How it all started...
What is now The Life Center Church was formerly known as The Mt. Carmel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, founded by the late Rev. J. A. Johnson in 1957. The initial church building was a small wooden structure located at 109 Washington St., Eatonville. The structure was built by neighbors and other community citizens to accommodate seventy-five (75) and had a beginning membership of one adult and eight children.
Under Rev. Johnson's leadership, the congregation out grew the small building which created a need for the one hundred-twenty five (125) members to undertake the task of constructing a larger facility. Planning and organization of this building project was under way by 1965. Rev. Johnson and the congregation worked long and hard and completed the new sanctuary facility in 1967.
The larger facility served the congregation and the Eatonville community as the only church in Eatonville to hold worship services every Sunday of each month. In 1976, the church was chartered and formally incorporated with the State of Florida as THE MT. CARMEL INSTITUTIONAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. Rev. Johnson continued to guide this newly incorporated and growing church through 1977.
In August 1976, Bishop Ronald F. Kimble, Sr. received his ministerial license and following the May 1977 resignation of Rev. Johnson, became the interim pastor of the church. In October of the same year, Bishop Kimble was ordained and installed as the official pastor of the church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kimble, the church experienced another significant growth period and has achieved many milestones including a name change (The Life Center Church), the establishment and expansion of a variety of ministries and the continued development of ministry facilities. Three (3) additional churches have also been established under Bishop Kimble's leadership. They are: The Life Center Church Ocala, FL; Titusville, FL; and Monrovia, Liberia. There are plans to establish other churches in the Greater Central Florida area.
The Life Center complex consists of a worship center, educational facilities, administrative offices, a multi-purpose facility, a bookstore, and a prayer chapel.
The Life Academy (formerly Eatonville Christian Academy) was established in 1982 and currently services students K4-9th grade. It is located at 107 Wymore Rd., Eatonville, FL. We use the A Beka Book curriculum for all grade levels.
The Life Center complex functions for ministry to the local congregation and the Central Florida Community. It is designed for edification, education, administration, and recreation.
Under Rev. Johnson's leadership, the congregation out grew the small building which created a need for the one hundred-twenty five (125) members to undertake the task of constructing a larger facility. Planning and organization of this building project was under way by 1965. Rev. Johnson and the congregation worked long and hard and completed the new sanctuary facility in 1967.
The larger facility served the congregation and the Eatonville community as the only church in Eatonville to hold worship services every Sunday of each month. In 1976, the church was chartered and formally incorporated with the State of Florida as THE MT. CARMEL INSTITUTIONAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. Rev. Johnson continued to guide this newly incorporated and growing church through 1977.
In August 1976, Bishop Ronald F. Kimble, Sr. received his ministerial license and following the May 1977 resignation of Rev. Johnson, became the interim pastor of the church. In October of the same year, Bishop Kimble was ordained and installed as the official pastor of the church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kimble, the church experienced another significant growth period and has achieved many milestones including a name change (The Life Center Church), the establishment and expansion of a variety of ministries and the continued development of ministry facilities. Three (3) additional churches have also been established under Bishop Kimble's leadership. They are: The Life Center Church Ocala, FL; Titusville, FL; and Monrovia, Liberia. There are plans to establish other churches in the Greater Central Florida area.
The Life Center complex consists of a worship center, educational facilities, administrative offices, a multi-purpose facility, a bookstore, and a prayer chapel.
The Life Academy (formerly Eatonville Christian Academy) was established in 1982 and currently services students K4-9th grade. It is located at 107 Wymore Rd., Eatonville, FL. We use the A Beka Book curriculum for all grade levels.
The Life Center complex functions for ministry to the local congregation and the Central Florida Community. It is designed for edification, education, administration, and recreation.
Expanding the vision...
At The Life Center of Ocala, our vision reaches beyond providing care and support for the local Ocala community. We are building a vibrant, intergenerational community that uplifts, connects, and empowers. Through our partnership with Bridge That Unites & Integrate Generations, Inc., we are creating a new model of service rooted in compassion, shared wisdom, and meaningful relationships.
We see a future where generations are intentionally woven together. By working with BridgeUnites, an organization dedicated to connecting youth and seniors through community, we imagine a Life Center where stories, mentorship, guidance, and lived experience flow freely between ages. Intergenerational programs, storytelling circles, skill-sharing sessions, and mentorship opportunities will allow both youth and older adults to learn from one another and form long-term, impactful relationships.
Our vision includes holistic community support that addresses emotional wellness, education, life skills, and empowerment. Through BridgeUnites, families and community members will gain access to resources such as tutoring, financial literacy guidance, mental wellness support, youth development programs, and legal empowerment. This partnership strengthens the Life Center’s ability to uplift not only our members but also their families and the wider community.
We also envision the Life Center campus becoming a genuine gathering place – a hub where community members of all ages can connect, grow, and belong. Spaces designed for joint activities, youth and senior programming, workshops, and community events will help transform the campus into a place of shared life rather than isolated services.
