Small/Core Group Beginnings
If you are reading this, you desire to know a little bit about us. This will give you a brief history of where we come from, and some steps along the journey. It does not do justice to the Grace and Redemption God has brought to our individual lives, but we hope it will give you an idea of us.
Bill was teaching the Bible in small groups. B.J. Barnes, our worship pastor was part of those groups and studies. They were challenged to move out on the vision and they began looking for a location to begin this growing gathering of Jesus’ disciples.
On April 1st, of 2006, Journey 242 began with the help of Garvinwood Church who, being incredibly gracious, shared their facility in the hope that we can reach the younger evangelicals and Christ seekers with the redemptive message of freedom in Christ Jesus.
On August 20th, Journey 242 met for the first time in its new location on Cullen Road. The vision was always about the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ and following Him. To do that we have started and maintain three strategies; small home groups (organic and relational discipleship), Sunday teaching and worship (presentation of the Gospel and gathering), and reaching out to our community (being sent on a mission).
Matt (Bill’s son) had finished seminary (Trinity Divinity in Deefield, IL) and had also finished a pastorate in Pennsylvania. After months of prayer and discussion Matt moved his family and joined the leadership team in fall 2007. His primary role was church planter and teacher/preacher.
The church joined the Baptist General Conference (BGC) and was given a very generous Church Planting Grant to help start up costs. A common misconception is that we are a part of the local (GBC) that is common in this area. See our statement of faith that helps explain some of our interests in being connected with the BGC.
We changed our name in Fall 2007 to Sojourn Community Church. We desired to keep before us the realization that “eternal life” that Jesus speaks of in John 3:16 begins NOW for those of us who believe and follow. The sense of a “sojourn” was what we wanted to remember and maintain.
On April 1st we found an opportunity to rent space in Newburgh next to Pizza Chef and began services Sunday morning 10:30.
In late Spring 2008 Kevin and Rachel Schuble found us. They had moved to Newburgh and were looking for a local church. They had formerly been youth pastors at Willow Road church in Evansville, IN and felt a fit to serve in a youth pastor(s) capacity.
Amy Kroeger has continually, from the beginning, been a faithful servant and teacher of our Children!
Our desire has always been to be a diverse, gospel-driven, Biblical community that helps people love God, connect with Jesus Christ, love one another in redemptive relationships, and be a part of Jesus mission. We believe it’s important to focus equally on our Sunday morning teaching/worship and on our family groups that meet in homes just as in Acts 2:42.
