God honored Bishop Derrick E. Flanagan, Sr. with a vision and Christ Abundant Life International Ministries was birthed as a ministry of Excellence, Faith and Integrity. On October 12, 1998 when Bishop Flanagan began a bible study in his home, that was filled to capacity the first night it began and continued to increase by word of mouth for two months and Christ Abundant Life International Ministries came forth. On March 7, 1999, the first service began with seven charter members. Services were held at the Ramada Inn on Cherokee Boulevard in Douglasville, Georgia. These services were filled to capacity with more than 100 people in attendance. The church was asked not to return to the Ramada Inn because too many were in attendance and we were loud, which subsequently broke the fire codes.

After much prayer and directions from the Holy Spirit, Bishop Flanagan began holding services at 1280 Grady Street. The church held services there for six months while the present facility was being renovated by wonderful people whom God had touched their hearts to assist with the renovation work. On January 28, 2000, the church moved to its present location at 8388 Cherokee Boulevard. For many months, the church membership increased with the majority of its members coming from the North, South, East and West and surrounding counties throughout metropolitan Atlanta.

The young heterogeneous congregation includes new converts, seasoned converts; restored converts wounded by previous church experiences and restored backsliders. In spite of the awesome annointing on his life, God has given Pastor Flanagan the ability to relate to diverse personalities and a strong vision from the Lord to heal the wounded body of Christ.