Our History

Life Tabernacle began in 1972 when Pastor Harold Kern and his late wife Pamela, moved to Bellevue with their family. The Kerns moved from Chowchilla, CA where they had pastored a church. Another family from Chowchilla, the Sevedges, accompanied the Kerns to assist them in starting the new church. Services began in the Lake Hills clubhouse in the south Bellevue area.

In the late 70's the church moved to the location on Newport Way. Over the next twenty years the church grew and ministered. Eastgate Daycare rented our facilities for many years and gave loving care to children of working families in the South Bellevue community. Life Tabernacle also hosted a thriving Chrisitan School for twelve years.

The church grew from two families to over three hundred members between 1972 and 2000. In 2010 our dear Pastor's wife, Pamela Gail Kern, went to be with Jesus. She is greatly missed by all and her memory and labors of love live on.

The Church Today

The goal of this church is to do our part to reach "The Whole World with the Whole Gospel." We are a multi-cultural church with approximately 20 nationalities represented. Seven missionaries from our congregation have taken the Gospel of Jesus Christ to foreign lands.

We currently have a Filipino church in Burien pastored by Rev. Marvin Cacho.

Rev. Victor Calderon pastors the Spanish Church at the Sanctuary of Praise location. See their website here.

In 2003, Life Tabernacle changed its name to Sanctuary of Praise. Along with our new name comes a renewed vision for spreading the Gospel. As the coming of the Lord draws near, our priorities shift to reflect the urgency of the hour.

It is our desire to sow the good seed of the Word of God in the hearts and minds of His people. The members of Sanctuary of Praise welcome you with friendship and geniune Christian love. We believe that everyone has a place in the family of God and we hope you will join us to find out what a fun and vibrant place church can be.