In the early 1990s, a group of young adults, with a love for their city and desire to grow in their relationship with God, formed a weekly Bible study group in the living room of an apartment in Washington Heights. The group outgrew the living room of its origins, transplanted itself to a rented daycare space and became Words of Life Christian Center, while the youngest among them—Ben Paz— emerged as its Senior Pastor. As they continued to grow in size, they moved multiple times but eventually found a home in a former pool hall in the Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood of the northwest Bronx.

Today Ben leads Words of Life in partnership with his wife, Teresa, with the support of a family of believers that includes teens, young adults, singles, and families who are committed to introducing the world to a real, loving, powerful and practical God.

Words of Life New Jersey opened its doors during the Fall of 2013, under the leadership of Alberto and Jessica Roca. The Rocas arrived in New Jersey with a wealth of experience from their years at Words of Life New York—where Alberto first served as one of its founding leaders and a member of the worship team. When the couple married, they joined forces as Pastors of the Young Adults network, and then as members of the Elders leadership team.

Through their outreach initiatives, services and weekly classes, what began as a small outreach group is expanding into a strong congregation of youth, adults and families who are seeking God’s love, in order to transform their city, nation and the world.