards consisting of; Urban Transformation, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of the East Bay and other county and citywide boards where he influenced the impact of communities while lobbying for churches, men, women, and children.
 
Dr. VanHook is a visionary who ministers and counsels to both his congregation and the broader community.  He promotes Church and community development by demonstrating a model of integrity among Christian leaders. His long-term goal is to build a school to educate and house inner city youth. He believes education is paramount for the future of our community.
 
Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook received his doctoral degree in Urban Ministry Development at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio; a Master’s degree in Pastoral Care and Theology at the Sacramento Theological Seminary in Sacramento, California; attended the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and completed a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion—Philosophy and Psychology from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas.
 
Rev. Dr. VanHook’s other accomplishments include League serving as the Chaplain for the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Oakland Golden State Warriors. In this role he provided individual and team, inspirational and spiritual motivation. He also served as Chaplain for the WBA, WBC and IBF where he imparted spiritual leadership for their local members and participants.  
 
Reverend Dr. VanHook is married to the lovely Dondrea VanHook and is the proud parent of four wonderful children: Julian, Titus, Lawrence Jr. and Victoria.

Reverend Doctor Lawrence E. VanHook has been preaching since 1979. During this time, he has touched and saved many lives. He has been an adjunct professor at several colleges, within the Peralta Community College District and Patton University. Pastor VanHook serves as a life skills coach through the Wesleyan Coaching Network to empower people to reach their true potential.  Since 2000 he has been Pastor of the Community Christian Church for Christ better known as “The Community Church”. As Founder and Pastor, he oversees the structure of the Church, all programs, activities and outreach ministries. Some of these outreach ministries include: The Charis House (House of Grace), a five-bed re-entry facility designed for men who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. The Community Church also houses The Soup Kitchen. Every Thursday the Soup Kitchen provides hot meals and outreach management services to the homeless and less fortunate members of the community.