Our long-term direction is focused on empowering families through connection. Families who support individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities often need strong networks and accessible resources. Together with BridgeUnites, we will build pathways for peer support, mentoring, and community engagement so that no family feels alone and everyone has access to growth, encouragement, and stability.
Ultimately, our vision is to create a lasting legacy. The Life Center of Ocala, aligned with the mission of BridgeUnites, seeks to model a community where generations are not separated but united, where every individual is valued, and where development, wisdom, and compassion move forward together. This partnership represents a movement toward a more connected and empowered future for Ocala and beyond.
We see a future where generations are intentionally woven together. By working with BridgeUnites, an organization dedicated to connecting youth and seniors through community, we imagine a Life Center where stories, mentorship, guidance, and lived experience flow freely between ages. Intergenerational programs, storytelling circles, skill-sharing sessions, and mentorship opportunities will allow both youth and older adults to learn from one another and form long-term, impactful relationships.
Our vision includes holistic community support that addresses emotional wellness, education, life skills, and empowerment. Through BridgeUnites, families and community members will gain access to resources such as tutoring, financial literacy guidance, mental wellness support, youth development programs, and legal empowerment. This partnership strengthens the Life Center’s ability to uplift not only our members but also their families and the wider community.
We also envision the Life Center campus becoming a genuine gathering place – a hub where community members of all ages can connect, grow, and belong. Spaces designed for joint activities, youth and senior programming, workshops, and community events will help transform the campus into a place of shared life rather than isolated services.
Our long-term direction is focused on empowering families through connection. Families who support individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities often need strong networks and accessible resources. Together with BridgeUnites, we will build pathways for peer support, mentoring, and community engagement so that no family feels alone and everyone has access to growth, encouragement, and stability.
Ultimately, our vision is to create a lasting legacy. The Life Center of Ocala, aligned with the mission of BridgeUnites, seeks to model a community where generations are not separated but united, where every individual is valued, and where development, wisdom, and compassion move forward together. This partnership represents a movement toward a more connected and empowered future for Ocala and beyond.
Where we are headed...
The Life Center is entering a new season of growth, purpose, and preparation. Our vision for the future includes the development of a fully realized ministry campus that will serve our congregation, our young people, and the entire Ocala community with excellence. At the heart of this next chapter is the construction of our new sanctuary and worship center, a space designed to elevate our worship experience and create room for the movement of God.
The new sanctuary will serve as a spiritual home where families can gather, worship can expand, and the presence of God can be encountered without limitation. This worship center will offer a warm, modern, and welcoming environment, equipped with updated sound, lighting, and media capabilities to enhance both in-person and online ministry. It will be a place where praise, teaching, and community come alive.
Surrounding the sanctuary will be a series of classrooms and ministry spaces created to strengthen our ability to disciple, educate, and develop people of all ages. These rooms will support children’s ministry, youth gatherings, adult Bible studies, leadership training, and community programs. Every space is being planned with the intention of nurturing growth, fellowship, and spiritual formation.
Additional amenities within the new campus design will include flexible gathering areas, meeting rooms for outreach and community services, improved accessibility for individuals and families with special needs, and upgraded facilities that support both ministry and partnership programs. Our goal is to build a campus that can serve as a center of worship on Sundays and a center of community impact throughout the week.
Where we are headed is a place of expansion, excellence, and purpose. As The Life Center grows, we are building not only for today but for the generations to come. We are preparing a campus that reflects our heart for worship, our commitment to teaching, and our mission to serve. This next phase marks the beginning of a new era, one where our ministry can rise to its full potential and become an even greater blessing to Ocala and beyond.
The new sanctuary will serve as a spiritual home where families can gather, worship can expand, and the presence of God can be encountered without limitation. This worship center will offer a warm, modern, and welcoming environment, equipped with updated sound, lighting, and media capabilities to enhance both in-person and online ministry. It will be a place where praise, teaching, and community come alive.
Surrounding the sanctuary will be a series of classrooms and ministry spaces created to strengthen our ability to disciple, educate, and develop people of all ages. These rooms will support children’s ministry, youth gatherings, adult Bible studies, leadership training, and community programs. Every space is being planned with the intention of nurturing growth, fellowship, and spiritual formation.
Additional amenities within the new campus design will include flexible gathering areas, meeting rooms for outreach and community services, improved accessibility for individuals and families with special needs, and upgraded facilities that support both ministry and partnership programs. Our goal is to build a campus that can serve as a center of worship on Sundays and a center of community impact throughout the week.
Where we are headed is a place of expansion, excellence, and purpose. As The Life Center grows, we are building not only for today but for the generations to come. We are preparing a campus that reflects our heart for worship, our commitment to teaching, and our mission to serve. This next phase marks the beginning of a new era, one where our ministry can rise to its full potential and become an even greater blessing to Ocala and beyond.
