Over the past few years we have had numerous people ask us the question, "Why would anyone want to start a new church in New Orleans?" After we chuckle just a bit, we always answer the question with the response, "For the same reasons why we should start new churches in any city -- because Jesus changes people's lives, neighborhoods, communities, and cities."
If there is ever a city that needs positive change, it is New Orleans. Often referred to as "the city of sin," New Orleans has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the United States, one of the lowest scoring educational systems, and the third highest heroine use per capita (to name just a few of the challenges).
People warned us several years ago that starting new churches in New Orleans would not be easy, and they were right. But with much prayer and belief that God was leading us here, we moved to New Orleans in August 2001 and got to work.
Journey began with a core group of about ten people meeting in a home on Tuesday nights. That quickly expanded to a Sunday night group and then on October 6, 2002, a Journey worship gathering was born in the Hollywood Cinemas 9, outside the Esplanade Mall in Kenner.
Over the past few years, God has helped us stay true to our mission to help people experience a life-changing passion for Jesus Christ and His community. We have seen many people become followers of Jesus Christ and get connected into meaningful relationships in the Body of Christ. Our gatherings now meet in the Elmwood Palace 20 theater (S. Clearview) on Sundays and in small groups throughout the week.
As we continue to grow, God has been multiplying our ministry to people across all racial and socio-economic lines. We believe God is calling us to be a church-planting congregation that partners with others to see individuals and communities restored in a relationship with God and others through Jesus Christ. Life is a journey, and we're grateful to be able to live it together in a community of faithful people who love and serve one another . . . and we invite you to join us on the journey of faith.
