In October 1998 while traveling cross-country by automobile from Portsmouth, Virginia to Yokosuka, Japan via San Diego, California, God said to Elder Kerr, “PRAISE TEMPLE!” Elder Kerr replied, “Yes Lord.” The next day while still traveling cross-country God said to Elder Kerr, “Have your wife speak every 5th Sunday!” Again, Elder Kerr replied, “Yes Lord.” Elder Kerr realized that he would have to be in a position to do what the Lord had commanded. He also realized that what God had spoken was futuristic. While in Japan, God began preparing his wife and family for the ministry of our Lord Jesus.

Elder Kerr and family arrived in Millington, Tennessee by way of the U.S. military, Thanksgiving Day Eve 2001. They later began worshipping the Lord at Praise Temple, Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Pastor William Charles Burks in South Memphis. While at Praise Temple Church of God in Christ, God continued to use Elder Kerr and his family for his glory. Here he served as Associate Minister. Two years later, the Lord God blessed Elder Kerr to retire from the U.S. military after completing 24 years of Naval service. That same year during the Church of God in Christ’s National Convocation, the Spirit of God re-issued him the orders to start a church for the Lord Jesus Christ and confirmed the orders during the inspiration message given by Pastor and recording artist Marvin Winans.

Elder Kerr prayed this prayer: “Lord, I know you are calling us to start a church for you. You said, Praise Temple, and to have my wife speak every 5th Sunday. However, there is already a Praise Temple. Lord, you said in your word to follow peace with all men and in holiness, without it none may see you. If we start a Praise Temple, it will or may create a conflict between brethren. Lord, you are going to have to work this out so that there is peace among brethren.” The Lord directed Elder Kerr to the phone book and gave him the name TEMPLE OF PRAISE for the church. Elder Kerr prayed again, “Lord, if this is of you, you are going to have to establish Temple of Praise through your word, in your word and by your word! Your word is true and a sure foundation! If this is of me Lord, this will fail. But your word will never fail.” The Lord led Elder Kerr to I Corinthians 3:16 which reads: Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.

Elder Kerr then prayed to God for the vision for Temple of Praise. Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 19:18a). God told him to read Hebrews, Chapter 11. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By it (faith), the elders obtained a good report.” When Elder Kerr came to verse 6, which reads, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” As Elder Kerr kept reading, God immediately said, “See all this Living Faith.” Elder Kerr again asked the Lord, for a mission statement and a specific focus established in his word and by his word. God said, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8.

After much prayer and supplication, on 7 December 2003, Temple of Praise with four members, held it’s first worship service unto the Lord Jesus Christ at Munford High School, 1080 McLaughlin Drive Munford, Tennessee. In June 2004, the church’s official registered name became Temple of Praise Community Church. GOD BE PRAISED…

In November 2004, through answered prayer, God allowed Elder Kerr to receive keys to a beautiful edifice located 8323 Richardson-Landing Road, Drummonds, TN 38023. On November 14, 2004, Temple of Praise Community Church with 42 believers, (10 officially listed on the church rolls at the time), held its first worship service for the Lord at this location. God be praised!