Born Through Prayer
In 1998, seven believers caught a vision for a church that would welcome everyone without judgment. They spent months in prayer and fasting, seeking God's direction. In September 1999, Word Works Ministry opened its doors. From the beginning, this was built on faith, not flash.
Faithful Through Transition
We started in rented space, then purchased our Broadway location in 2000. When our founding pastors transitioned to glory in 2008 and 2014, the church didn't falter. God raised up leaders from within, and we kept teaching, praying, and serving. Faith doesn't quit when things get hard.
Reaching Beyond Gary
What started as seven people praying in Gary now reaches Uganda with medical camps, student sponsorships, and sustainable development projects. We still serve our Northwest Indiana neighbors every week, but God expanded our territory. The Word works wherever it's planted.
Pastor James & Tracey Bell
Pastors James and Tracey Bell have been faithful to Word Works Ministry since the very beginning. They were among the original seven members who joined Pastors Howard and Jacquenette Siggers in 1998, spending months in prayer and fasting as God birthed this vision. When Pastor Howard transitioned in 2014, James and Tracey stepped into the role of Senior Pastors, continuing the ministry's legacy of authentic, judgment-free worship and community impact.
Their leadership reflects both deep spiritual commitment and hands-on service. They regularly lead mission trips to Uganda, working directly with families, sponsoring students, and partnering with local organizations to provide medical care and sustainable resources. Under their guidance, Word Works Ministry has remained grounded in its founding vision - teaching the Word, serving the community, and creating a space where people encounter God without fear of judgment.