The Journey Church

Our Story

Before Facebook, Twitter, and Yelp, before smartphones, YouTube, and Instagram; yes, before most social media even existed—let alone dominated the way we interact—a handful of young adults, who were not native New Yorkers, got together and managed to plant an innovative, casual, contemporary, Christian church in New York City by handing out invites (and free chewing gum) throughout Manhattan. By the grace of God, 15 years later The Journey Church has grown exponentially, changed lives, and led thousands of people to Christ.

In 2001, Kerrick Thomas, now Lead Pastor of the Journey Church-Manhattan, and his wife Lorie—at the time both recent seminary grads—answered the call to move to New York City to help start a new church with Pastor Nelson Searcy, The Journey’s Founding/Teaching Pastor, and his wife Kelley. In doing so they became part of God’s plan to bring the world into salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ, as well as His specific plan to spread God’s love and the message of the Cross throughout New York City.

The Journey has evolved from a smattering of worshipers who gathered for the very first service on Easter Sunday in 2002, to thousands of members and attenders from all over the country and the world who have called New York City home. And The Journey makes a home wherever God leads. We have held services in public schools, an empty comedy club, other people’s churches, off-Broadway theaters, a hotel ballroom, concert venues, and in our own office space when necessary. For the past 15 years the Lord has always provided a place for The Journey to gather to worship and hear His Word. In addition to New York City, we are blessed to have locations in Queens, NY, and Boca Raton, FL.

As a Believer, feeling connected—on and offline—in NYC can be a challenge, and from day one The Journey has been about connection—to God, to each other, to the city. The hallmark of fellowship at The Journey is our Growth Groups, small affinity groups created by our founders that meet weekly for book/bible study, support, prayer, and fun. There are countless stories of members finding new friends, job opportunities, relationships, mentors, themselves, and God through engaging in Growth Groups at The Journey.

Our membership has always reflected our city. We are professionals, musicians, teachers, actors, students, dancers, and much more. Since the early days, The Journey has been home to born-and-raised New Yorkers as well as those who have come to the city to pursue their dreams, and our church has a tradition of encouraging everyone to use his or her gifts to make a difference in the world.

Today, the world has changed considerably since 2002 but The Journey’s mission remains the same: To give you the best opportunity to become a fully developing follower of Jesus.