Lead Pastor: Dr. Rick Grover
Bio: What an awesome experience it has been to be a part of Journey! We chose the church name "Journey" because it describes what most (if not all) of us experience in coming to faith in Jesus Christ--it is a process; a journey. My journey includes being raised as a third-generation pastor but deciding in my teen years to go my own way. After God finally got my attention, I decided the best thing I could do with my life was to give it all back to Him. So I went on to college and seminary and served as a pastor in a couple of churches before moving to New Orleans in August, 2001. While I was in seminary I met my wonderful wife, Laura, and now God has expanded our family to include Will, Anna, and Luke. We love being in "The City That Care Forgot" and believe it is our life mission to help others discover that God hasn't forgotten them.
In my downtime I enjoy movies. Among my favorites are Shawshank Redemption, Schindler's List, and one or two every year that I say, "This was the BEST movie I've ever seen" (but it always changes). As for books, I enjoy just about any murder mystery! If asked to chose a favorite non fiction book, it would be a toss-up between Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus and Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ .
Among my hopes and dreams are an opportunity to share in a movement of urban church planting to bring new life and hope through Jesus Christ to our urban centers across America. I am also hoping to visit Switzerland with my wife (sorry kids), see my kids grow up to be faithful to Christ in all of their endeavors, and someday own a Harley Road King Classic!
Some of my favorite quotes are: "God doesn't make things easy. He just makes them possible" (W. F. Lown). "A man has at least begun to understand the meaning of life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit" (Elton Trueblood) "Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." (C.T. Studd)
Office Manager: Blenda Miles
Bio: I am a true southern girl, born way up in north Louisiana! I grew up in Jefferson Parish and my Grandmother was the biggest influence on my life. She always said to me, "Love ye one another, cause you'll never know what dog might have to wash your behind." With every season of my life things just keep getting better and better. God has given me everything and then some. I share my life with my husband, Alvin, and my two children, Justin and Alisha, who are now young adults!
Among my favorites are "Nut & Honey Cereal" (I think that's because I am very sweet, but a little nutty.) My favorite movies include Driving Miss Daisy and The Color Purple. My favorite book is The Joy Luck Club.
In the future, I look forward to enjoying the grandchildren I hope to have, owning a summer home, visiting Africa, and just enjoying old age!
Ministry Intern: Kyle McConkey
Bio: I was born and raised in Texas and I'm proud of it, and I am currently a student at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. I am well on my way to becoming a third generation minister, and I am pursuing a degree in Biblical Literature with an emphasis on Church Planting. I am interning here at Journey for six months and will return to Joplin in the spring for my senior year.
I have seen God work through my life and am commissioned to spread his love to all people.
I have a lot of hobbies including music, video editing, computers, sports, movies, reading, and pretty much anything outdoors. I play basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, soccer, and almost everything else except curling! I have too many favorite movies to count and too many favorite bands to name, but I will tell you that my favorite brand of computer is Apple and I enjoying reading books by Brian McLaren, C.S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, Ted Dekker, Bob Russell, Reggie McNeal and a lot of others!
I am excited to be a part of Journey and to live in this great city that is being rebuilt physically, as well as spiritually.
ELDERS
Gary Lazarre, Elder
gary@journeyneworleans.com
Alan Delery, Elder
alan@journeyneworleans.com
Martin Kaffenbarger, Elder
martin@journeyneworleans.com
Bob Kuhn, Elder
bob@journeyneworleans.com
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