Pastor Shirley J. Nicholson was born in Grimesland, North Carolina.  She was saved at the age of 10 under the television ministry of Oral Roberts.  Even as a child, people recognized her as being “different.”  The Spirit of the Lord gave her a new heart and a new life in Jesus Christ. 

In 1981, Pastor Nicholson was called by God to the Pastorate.  At that time, she was a member of Faith Bible Church, where she won many souls for Jesus Christ.  As she grew in the Lord, Pastor Nicholson realized her calling and was ordained by the late Dr. Lewis T. Tait, Sr., Bishop and Founder of Faith Bible Churches, Inc. of Washington, DC.   

Under his leadership, she organized and founded Abundant Life Faith Bible Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Through that ministry, she began to find and train disciples.  Knowing that through Jesus Christ, she had the key to victorious living, her number one goal became “winning the lost at any cost!”

   On August 15, 1995, Pastor Nicholson responded to the vision given to her by God.  She was led to Community Christian Church located in Greenville, North Carolina under the direction of Dr. James D. Corbett, Founder and Bishop.  The “vision” of Abundant Life Community Christian Church was victoriously brought into fruition!

  Pastor Shirley J. Nicholson continues to touch the lives of people wherever she goes.  She strives to spread the Gospel throughout the world.  Her primary mission is one of equipping Christians to carry the Good News and impact the lives of others for the better.  The Abundant Life Community Christian Church family praises our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because our Pastor is now continuing to lead the charge to change the lives of families in our new community.  It has been a journey led by her through the valleys and over the mountains to reach our destination: a place where ministry will go forth for youth, men and women; a place where outreach will bring many souls to the Lord, Jesus Christ; a place where Mission work will be greater, where education will be in place for all, and where the vision given to her by God will be fulfilled.