New building marks ‘new journey’ for Journey Baptist Church

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- After nearly a century in its old location on King Hill Avenue in St. Joseph, Journey Baptist Church now has a new facility.

Since 1935, Journey Baptist, formerly King Hill Baptist, had met in the brick facility at 5708 King Hill Ave; however, after over a year of praying, planning and raising funds, the church met in its newly built facility near Menard's at the junction of A Highway and I-229, on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Senior Pastor Jacob McMillan said the number of people who came to that opening service made the process worthwhile.

"The building is beautiful, but every opportunity we get to preach the gospel to others - that's why we did it," McMillan said. "Being to present what really matters, which is the gospel of Jesus, made it all worthwhile."

This journey for the church began a few years ago, when it realized its facility did not have adequate parking or facilities to accommodate new families. Also, the amount of work needed on the aging building on King Hill was becoming less cost-effective.

The amount of funds needed to make the transition to a new property and to construct a new facility could have been prohibitive. McMillan said, having a strong vision as a staff and congregation gave the congregation confidence to be supportive through planning and giving.

In addition to more parking, the facility includes a larger fellowship space with comfortable places to gather, a coffee area and an expanded children's facility.

"We wanted a place for the church to gather before and after service," McMillan said. "In addition to the preaching of God's Word and worship, fellowship and encouragement are essential to the Christian faith, and this bigger lobby space gives us an opportunity to hear about each other's lives, to pray for each other and encourage each other."

McMillan and the leadership team said that while there are still finishing touches needed on the new place, as with any new project, they are glad to have a strong space for visitors, for children and for the congregation to gather and worship each week. They also said they have a vision for the still unused portions of the property, so others in the surrounding areas can have more ways to connect to the church.

"We feel like the sky is the limit for these 39 acres," McMillan said. "We don't know what God's plans are, but we have plenty of room for whatever God's plans are for us."

For more information about the project and worship times, visit www.ourjbc.org.