What began with just 16 people gathered on the back verandah of a friend’s home, has grown into a thriving faith community touching hundreds in person and thousands online. As Family Word and Worship Church celebrates its 10th anniversary, its journey stands as a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and unwavering obedience to God’s call.
Located at 6 Belmont Road in New Kingston, Family Word and Worship was birthed in the heart of its founder, Pastor Junior Tucker, whose years as a travelling evangelist revealed a deeper need within the church community.
“Believers would continue to walk in,” Pastor Tucker shared with Freedom Come Rain. “At my altar calls, people would come in droves—sometimes the entire church—for healing and deliverance. The Lord showed me that people not only needed prayer but also counselling to help them cope with issues such as abuse and unforgiveness.”
Establishing the ministry did not come without its challenges—and, according to Pastor Tucker, some still remain.
“People were coming in droves for healing and deliverance,” he recalled. “But the Lord showed me that prayer alone was not enough. People needed counselling too—to help them deal with abuse, unforgiveness, and deep emotional pain. The ongoing challenge, however, is helping people understand that God desires our devotion not just on Sunday mornings during spiritual events, but throughout our entire lives. He must be our complete source of strength and existence.”
Born Leslie Tucker, affectionately known as Junior, the pastor walked away from the heights of a secular career in October 1997. After much soul-searching following the death of his father and the birth of his daughter in the same year (1996), he concluded that his life needed more purpose and meaning beyond the pursuit of fame. He converted to Christianity and dedicated his talents to serving God, going on to write, perform, and produce gospel reggae—then a relatively new genre.
In 1999, Junior returned to the United States, where over the next 16 years he developed as a worship leader, pastor, and pastoral counsellor. Serving in various churches while attending seminary and university to study psychology proved humbling for the former international star. As a gospel artiste, he continued to travel throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom, carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ on a reggae rhythm.
His preaching ministry also expanded, often drawing from his personal experiences of turmoil behind the scenes of being a child star and international recording artiste. His testimony of God’s faithfulness has brought many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and ministered healing to the hurting and broken. Whether singing or preaching, Junior is now fulfilling his God-given purpose—sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and expanding the Kingdom of God.
Fast forward to 2025, and the church he planted is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Throughout the journey, Pastor Tucker has remained anchored by a strong support system, most notably his wife and co-pastor, Pastor Trudy Tucker, who has stood by his side from the very beginning.
He also credits faithful family members, friends, pastors, and church leaders who helped set up, tear down, and provide space, equipment, and spiritual oversight in the early days. “I pray God continues to honour their faithfulness,” he said.
Yet the journey has not been without deep pain. One of the most profound testimonies Pastor Tucker shares is intensely personal—the loss of one of his children.
“The most significant miracle is that God has maintained my mental stability,” he said quietly. “I miss her every day, but God has used that experience to help bring healing to so many others.”
That season of grief, he explained, reshaped his prayer life and deepened his dependence on God. “Before pastoring, I prayed mainly for myself and my family. Now I also carry the responsibility of praying for my church family and the wider body of Christ.”
Over the past decade, the church’s demographic has evolved. What began as a congregation largely made up of young adults has grown into a multi-generational family.
“Those young adults now have families of their own,” the pastor noted. “That has led to the expansion of our marriage, children, and youth ministries. We actually need more space now.”
From those early verandah gatherings, Family Word and Worship now serves more than 250 people weekly in person, while its online ministry reaches thousands each week with worship, teaching, encouragement, and moments of joy.
Looking ahead, the church is preparing for continued growth, including plans to introduce a third Sunday service.
“We have a fantastic team of leaders and volunteers,” Pastor Tucker said. “I believe we have the capacity to reach even more souls for the Kingdom of God.”
Originally, plans for the church’s 10th anniversary centred on celebration—marking a decade of what the pastor describes as God’s “faithfulness.” However, in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, those plans took a more compassionate turn.
“Instead of just celebrating, we felt led to turn the anniversary into a time of worship and remembrance for those in need,” he explained.
Last month, the church hosted its anniversary concert titled When We Worship at St Andrew High School for Girls. Traditionally a free event, the concert included a special offering and donation drive, with proceeds supporting survivors of Hurricane Melissa.
After 10 years, Pastor Tucker remains resolute about his calling.
“This church is my life. It is my assignment,” he said. “I don’t get to walk away. I am fully committed to this task.”
Serving alongside his wife has also strengthened their family life. “God has been gracious to give me a wife who shares this calling. We carry the load together, and that has been a blessing to our marriage.”
As Family Word and Worship steps into its next decade, the vision remains clear: continued growth, deeper discipleship, and an unwavering commitment to loving people into wholeness.
“Where I am now,” the pastor said, “is exactly where I am supposed to be.”
