Our Leaders

Elder Robert E. Jones Sr. who is the second of three sons of Cleophas and Mary Jones, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee. His mother was very supportive of her boys enabling them to grow up feeling loved and cared for. As a boy, our Pastor spent his winters in Memphis and his summers on his grandfather's farm in Mississippi . It was during these formative years that he learned to work, carry his own weight, and to be concerned about people. He graduated form Melrose High School at the age of 17 and later graduated form Tennessee State University in Nashville , Tennessee . While in graduate school, he was drafted into the U.S Army and subsequently sent Fort Lewis , Washington . A fellow soldier invited him to visit Emmanuel COGIC where the late Bishop R.E. Altheimer was a pastor. Although he attended Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church and Mt. Moriah Sunday School (back home) it was at Emmanuel COGIC that he truly made a commitment to GOD. As an obedient servant he learned the ways of GOD under the leadership of Bishop Altheimer.

At Emmanuel Temple COGIC he was zealous of good works participating in numerous of ministries such as the teacher of the Y.P.W.W., director of the Brotherhood, auxiliary leader of the Christian Crusaders, choir member, sang with the Washington State Choir, and also there he met and married Debbie Renee' Ross. Following the death of Bishop Altheimer Elder Jones and his family transferred their membership to the True Vine Community COGIC where Dr. and Missionary Leo C. Brown Jr. was the Shepard?s of God's people. He worked diligently for GOD at True Vine Community COGIC as he did at Emmanuel COGIC. He received invaluable teachings form Dr. Brown and grew mightily in the Lord. At True Vine he served as Assistant Pastor, President for the choir, District Sunday School Superintendent, and a supporting member of the Brotherhood Department.

In 1986 with his devoted wife at his side, Elder Jones answered God?s call to work in HIS vineyard in Spanaway , Washington . This was the birth of LIVELY HOPE COGIC; with just his family in the audience God elevated him like never before. Elder used his uncanny business skills, and his astute leadership to build a worship facility. Much has been done to make this a more acceptable place in which to worship. Many have been saved nurtured, taught, and have grown thereby.

Along with the fine work he does at Lively Hope, he is:

Regional Coordinator, Northwest Region Y.P.W.W

President of the Washington State Y.P.W.W.

Coordinator of the Puget Sound District

Board Member of the Barbara Jean Manor
(A senior Citizen?s Apartment Complex)

Deputy Director of the Progress House Association
(A Halfway House)

Member of the Ministerial Alliance

Member of the Tacoma Branch of the N.A.A C.P.

Past Vice President of W.C.C.A
( Washington Correctional Contractor Association)

Past member of N.A.B.C.J.
(National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice)

Past member of the Board of Able Mortuary TMA

Evangelist Debbie Renee Jones is married to the dynamic pastor of the Lively Hope Church of God in Christ in Spanaway Washington, Elder Robert E. Jones Sr. Their union of 32 years has not only produced 7 children, but ministers of God's Word and Music. First Lady Jones is saved and truly loves the Lord. She is known to be a praying woman who is very active in her church supporting her husband in the ministries of Lively Hope. She is the District Missionary of the Puget Sound District and is the lovely host for Lively Hope's radio ministry on KLAY 1180 AM, every Sunday morning at 9:05am. She spearheads a yearly Women's Retreat in February, where many women have been blessed. Not only does she work untiringly with her local, district, and state church, but she allows herself to be used in other parts of God vineyards. One of her greatest concerns is for mothers and their children, so because of that concern she started the “Mothers of the Light Ministry”, which meets quarterly.

When you hear her speak you will truly be challenged to have a closer walk with God!!