History of The Way Thru Christ

Organizational History & Community Impact Summary

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Founded in May 1989 as a strategic church plant of the Lighthouse Mennonite Fellowship, Way Through Christ Ministry has served the Chester, Pennsylvania community for over three decades under the continuous leadership of founding Lead Pastor Alvin C. Motley.

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• Community-Rooted Origins (1989–1993): Established to serve a predominantly African-American neighborhood in western Chester, the congregation operated out of rented spaces during its foundational years before acquiring its first permanent property in 1993.

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• Expansion & Multicultural Engagement (2001–Present): In 2001, the ministry expanded into its current facility on Edgmont Avenue. Located in a vibrant, multi-cultural sector of Chester, the church functions as a diverse community hub and supports regional outreach, including hosting a Spanish-language congregation.

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• Sustained Local Outreach (2009–Present): Demonstrating a long-standing commitment to direct community support, church leadership and volunteers conduct weekly neighborhood walkthroughs every Saturday morning to connect face-to-face with residents, build relationships, and provide spiritual and practical support.

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BIO | Bishop Dr. Alvin C. Motley

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BIO | Dr. MAXINE MOTLEY

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Born and raised in Vineland New Jersey, Maxine is the wife of Bishop Dr. Alvin Motley. She is a mother and grandmother. She serves alongside of her husband in the ministry, as church administrator, and minister of women’s ministry, conference and workshop speaker. 
 
Her background also includes serving as Social worker, Elementary Educator, and Professor.  She is appreciative to God for her first book written, “Forever  Authentic “, a short story, and memoir based on a true story, “Celebrating  Kingdom and Family Legacy”.  Despite the challenges of addictions, incarcerations, losses, and struggles she witness growing up,Maxine has chosen to create a platform, for “crowning instead of downing” family legacy and legends.  She hopes to inspire readers to become encouraged and empowered to find healing, forgiveness, creative ways and meaningful ways to leave a legacy for the next generations. 

Since a child she experienced years of “writers block”, and struggled when she needed to turn in writing assignments,however she is humbled, to share that her revised novel is registered with library of congress, and can be purchased at on line bookstores; Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and Xlibris.com, and can be found at the New Castle County Library, in Bear Delaware.

Maxine remains forever thankful to the Lord for his love, mercy and keeping power. Two of her favorite verses are: “Since my youth, God you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  Psalm 71:17. And, “one generation willdeclare your works to the next, and will proclaim your mighty works. Psalm 145:4.
 

Authentic for God,
Maxine Motley, B.A., M.ED Psych
Minister over women’s Ministry/ Author