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THE HISTORY OF
VICTORY IN PRAISE CHURCH
Victory In Praise Church (VIP) was founded in 1995 by Bishop Rufus K. Turner and Lady Trena Turner after receiving a prophetic word confirming God’s call for them to plant a church in Stockton, California. From a small Bible study in their home to a multi-campus ministry serving the city, VIP’s journey has been one of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the community.
A Prophetic Call to Birth a Church
The journey of VIP began unexpectedly at an outdoor concert in Graceda Park, Modesto, California. Rufus and Trena were there singing with their gospel group, Heirs to the Throne, when a prophet approached them with a divine message. The prophet explained that God had sent him to the concert with a word for someone unknown—until the moment Heirs to the Throne took the stage. When Rufus stepped up to the microphone, the prophet declared, "This is the one."
Speaking directly to Rufus and Trena, the prophet revealed that God was calling them to plant a church in Stockton, California. While the couple left the concert unsure how to process such a revelation, God soon made His vision clear.
During a time of fasting—while seeking God about an entirely different matter—Rufus began receiving a powerful vision.
In it, God outlined the blueprint for the ministry:
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It would be a large and diverse congregation.
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Traditional seating arrangements would be broken—no pulpit thrones for clergy.
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The worship atmosphere would be filled with lights and include a balcony.
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Above all, God promised to be with him.
From Humble Beginnings to Expanding Ministries
Moving in obedience, Victory In Praise Church was established on January 1, 1995 by Bishop Rufus Turner and Lady Trena Turner. The ministry started as a small Bible study in their home, with their children, J’bar and Tia Turner, and a few neighborhood visitors.
As Bible study attendance grew, God sent Tylos Jackson Jr., his wife, Pamela, and their children, from Richmond, California, who testified that God had called them to leave their city to support this new ministry. Soon after, VIP moved into its first official location: 808 Center St., Stockton, CA—a small office building converted into a sanctuary, seating no more than 30 people.
Despite its modest space, the power of God moved mightily. Testimonies of transformation filled the sanctuary:
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Drunkards left sober.
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The sick were healed.
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The lost found salvation.
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Prostitutes walked in confused and left with renewed minds.
Early members like Mary Ann George, Tylos and Pamela Jackson, Mary and Beverly Stallworth, Ketia Vilmenay and Suzanne, Vanessa Lofton, Donnell Evans, Tanisha and Lakeisha Anderson, Terrence and Denise Herndon, Pat, Jorge, and Rachelle stood witness to these miracles.
By 1998, VIP had outgrown its small Center Street location. With only 17 committed adults and a boatload of children, the congregation took a bold step of faith and purchased its first church building at 2842 Country Club Blvd. This move marked a significant milestone as VIP became a staple in Stockton's community.
At Country Club Blvd., the ministry continued to thrive, offering outreach programs like:
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Adopt-a-Block – bringing the church beyond the walls and into neighborhoods.
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Hope Dealers – sharing hope with those struggling in life.
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ENJ (Everybody Needs Jesus) – evangelizing and spreading the gospel.
With growth came the need for more services. VIP expanded to two services to accommodate the increasing congregation. When it became apparent that a third service was on the horizon, Associate Pastor Tylos Jackson Jr. felt led by God to step out and plant a new church—thus, the birth of Victory In Praise Church of Modesto, VIP’s first church plant.
From Church to Movement: The Birth of VPE
As VIP continued expanding, God called other ministers within the congregation to plant churches, leading to multiple VIP churches being established. Recognizing the need for spiritual covering and leadership, the pastors serving under Bishop Rufus unanimously agreed to elevate him to the office of Bishop.
With this transition, a covenant relationship was formed, birthing Visionaries Pursuing Excellence (VPE)—a network of churches united under Bishop Rufus K. Turner as the Prelate Bishop.
A Season of Transition & Testing of Faith
In 2014, Bishop Rufus challenged the Board of Directors and Deacons, declaring that it was time to sell the Country Club Blvd. building and step out in faith. The church put the property on the market, and within two weeks, a buyer made a cash offer.
At the same time, VIP found what seemed to be the perfect new location. However, after signing a contract and removing key contingency clauses, the seller unexpectedly backed out of the deal. This left VIP in a crisis—they had already sold their building and now had nowhere to go.
Many advised Bishop Turner to renege on the agreement with the buyers of the Country Club Blvd. property, but he refused, standing firm in integrity and believing that God would provide. This unwavering faith left VIP, a congregation of nearly 600 people, homeless in Stockton.
A Divine Intervention: God Provides a Temporary Home
In what can only be described as a miracle, Brother Julius Smith, a local businessman, stepped forward. He offered VIP temporary use of a former school building on Rosemarie Lane—at no cost.
What was expected to be a few months turned into 18 months of worship, ministry, and growth in this temporary space. Throughout this time, Julius never accepted rent from the church, recognizing that God had placed it on his heart to bless VIP during this season.
The Move to 2029 East Harding Way
After a year and a half of waiting and trusting, God finally opened the door to what would become VIP’s next home: 2029 East Harding Way, Stockton, CA.
This spacious campus provided everything VIP had prayed for and more, including:
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A large sanctuary for worship.
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A community theater with a full green room.
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A second building housing the Community Development Center, featuring:
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A state-of-the-art kitchen.
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Classrooms for adult and youth programs.
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A lactation room for mothers.
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A full-size gymnasium.
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Two conference rooms.
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Bishop’s Brew Coffee House.
A Thriving Ministry: 30 Years of Transforming Lives
Now celebrating 30 years of ministry in 2025, VIP has grown to nearly 700 members and offers 34 dynamic ministries, including:
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“From Loss2Life” Grief Support & Counseling
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Outreach and Services for the Unhoused
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“Perhaps Today” Clothing & Assistance Programs
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Food Pantry & Distribution
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“Newness of Life” Celebrate Recovery
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Women’s Shelter Support
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Social Justice & Civic Engagement
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Dance: Mime, Hip-Hop, Praise
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Drama Ministries
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Greater Health Network
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Small Group Bible Groups
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Youth Sports, Lego, and Youth Camps
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Leadership and Financial Classes/Workshops
Legacy & Future: A Church of Praise, Purpose, and Prayer
Today, Victory In Praise Church remains a thriving, multi-generational, multi-ethnic ministry, deeply committed to salvation, spiritual growth, and outreach. The church continues to honor its founding vision: to be a place where all people can experience the love and power of God - just as it was shown in the original vision given to Bishop Rufus Turner.
With faith as its foundation and a kingdom mindset, VIP continues to expand, raise up leaders, and impact lives. From a home Bible study to a thriving campus, Victory In Praise Church remains a beacon of hope, healing, and transformation. As the church looks ahead, Bishop Rufus and Lady Trena Turner along with the VIP Board, staff, leadership and members, remain dedicated to honoring God’s call, serving the city, and advancing the Kingdom.
VIP stands as a one-stop shop for ministry, outreach, and community impact, fulfilling its mission:
A place of praise, purpose, and prayer—transforming lives in Stockton and beyond.
