Years of growth and expansion

In September of 1976, Dr. and Mrs. Roy G. Sapp were elected to pastor First Assembly of God. Pastor Sapp reorganized the Aloha Kindergarten into the Aloha Day Care and Pre-School, which in turn became the fore-runner of the Christian Academy, formed in 1980.

1977 was a year of ministry explosion. The third floor of the main building was remodeled to provide classroom space for the adult Sunday School, which was revamped and called, “School for Christian Growth,” under the direction of Pastor James Morocco (now pastor of King’s Cathedral and Chapels).

Spurred by the rapid growth, Pastor Sapp sought God for a way to minister more effectively to the body. In 1979, the first home Bible study groups were formed so that the people would be ministered to in a small-group environment. This was the beginning of home cell meetings in the entire state, known today as the Life Group Ministry.

Under Pastor Sapp, the congregation grew considerably, reaching nearly 2,500 people, with five services held each Sunday. Ministries continued to grow to reach the various age levels and needs of the people. ACTS XXIX was founded as a Discipleship Training Center under the direction of Pastor Doug Gugudan. The Music Department continued to grow and impact the community with the production of “The Witness” and “The Singing Christmas Tree.”

It was soon apparent that the church had once more outgrown its facilities. After considerable prayer and intercession, God directed the church to relocate to Red Hill, where the church presently resides. To purchase the Red Hill property, the Lunalilo Street property, and a residential property on Thurston Avenue owned by the church were sold. The congregation pledged and gave sacrificially in finances, time, and labor towards the purchase of the new site and the construction of the new church facility.