Founders

Honoring the vision, faith, and obedience that established Faith Deliverance Worship Center

Legacy & Vision

Faith Deliverance Worship Center was established through faith, obedience, and a burden for community transformation. Incorporated on January 13, 1974, the ministry began as Deliverance Evangelistic Church of Burlington County under the leadership of the late Apostle Eric F. Ricks and Reverend Vernell Ricks.

What began as outreach services and home Bible studies for newly converted youth grew steadily through prayer, discipleship, and community support. Guided by God’s direction, the church transitioned through multiple worship spaces, each step reflecting growth in both membership and vision.

As the ministry expanded, God entrusted the founders with a broader mandate — a wholistic ministry addressing spiritual, emotional, social, educational, and economic needs. This vision culminated in the acquisition of Faith Center, Inc., a multi-building campus designed not only for worship, but for education, employment, outreach, and community restoration.

In 2001, the church was renamed Faith Deliverance Worship Center, reflecting both its heritage and forward-looking mission. After 42 years of faithful service, the founders retired, leaving a strong spiritual foundation and a living legacy.

Today, Faith Deliverance Worship Center continues to thrive under appointed leadership, standing as a testament to what God can build through faith, obedience, and unwavering trust in His vision

Apostle Eric F. Ricks and Rev. Vernell Ricks
Apostle Eric F. Ricks
Rev. Vernell Ricks
1972 – 2015

Our Ministry Vision

Faith Deliverance Worship Center Ministry Vision SAVE

The SAVE model represents the God-given strategy established by our founders to empower individuals spiritually, academically, vocationally, and economically.

Founders Timeline

1972

Community outreach services begin in Burlington County, resulting in many young people accepting Christ and forming the foundation of a new ministry

January 13, 1974

Deliverance Evangelistic Church of Burlington County is officially incorporated in the State of New Jersey under the leadership of Apostle Eric F. Ricks and Reverend Vernell Ricks

1974–1977

The church grows through home Bible studies, worship services, and partnerships with local churches while transitioning between worship locations

August 1977

The ministry purchases land in Florence, New Jersey, marking its first major step toward permanent establishment

April 16, 1994

Deliverance Evangelistic Church acquires Faith Center, Inc., a multi-building property designed to serve both the church and the surrounding community through worship, education, business, and outreach initiatives

September 30, 2001

The congregation unanimously votes to rename the church Faith Deliverance Worship Center, reflecting its expanding mission and identity

2014–2015

After 42 years of faithful leadership, Apostles Eric F. Ricks and Reverend Vernell Ricks retire. Prophetess Linda M. DeSeignora is prayerfully selected and appointed as pastor

October 22, 2017

Pastor Linda M. DeSeignora is officially installed as Pastor of Faith Deliverance Worship Center, continuing the founders’ vision and legacy

June 25, 2021

Apostle Eric F. Ricks is called home to his eternal reward, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy that continues to guide the ministry

2022 – Present

Faith Deliverance Worship Center celebrates 50 years of ministry, continuing to grow as a place of worship, leadership development, and community impact rooted in faith and obedience to God

Then & Now

Faith Deliverance Worship Center – Early Years Then
Faith Deliverance Worship Center – Present Day Now
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Psalm 127:1