A Historical Account of Bread of Life Ministries

Bread of Life Ministries was birthed in the heart of Pastor Stephen A. Lyons in September 1999, guided by a divine vision to reach the lost, restore the broken, and renew minds through the transforming power of God’s Word.

What began humbly as a home Bible study officially launched on November 1, 2001, in the living room of Pastor Lyons’ residence in Aberdeen, Maryland. That evening, six individuals gathered to study the Word of God—marking the beginning of a ministry ordained for lasting impact.

Just one month later, on December 1, 2001, Bread of Life held its first public worship service at the Quality Inn Hotel in Aberdeen, Maryland. While services were held at the hotel, Bible studies continued in the Lyons’ home, rooted in a passion for sound doctrine and Spirit-led teaching.

Growth Through Ministry

As the Word was faithfully preached and the community compassionately served, God caused Bread of Life to grow. Over the years, a variety of ministries were established to disciple and empower individuals across every generation:

A Physical Home and Expanded Outreach

In June 2005, Bread of Life secured its first dedicated facility at South Philadelphia Boulevard. This location became a vital hub for worship, discipleship, and outreach. During this season, the Bread of Life Distribution Center was established, providing essential resources, including food, clothing, and furniture, to families in need.

A Divine Transition and Kingdom Partnership

In late 2008, Pastor George Torbert of Faith Worship Center informed Pastor Lyons that God had called him to a new area of ministry. In an extraordinary act of Kingdom unity, he offered Bread of Life Church the use of Faith Worship Center’s building at 13-14 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, as well as the opportunity to shepherd their congregation.

This divine transition included:

• A larger worship facility at a reduced cost

• Full access to furnishings and ministry resources

• The seamless integration of Faith Worship Center members into the Bread of Life family

On December 31, 2008, a transition service marked the handoff, and in March 2009, a dedication service was held to consecrate the space to the Lord.

A New Vision and a New City: Birmingham, Alabama

In January 2021, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Bread of Life relocated to Birmingham, Alabama. With this move came a significant transformation: Bread of Life transitioned from a traditional local church to a nonprofit Christian discipleship organization with a regional and global vision.

The mission remains grounded in the original call:

Bread of Life is a Christian discipleship community committed to making disciples of all nations. We make disciples who make disciples.

This next phase of ministry focuses on equipping, edifying, and encouraging believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through:

• An intimate prayer life

• Life-transforming Bible Study

• A victorious lifestyle of obedience to Christ

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Current Ministries of Bread of Life – Birmingham

Today, Bread of Life continues to live out its purpose through a wide range of discipleship-driven initiatives:

• The Living Bread Daily Devotional – Daily encouragement rooted in the Word

• The Cave – A safe space for men’s spiritual transformation

• Fresh Bread Weekly – A weekly teaching series grounded in biblical truth

• POP – Power Over Porn – A Christ-centered initiative helping individuals overcome pornography

• Living Bread Gospel – Spreading the gospel through digital evangelism

• Kingdom Servants Institute – Training believers for Kingdom service and leadership

• The Living Bread Podcast – Conversations that encourage spiritual growth

• EHD (Emotionally Healthy Discipleship) – Teaching believers how to follow Christ from the inside out

• The Journey – A pathway for new believers and spiritual renewal

• The Warriors – A prayer and intercession ministry for spiritual breakthroughs

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Looking Forward

From its beginnings in a Maryland living room to its present expression in Alabama, Bread of Life Ministries stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, guidance, and grace. Through every chapter—whether as a church or now as a nonprofit discipleship movement—our mission has remained the same:

To Reach the Lost, Restore the Broken, and Renew Minds through the power of God’s Word.

We walk forward trusting God for the next move, equipped for every good work, and dedicated to making disciples—until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

“We have come this far by faith… leaning on the Lord, trusting in His holy Word… and He has never failed us yet!”