2009 Church Planter of the Year - Evangelism

Leading a church birthed in the context of great pain, Pa. Mark Rice, recipient of the 2009 Church Planter of the Year - Evangelism Award shared the beginnings of JourneyChurch in Kingman, AZ, attributing the  exponential growth in new believers to the glory of God.

Mark Rice was a worship and music pastor for 33 years also leading the outreach program, "Celebrate Recovery." It was while serving in this ministry, God gave him a heart for evangelism and a burden for the "castaways" of our society.

On New Year’s Eve 2004, the lead pastor of that church, two of his sons and a high school student were killed instantly by a drunk driver. This tragedy led Mark into fulfilling a great deal of pulpit supply over an 18 month period. During this time Mark felt the call of God to transition his ministy into becoming a lead pastor.

On September 16, 2007, JourneyChurch started with 55 people in Kingman, AZ. In the 20 months of their existence, they have grown to nearly 500 who call Journey their church.

The exponential growth of JourneyChurch Mark attributes wholeheartedly to God. JourneyChurch places strong emphasis on biblical teaching with application to everyday life. Friendship evangelism is one of their most effective ways of leading people to Christ. The church is filled with "post modern" and new Christians who know little about God and the Bible. They have six part-time staff members assisting with leading ministries. Nearly 150 people have received Christ and over 100 have been baptized. To God be the glory for what He is doing in and through JourneyChurch!

2009 Church Planter of the Year - Discipleship Award Recipient
2009 Urban Church Planter of the Year - Award Recipient
2009 Friend of Church Planting - Award Recipient

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