Biography of Bishop Lawrence LaVale Hancock, Sr.

Lawrence L. Hancock, Sr., was born Lawrence LaVale Anderson on June 4, 1974. He was born to Lorraine and Arnold Anderson, Sr. their second son in Toledo, Ohio. Lawrence was a very active child who exhibited a great deal of leadership at an early age. He often walked home from kindergarten alone crossing several streets and one major intersection. Lawrence and his family moved to the Southwest side of Toledo while in the second grade. This presented an opportunity to discover more athletic activities such as baseball, basketball, and football. In addition Lawrence was a Honor Roll Student.

As a Fifth Grader, Lawrence was the starting point guard on the Reynolds School Team and was voted to play in the city wide all-star game. In that same year, Lawrence and his brother Arnold, were adopted by Samuel H. Hancock that allowed for the same last name of Arnold, Lawrence, and Amy their younger sister upon the remarriage of his mother in 1976. Junior High brought its normal challenges but a lot of triumphs academically and athletically. Interesting enough, Lawrence had given up the violin after two years of study to join the chorus in the seventh and eighth grades putting Lawrence a little closer to music he enjoyed.

High School was like a coming out party for Lawrence. Lawrence was a varsity football player as a Freshman, Freshman Basketball Team starting point guard, and Class President! Lawrence also had the opportunity to compete in the National NAACP ACT-SO Competitions in Detroit, MI in Instrumental Contemporary. This experience alone became the thermostat in understanding he had enough talent to do some serious things in music! High School progressed with much of the same as the freshman year! As a senior, Lawrence was captain and starting quarterback of the football team. Basketball fell by the wayside at this point and Lawrence was college bound as a student/athlete. Lawrence earned a full music proficiency scholarship to Mount Union College and was recruited to play football…the ideal situation.

At Mount Union Lawrence played football, was a member of the Mount Union College Student Senate, Black Student Union, Campus Crusade For Christ, and the Dowling Mentor Program. Specifically, Lawrence served as Minister of Music for New Zion Baptist Church in Alliance, OH as a freshman and sophomore. After realizing that MUC would not prepare him for a career in the Recording Industry, Lawrence looked to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University. Unfortunately, that didn't happen due to financial issues.

Lawrence didn't loose sight of his goals. After returning to Toledo, Lawrence became active in the local music scene. He became a member of the Toledo Choral Union, recorded with them and received Songwriter of the Year and Director of the Year at the Thomas A. Dorsey Gospel Music Convention. After receiving these awards, Lawrence began to look at recording and wasn't financially able to fund a recording project. While trying to find a way to earn money to purchase equipment and studio time Lawrence landed another opportunity to work in the automotive industry with Excel Components in Toledo as a Receiving Inspection Supervisor in 1997. This opportunity catapulted Lawrence's career in automotive.

In 1998, Lawrence was given an opportunity to become a Document Control Manager for Maul Manufacturing in Detroit, MI. Motown! This made all the sense in the world and Lawrence took advantage of the opportunity to learn. Lawrence recorded as a vocalist with Fred Hammond and Motor City Mass Choir learning the ends and outs of the production process and doing things with excellence. In 1999, Lawrence accepted his long pushed away calling into the Gospel Ministry and immediately went to work on completing his undergraduate studies because of his commitment to attend seminary. Lawrence completed the additional coursework necessary at the Hamilton University earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Lawrence was then accepted to the American Christian College and Seminary in Oklahoma City, OK. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Lawrence's automotive career really began to blossom! In the meantime, Lawrence built a home music studio that gave him the opportunity to produce industry ready songs.

In 2004, Lawrence released his first CD on his LV. Productions label with Independent Records. The CD allowed for relationship development with other industry professionals and various media personalities. Also in 2004, after a couple of years of dating, Lawrence married Karyn McConnell on June 25th . On September 4th, Lawrence L. Hancock, Jr. was born! In January 2005, Lawrence and Karyn begin Bible Study in their home officially beginning the ministry of The Final Harvest Church, International.

On April 4th, Final Harvest Church, International had its first worship experience. Prior, Lawrence was consecrated a Bishop in March and was presented at the April 4th worship experience by Bishop Timothy Williams. Continuing to learn, Lawrence became an ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt in March of 2005.Later, Lawrence's received a Masters Certification in Music Business and Technology from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Next, Lawrence will continue his seminary study at the Dallas Theological Seminary.

This anointed preacher, prophet, minstrel, and friend is equipped, charged, and committed to advancing the Kingdom of God…One Soul At A Time!!!