We believe in the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, as declared in Acts 2:38:
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
This foundational truth
reveals the plan of salvation for all mankind.
Powerhouse Praise was birthed in 2001 by the late Dr. Apostle Mandy Hamilton, who appointed Elder Gary and Minister Markeida Johnson as shepherds of the new church, which they named Powerhouse Praise & Deliverance Apostolic Church. Ordained in April 2001 under Powerhouse Ministries Unlimited, Inc., the Johnsons opened their first building in Baytown, Texas, renovating it from an empty shell into a functioning church in just three months. The church held its grand opening in February 2002, hosting the first God's Women of Power conference and growing the congregation through community outreach. Six months later, God directed the ministry to relocate to Tulsa, Oklahoma. At Pastor and Copastor Johnson's request to stay within the PMU family, the move happened in 2003 — but rather than reopening immediately, the Johnsons spent the next 13 years under Apostle Hamilton's mentorship, growing and preparing before relaunching Powerhouse Praise.
In November 2015, God began leading the Johnsons to relaunch the church, and on January 6, 2016, they held their first service in a hotel meeting room. The ministry grew steadily — from a 300-square-foot office space, to a 700-square-foot storefront, to its current 1,600-square-foot location. Elder Gary Johnson was consecrated Bishop in September 2020, then elevated to the Apostleship in November 2024, while Copastor Markeida Johnson was consecrated Prophetess by Apostle Debra Gipson. On August 6, 2026, the Johnsons celebrated 32 years of marriage, having raised three sons and welcomed five and a half grandchildren, along with countless spiritual children and family in the faith. Powerhouse Praise honors its founder, the late Dr. Apostle Mandy Hamilton, current leader Apostle Debra Gipson, the PMU family, and its own leaders, Apostle Gary and Prophetess Markeida Johnson. God bless!
