Pastor Cyrus F. Flanagan was founder of the Family Worship and Praise Center, birthed in 1996, where he served as senior pastor until his passing on September 18, 2013. Pastor Flanagan was saved by the power of Jesus Christ in 1974 while attending Florida A&M University on a “Marching 100” music scholarship. It was there that God unlocked His purpose, plan, and assignment for his life.

Pastor Flanagan was licensed in 1978, ordained in 1982, and installed as pastor in 1997 by Pastor Clarence W. Hopson of Broadview Missionary Baptist Church in Broadview, Illinois.

Pastor Flanagan was a devoted and loving father to five lovely girls. His desire was to assist the Body of Christ in “Mobilizing a Movement for His Manifestation.” He made it his mission to follow the vision God gave this ministry to “Bring Them In, Build Them Up, and Send Them Out!”