The concept of True Vine Services was conceived and started to be realized and practiced by members of the Church of God of Prophecy in Kalamazoo Michigan in 1998, while D. Bill Miller was pastor.
During his pastoral tenner, Pastor Miller noticed that in addition to his spiritual and biblical support to his congregation, there was void of social and academic structure as it related to the youth and young adults.
In an effort to fill that void, he called a meeting with the nurses, teachers, social workers and college students in his congregation to share his concern. From said meeting, the decision was made to convert the church basement which had kitchen and empty office spaces into classroom for study areas for homework support.
Shortly thereafter, The Education Plus(+), Melting Pot Brigade and the Refining Woman Workshop programs were born.
A Point System was employed to recruit, motivate and reward participants, resulting in the catering to upwards of 100 young people in these classes 3 times weekly. The benefits included, increased high school and college graduates as well as some very happy professionals.