Dr. Richard K. Hammonds, Pastor, born in Gary, Indiana to Pastor Rozelle and Gladys Hammonds.  

Dr. Hammonds graduated from West Side High School in Gary, Indiana. He received a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Bradley University, and a Bachelors Degree in Practical Theology from the International College of Bible Theology.  Dr. Hammonds also received a Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Midwest Theological Seminary in Missouri, on December 2, 2000 and completed his Doctorate of Ministry from Omega Bible Institute and Seminary in Swartz, Louisiana.

Dr. Hammonds began his ministry under the leadership of the late Bishop C.E. Bennett of Saints Home C.O.G.I.C. of Gary, IN and the late Pastor Walter H. Lee of Peoria, IL.

The Gospel Experience Church started at the Y.M.C.A. auditorium in 1979. From the Y.M.C.A. auditorium, we moved to 511 Spring St. We moved forward from Spring St. to our present location at 3101 NE Madison Ave. In 1993, Dr. Hammonds had a vision to add on to the church a new auditorium. In October of 1995 construction began. The new addition was completed in 2015 with a total seating capacity of 300.

Dr. Hammonds was employed for many years with the Illinois Department of Corrections where he held several positions; Correctional Officer, Counselor I, Counselor II, Chaplain of Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton, IL and the Hanna City work camp serving approximately 2,000 inmates.

Dr. Hammonds retired from the Department of Corrections in January of 2003 and is presently serving as a substitute teacher for the Peoria Public Schools. He is on the Board of Directors for Agency on Aging.  Dr. Hammonds heart is in his ministry and through many years of pastoring he has received several awards.  Upon receiving an invitation to the Governor's mansion in Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Hammonds received the Illinois State Employees "Reach Out" Award in 1993 for his work in the community and his church. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 1994 from the Department of Corrections. Dr. Hammonds is the author of 3 books; The Pentecostal Movement, Marriage and Relationships and Words of Wisdom and Inspiration. Dr. Hammonds established the Richard K. Hammonds Scholarship Fund for seniors of Peoria High School. 

Dr. Hammonds ministers through WVEL 1140 radio station at 3:30 pm every Sunday. His weekly broadcast is carried live worldwide; through this ministry many have called for salvation and deliverance. Additionally, a television broadcast airs on Thursdays at 5:00 pm and Sundays at 7:30 pm on Comcast channel 22.  Dr. Hammonds is yet preaching anointed sermons such as: I've been hacked, but changed my password; I've got backup; Prayer got me here, but faith brought me out. 

Pastor Richard K. Hammonds has ambitions to purchase a larger church, to host a Pastors Conference, to develop a ministry to aid in drug/alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, and for Gospel Experience Church to become a training station for new and struggling ministries.

People are finding out that our Pastor is truly a man of Power, Compassion, and Praise.