Pastor Donates Entire Retirement Savings to New Church

Leading by example, True Life Church Pastor Michael Hook, has invested his retirement life savings in his church’s new building campaign.

The campaign has raised more than $500,000 in two years -- $100,000 of it coming directly from Hook -- according to a church board member.

“Lives will be changed in this new facility, impacting believers for future generations,” Hook said.

Hook, 61, is only a few years from retirement. When asked about his plans for the future, now that he has donated his savings, Hook said, “I’ll do what I’ve always done after pastoring 39 years, trust God to provide.”

The new building, at 1615 Silvernail Rd., will be dedicated Saturday, April 6, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:45 p.m.

The dedication music service includes America’s Got Talent finalist and Sony Music recording artist Daniel Jens. A former Army Sergeant, Jens was an original member of the Sony Masterworks vocal group 4Troops. He has been a part of the church’s music team since moving back to Wisconsin in 2010.

Church Trustee and Building Campaign Director Caroline Jens, is scheduled to speak about the success of the campaign. A worship service starts at 2 p.m. and is open to the public.

Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas is scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting. Several local pastors are scheduled to speak during the service, including the son of the founding pastor, Ed Arrington, and church district superintendent, John Putnam.

The new larger building helps support the multi-cultural congregation that has doubled in two years. The previous building was on Merrill Hills Road, just off of Sunset Drive in Waukesha, when the church was known as Apostolic Life Tabernacle.

Regular church services are Sundays at 10 a.m., 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 262-542-7538.