In the church’s infancy, Mother Baker was the Sunday school Superintendent and teacher, devotional leader and deliverer of the Word of God. The only music the church had was two broken drumsticks and an old paint can hanging from the back of a chair. Mother Bernice Richardson-Darnell (Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida Supervisor of Women), Sister Florida Evens and Mother Bakers daughter, Joann Jones greatly supported the new church. The Lord began to add souls to congregation by sending the Pearson family. The church was also visited on occasion by Bishop W.E. Davis (Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida Prelate), Superintendent B.O. Walker (Pinellas District, now known as the Greater Suncoast District) and Elder Boykins to ensure that the ministry would thrive. 

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In November of 1988, the church was moved to 1115 Greenwood Avenue by the Pearson family and Elder Boykins while Mother Baker attended the International Holy Convocation in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1990, Bishop W.E. Davis officially appointed Mother Baker Mother in Charge of Overcoming. While on Greenwood, Mother Baker had to endure many obstacles – the police were called on several occasions, she was threatened with bodily harm and the devin himself sent his workmen to hinder the Gospel. Mother Baker knew that she was more than a conqueror and in the face of adversity stood on the promises of Jesus Christ. For this, God allowed a woman (who was not yet a member of the church) to petition the other churches in the neighborhood to pray for Mother Baker and the mission. From this ministry, God has birthed five new ministries.  


In early 1992, Elder Joe N. Langston, his wife - Mother Eleatha Langsoton, and Mother Gloria Langston joined the Overcoming family. Elder Langston was appointed Assistant Pastor later that year. Under the leadership of Pastor Matthew Williams, Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ supported the mission work of Overcoming by contributing $150 a month to insure the work of the Lord was carried out. Pastor Williams continued to support Overcoming even after he was appointed Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida Prelate. While supporting other ministries and missions Bishop Williams decreased his gift of love and discontinued his monetary support after Mother Alberta Baker was appointed to Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida Supervisor of Women. Mother Baker was very appreciative of the support received by her former Pastor, Superintendent and current Bishop. 


With the assistance of Mother Harriet Rayner and Missionary Tranda Webb, Overcoming acquired the edifice at 803 Carlton Street in 1996. Although the church moved its location, the Overcoming family continued to minister at the mission on Greenwood every third Saturday and Sunday of the month. The Greenwood location is now the home of Dominion and Power Church of God in Christ. 


In 1999, Mother Baker resigned her position as Mother in Charge as she was appointed to Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida Supervisor of Women. In October of 1999 Bishop Williams appointed Elder Langston to Pastor, Elder Timothy A. Allen to Assistant Pastor and Minister Carlton Childs to youth Pastor. In 2000 Minster Childs was ordained as an elder and two years later was appointed Assistant Pastor. Pastor Langston and his wife found it necessary to move back to their home town of Gretna, Florida and would travel from their home in to Clearwater on a weekly basis until his health began to be problematic. Elder Childs kept the flock together and through the years completely renovated the edifice at 803 Carlton Street. Pastor Langston determined that he would not be able to continue the long journeys to Clearwater and retired in April of 2016. God favored Elder Childs and Bishop Williams appointed him Pastor on September 10, 2006. Pastor Childs and his wife Evangelist Vanessa Childs have continued to labor faithfully in serving the Lord. 

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Overcoming continued to serve in Clearwater until the Lord began to add to the church daily. As Overcoming grew and several new ministries were added, the edifice in Clearwater became too small. While in Bible Study one Wednesday night, the word came that there was a piece of property available in Largo, Florida. After considering several other locations, the Lord saw fit to allow Overcoming Ministries Church of God in Christ to move to 13001 116th Lane, Largo where we war presently serving. The members came together as in the days of Nehemiah and began to work. 


This ministry has been truly blessed and we won’t come down until our child care center is in operational, the House of Ruth is re-opened, our newest edifice is paid in fall and The Overcoming Tabernacle is built from the ground up! We are excited, God is pleased and ain’t nobody mad but the devil. Please pray much for Overcoming Ministries – that we continue in holiness and righteousness! All additions were made by Pastor C.S. Childs