Have Life Church

Have Life Church was birthed out of a divine call and a deep love for people. Dr. Shomari and Co-Pastor Jacqué 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.