The generational progeny of ministry is very significant to future generations of those who are destined to serve the Lord in gifted capacities. If strong spiritual influence is applied in the family, more than likely the call of God will be answered by offspring.

The foundation and background of Apostle Richard H. Cross, Sr. began in the 1800s with the formerly enslaved Rev. Israel Cross who founded Mount Sinai Baptist Church in a log building in Nansemond County, Va. One of his sons, Elder Joshua Cross accepted the call to preach the gospel in the Southampton County area. One of Joshua’s sons, Bishop Willie P. Cross answered the call of God to minister for more than a half century.

In the year 1972 Bishop Cross was installed as pastor of Word of Life Center, then St. Luke, until the present time. He led the church to add on a new sanctuary which was dedicated in 1977. In 1974, he was installed as pastor of Rose of Sharon for a duration of 19 years. Also in 1974, he was elected to succeed his father as vice bishop, serving under the honorable Bishop Jesse Handshaw, Sr.

Bishop Cross succeeded Bishop Jesse Handshaw, SR as Senior Bishop and presiding prelate in 1980. Under Bishops’ leadership, 33 acres of road front land was purchased on which now stands the general headquarters building of the Apostolic Faith Church of God, Live On, which is being operated under the name Live On Ministries, Inc.