CHURCH HISTORY

While the idea had formed in his spirit years earlier, it was in the winter of 2012 that Reverend Larry D. Jones formally initiated plans to establish a new church. Gaining insight and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, Reverend Jones conducted a series of meetings that set the foundation for this new church. He met with ministers of different denominations, family members and many friends, and with prospective members, in particular, those who might become members.

In the spring of 2013, Reverend Jones met with Dr. Mark W. Thompson, Senior Pastor of Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship Church, Conyers, Georgia. This was the first of many meetings with Dr. Thompson to discuss a long list of topics including the details of location and the possibility of partnering with Redemptive Life. Because of his experiences, Dr. Thompson was one of the influential voices of wisdom and guidance as the foundation was laid for this new move of God. He was insightful and helpful in the planning aspect, and very supportive in helping us address the State of Georgia requirements for incorporation.

Soon after, the Organizational Team was formed — Adrian Ford, Gregory McMichael, Kevin Daniels, Harvey Martin and Thelma G. Jones. This group met regularly and then weekly to discuss the concept of a new church, especially what they believed God was actually instructing us to do. Weekly meetings were held at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. It was here that the name for this new congregation was established — Christian Compass Ministries, Inc. Reaching a consensus was not always easy, but a lot of love was always on display. It is important to note that the Organizational Team members made very generous seed contributions to the start-up costs. Thelma Jones made significant and invaluable contributions to the myriad of documents that had to be prepared.

Reverend Jones firmly believed that the Holy Spirit was directing him to build a Bible-based, multi-cultural congregation that looks like “Heaven.” In the summer of 2013, Reverend Jones visited a number of different congregations, those of different races, religions and denominations. It was a fruitful experience. Thereafter, it was determined that the church would be non-denominational in structure. All who desire to be a part of the body of Christ would be welcomed.

Finding a worship location and establishing a worship time met with much discussion and healthy disagreement. Subsequently, Reverend Jones met with Dr. Mark Thompson to discuss the possibility of meeting at Redemptive Life for worship and whether Christian Compass Ministries might partner with Redemptive Life in a more tangible way. Ultimately, the Organizational Group decided that we would begin to worship on Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM at Redemptive Life, with the consenting approval of the Pastor and the Board of Trustees.

Along with establishing name and location, we selected our founding Scripture. We selected one of the more powerful of all Words – Romans 8:28. Our Mission Statement was succinct, but meaningful: “To preach and teach the Good News of the Gospel for practical and spiritual living.”

At 6:00 on the evening of December 7, 2013, Christian Compass Ministries held its first worship service. It was a tremendous evening and an outstanding celebration. More than 300 family and friends came to witness and to celebrate. The Reverend Dr. Mark W. Thompson preached the inaugural sermon, and Christian Compass Ministries, Inc. was born! To God Be The Glory!