THE HAVE LIFE CHURCH STORY
Have Life Church was birthed out of a divine call and a deep love for people. Dr. Shomari and Co-Pastor Jacque White met while students at Howard University, where they both sensed God’s leading to serve as high capacity leaders in their local church. Though both were raised in pastoral families, neither initially imagined planting a church themselves. Their journey of obedience began in Washington, D.C., and continued through their academic and professional paths—earning degrees from Howard University, Regent University, and Texas Christian University, and serving as educators in local school districts.
In the summer of 2008, following a prompting from the Lord, the Whites relocated their young family from Fort Worth, Texas, to Charlotte, North Carolina. It was there, grounded in a passion to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ, that Have Life Church was launched. From the beginning, the mission was clear: to love people well, reach the lost, and build a vibrant Christian community where people could discover that Jesus truly makes life worth living.
The early years of Have Life were marked by steady growth and strong community engagement. As the church prioritized outreach, youth and young adult ministry, and sound biblical teaching, it quickly became a place of refuge, joy, and transformation. By 2019, Have Life Church had grown to an average weekly attendance of over 850 people, reflecting its strong presence and impact in the Charlotte area.
As the church looks to the future, its foundation remains unshakable—rooted in faith, empowered by love, and driven by a vision to see people transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. With momentum building, Have Life Church is poised to impact Charlotte and beyond in even greater ways in the years to come.
HAVE LIFE CHURCH
VISION & MISSION
VISION: At Have Life Church, we exist to “Make Every Life Better” by giving L.I.F.E.:
Love Like Jesus
Invest In People
Follow The Bible
Evangelize Everywhere
MISSION: We will win Charlotte!
CORE VALUES
- You Belong Here!
- Real People, Real Love.
- God’s Presence, Nothing Else.
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a strategic, high-capacity leader passionate about strengthening systems, building healthy teams, and advancing the Senior Pastor’s vision. This is not a succession-track preaching role, but a long-term executive leadership position focused on church health, growth, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate has experience serving as a second- or third-level leader in a church of 1,500+ in attendance, with a proven track record of leading or helping lead a thriving Connections ministry. This individual is a multiplier—someone who develops leaders, builds strong systems, and trains teams to grow and scale effectively.
PERSONAL PROFILE
A confident, decisive, and strategically minded leader who brings clarity, structure, and forward momentum to the Connections ministry. This individual is proactive and assertive—willing to step in, assess the landscape, and clearly define what a thriving Connections culture should look like at Have Life Church. Rather than waiting to be led, they take ownership and lead the charge in building, refining, and scaling the Connections growth process. Relationally, this leader demonstrates high emotional intelligence and maturity. They are deeply community-oriented and genuinely love building and developing teams. They lead with both conviction and humility—confident enough to drive change while collaborative enough to bring others along.
Behaviorally, this person has a proven track record of closing the “back door” of the church by creating clear next steps pathways that move guests into serving teams and long-term engagement. They build and train leadership pipelines, consistently turning attendees into equipped leaders. Their onboarding processes are intentional, strategic, and exceptionally strong—ensuring people feel seen, valued, and mobilized for purpose from day one.
This is a multiplier who doesn’t simply manage ministry—they build it to grow, scale, and thrive.
SYSTEMS & STRATEGIES
- Proficient in systems and platforms such as Planning Center, Clearstream, geomapping tools, and visitor engagement platforms
- Skilled in workflow optimization and process improvement
- Data-driven decision maker with the ability to analyze trends and inform strategy
- Experienced in KPI tracking and performance measurement
- Proven ability to build, retain, and develop a strong volunteer (Dream Team) leadership pipeline
THE IDEAL FIT
- Carries a true “Joseph spirit”—thrives as a strong #2
- Finds joy in making things run smoothly behind the scenes
- Constantly thinking about flow, process, and system improvement
- Naturally identifies gaps in systems and proactively solves them
- Does not require stage presence or title recognition for affirmation
- Loves being the relational and operational “glue” of the organization
- Deeply loyal to the vision and committed to advancing it with excellence
CHARLOTTE, NC
Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant and growing city that offers something for everyone. Charlotte blends the convenience of urban living with the peacefulness of surrounding countryside. With a mix of modern high-rises, historic neighborhoods, and spacious suburbs, Charlotte offers a wide range of housing options to suit different lifestyles. Residents enjoy access to beautiful green spaces, miles of greenway trails, and nearby getaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains or Carolina beaches.
Charlotte’s cultural scene is equally dynamic, with museums, performing arts venues, and festivals that reflect its diversity and creativity. Whether it’s catching a Panthers game, enjoying local food trucks, or exploring Uptown’s restaurants and music, there’s always something to experience.
In the heart of this thriving city, Have Life Church serves as a light of love, creating a Christ-centered community where people from all walks of life can heal, grow, and live out their purpose.