A visionary leader, teacher, and pastor.
Pastor Lawrence Russell Henderson Sr. is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, teacher, and pastor whose influence extends across churches, communities, and business landscapes. Born on July 15, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry and Sharon Henderson, he grew up on the West Side of Chicago before his family moved to Maywood. There he completed his education at Washington Elementary School and Proviso East High School, excelling academically and athletically as a member of the football, basketball, and tennis teams. He graduated in June 1997.
Pastor Henderson's spiritual journey is deeply rooted in a rich family lineage of ministry. He is the great-grandson of Pastor James Jackson, and nephew to Pastor George Henderson, Pastor Johnny Henderson, Pastor Robert Henderson, and Pastor Albert Stokes, each of whom carried the pastoral mantle with dedication and impact. His father, Henry Henderson, served faithfully as a Deacon, modeling for his son a life of humility, service, and devotion to God.
Raised in this environment of spiritual strength, Pastor Henderson was nurtured at the historic Home of Life Baptist Church, under the leadership of his uncle, Pastor Johnny Henderson Sr. It was there that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1985. As a young believer, he engaged wholeheartedly in ministry—serving in the youth department, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and participating actively in the BTM Street and Soul Winning Team, which ministered throughout Chicago's West Side communities.
Recognizing God's direction for his life, Pastor Henderson formally accepted his call into the ministry in 2001 and preached his first sermon on August 12, 2001—a defining moment that launched more than two decades of transformative ministry. He is known for preaching and teaching the Word of God with clear, Bible-based principles that show how God desires for us to live, thrive, and prosper in today's ever-changing climate.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education and a Master's degree in Biblical Counseling from Midwest Theological Seminary. He is a certified life coach and trainer through the John Maxwell Leadership University, and serves as a Certified Dean of Instruction with the National Baptist Institute.
Beyond ministry, Pastor Henderson is committed to community empowerment. He developed a credit improvement seminar to increase financial literacy and established HOOPs — Helping Others Overcome Poverty, an initiative focused on strengthening families through education, support, and practical resources.
As an entrepreneur for more than 13 years, he has expanded restaurant success across three states, operating 11 locations through LH Restaurant Group and creating employment opportunities for hundreds while mentoring others in faith-based leadership and business development.
Today, Pastor Henderson serves as the pastor of VIBE Church Chicago, where he leads a kingdom-centered worship experience that reflects the unity and culture of heaven. In 2026, he will extend this vision by expanding into the North Shore Suburbs with the launch of VIBE Church North Shore.
At the heart of everything he does is his family. Pastor Henderson delights in spending quality time with his wife, Lady Tamika Henderson, and their four children: Lawrence Jr., Nicole, Britani, and Lael. Known for his compassion, leadership, and ability to leave a meaningful impact on every person he encounters, Pastor Lawrence Russell Henderson Sr. remains devoted not only to building God's Kingdom — but also to rebuilding and restoring his city, one life at a time.