Pastor Maria L. Brooks is an Atlantic City native who was reared in the Bungalow Park Community. An attendee of the Atlantic City Public Schools, she graduated with honors and went on to pursue a career in education.

“Train up a child in the way he should: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)….” Reverend Brooks credits and pays homage to her 1^st teacher, her Mother, Dolores Adell Brooks, who instilled in her the meaning of ministry. Some of Rev. Maria’s fondest memories are those of her mother reading Bible Stories and kneeling bedside with her and her twin brother praying in unison, “Now I lay me down to sleep…” It was her mother’s devotion to God; continuous prayers; love and guidance that compelled Pastor Brooks to work tirelessly in the ministry in various capacities. It was these formable years under her mother’s watchful eye that molded, shaped and sharpened her for what would lay ahead.

Reverend Brooks was humbled and blessed to have had two powerful and dynamic mentors in her life. In 1994, at the age of 18, she met her then pastor, Reverend D. S. L. Madden, Jr. It was through this encounter and under his tutelage that she received her formal training and call to ministry.

In 2011 with the leading of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Brooks became a part of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Family under her Father and Mentor, the late Bishop William L. McClurkin, Sr. He too recognized and nurtured the anointing and calling on her life and in June 2014, he along with the other presiding elders of Christians Networking International, Inc., Kennesaw, Georgia ordained Rev. Brooks as a minister of the gospel.

As Bishop McClurkin’s health declined, Pastor Brooks assumed more responsibilities at the church and when he was called from labor to reward in December 2017, she was elected and served as Mt. Olive’s Interim Pastor. During her tenure there, she brought new, creative and innovative activities and programs to Mt. Olive.

“I know the plans I have for you….” Following years of preparation and demonstrating unwavering faith, God birth and released her to embark upon her own ministry.

True Deliverance Praise and Worship Center held its inaugural service Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019.

Holding true to Galatians 5:1, her mission is to equip others to experience the future God has for them; emphasizing God’s desire to prosper His people in every arena of life, all while compelling His people to do their part in winning the world to Christ.

Pastor Brooks is eager to see all that God has in store desiring to see individuals fully embrace His love and experience the fullness of His promises.