Our Story
The Pentecostals of Lafayette (POL) was founded in 1996 by Rev. Derald and Karen Weber. What began humbly in the living room of the Weber family has grown into a thriving, multi-cultural, and multi-generational church.
Today, POL is located at 6214 Johnston Street in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is led by our Pastors, Derek and Holly Weber.
1995
In January 1995, Derald Weber was a full-time assistant pastor in San Antonio, Texas at Castle Hills UPC, pastored by Rev. Mike Chance. After preaching in Lafayette, God began to deal with him about starting a new church in that area. The Webers prayed, fasted, sought counsel and the will of God for 10 months. Through many miracles and signs, there was no doubt in the heart of Bro. Weber that he knew what God wanted him to do. In October 1995, Bro. Weber contacted the LA District and requested to begin a new work in Lafayette. In December, the LA District Board approved Bro. Weber to begin a new church in the southwest area of Lafayette in July 1996.
1996
In November 1996, a banquet hall (The 5th Avenue) was rented to begin holding Sunday services. Thirty-nine were in attendance for that first Sunday service, November 3.
1997
In March 1997, upon the resignation of their pastor, Faith Temple UPC voted to merge with The Pentecostals of Lafayette by a unanimous vote on behalf of both congregations. The Pentecostals of Lafayette relocated to Eraste Landry Road. The first service together on Easter Sunday morning 1997, set a new record attendance of 108 for The Pentecostals of Lafayette. Each year brought new growth and record attendance.
2000
In 2000, 9 ½ acres of land were purchased on Johnston Street.
2004
In 2004, Building the Dream Phase 1 began, construction of a new sanctuary! It was completed and dedicated to the Lord in August 2005.
2012
In January 2012, Phase 2 of Building the Dream was completed: offices, classrooms, nursery, kitchen and fellowship hall.
Record Revival & Growth
Over 2012 and 2013, we experienced years of record revival and growth. We have remodeled our current Sanctuary for more seating, planted churches in Youngsville & Broussard, and initiated the revitalization of two other churches. We completed our third expansion project in January 2020 and are currently planning for our fourth expansion project.
In December 2020. our church family elected Pastor Derek & Holly Weber to become the next Senior Pastor of our church when Pastor Derald & Karen Weber retired. The Lord had a slightly different timeline than our Pastors and on March 19, 2021, Bro. Derald Weber was elected to serve as the Louisiana District UPCI Superintendent.
On April 19, 2021, Pastor Derald & Karen Weber were elevated to the station of Bishop and Pastor Derek & Holly Weber officially became the Senior Pastors of The Pentecostals of Lafayette. While holding fast to the heritage and foundation laid for us, we are looking forward to what God has in store for our future here at the POL!
