Celebration Church and Outreach Ministry
| Formation | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Type | Independent, non-denominational church. The doctrine followed is evangelical in nature. |
| Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia, USA |
Official language | English |
Lead Pastor | Rob Rhoden |
| Website | http://www.celebrationchurchrva.org |
The Celebration Church and Outreach Ministry, is a non-denominational Christian ministry in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded in 2001 in a small warehouse across from Pure Pleasure off Midlothian Turnpike. Starting with just one bus for transporting people to the various programs offered, by the time they moved to a larger location - just a few blocks down from the original location - they had nearly 10 buses running. Presently, the church is located in an old flea market on Midlothian Turnpike, and has several dozen buses running for various programs on a weekly and semi-weekly basis. Next to it is one of the church's thrift stores, "The Love of Jesus Thrift Store."
Founding and growth
The ministry was founded in 2001 in Richmond, Virginia. When it first started it was simply an outreach center with a Christian theme. It soon transformed into a church. As of January 2009, the ministry had gone from 19 people, to an average weekly attendance of over 10,000, ranging from Richmond's poorest in the worst projects, to its most wealthy. The church attracted a variety of personalities, from college students, to drug users, to school teachers, to business men & women, to the elderly and even the homeless. The church focuses on urban lifestyle issues such as education and housing.
The church was founded as a place where churches can come together to do inner-city mission work. This group targets residents of public housing projects, motels, and dilapidated homes. The church has several ministries, and there is a wide variety of classes and programs offered on a daily basis. Everything ranging from little league to skateboarding to dance, tattooing, motorcycle clubs, Christian 12-step programs, to small group counseling sessions. Winning souls for Christ is the church's primary mission.
Beliefs
Celebration Church and Outreach Ministry is non-denominational, independent, soulwinning church. However, the teachings closely resemble those of evangelical doctrine. The group holds Saturday night church services 6:00pm and hosts a kids' service for children before the church service.
Discipleship homes
The church has created and supports "discipleship homes," or residential rehabilitation facilities for those who are drug addicted, coming out of jail, and for troubled youth. There is a home for battered women with children, or women who are homeless. These homes are free of charge, and often have a long wait time. Those who enter the discipleship program are not charged rent, but in exchange must attend church services, read the Bible, and work at the thrift stores along with other various service work services. A 12-step Christian recovery program is taught in some of these groups; however, no traditional methods such as group therapy or counseling are used.
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Coordinates: 37°30′11″N 77°29′55″W / 37.50306°N 77.49861°W