Our History

Pastor Bryant S. Townsend first opened the doors of Agape Christian Worship Center (ACWC) Sunday, January 10, 1999 with approximately 6 members and no outside financial support.

Agape’s first home was a “little room” in Grange Hall on Executive Drive here in Boise, Idaho. The “little room” had a maximum occupancy of 30 people.

Agape remained in the “little room” for nine months as we began to grow and develop. In the fall of 1999, we moved to the Broadway Dance Center. In June 2001, the Lord led us into our first building on Ustick Road, a 130 seat multi-purpose sanctuary complete with offices, a sound room with equipment, and a children’s church classroom.


The year 2001 gave birth to 5 A.M. prayer, Sunday school, Thursday night bible study, Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, it’s subsidiary The Christian Women’s Connection, and our first official women’s conference. In May of 2003 our building caught fire and was completely destroyed. We had lost everything - but God was faithful. Graciously, Community Church of the Valley opened their doors to us.

On June 1, 2003, a second church – Word of Life Ministry – on Emerald Street opened their doors to us and provided a place to worship. During our time at the Emerald Street location (2003-2006), the Lord was indeed our El-Shaddai. He provided not only finances but also the material things we needed for the ministry. After a few months, we were allowed to completely take over the lease at the Emerald Street location. Our two year stay on Emerald Street gave birth to yet another ministry – the Agape In Action Food Pantry – which was established to help provide food for any Boise/Treasure Valley family that was in need.

God was not through with us yet. He continued to enlarge our church family with no only adults but also children. The Emerald location became too small. In May 2006, we moved into our 16,000 square foot home at 1001 South Orchard Street. Since it’s inception in 1999, the ministry has steadily grown and evolved. Look where God brought us from. It is our testimony that we’ve come this far by “Faith”.