Celebration Church and Outreach Ministry

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 growthThe 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 its outreach 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 food giveaways, dance and men's motorcycle ministry, to Christian recovery programs, counseling and physical fitness. Introducing people to the new life and hope that is found in Jesus is the churches focus.BeliefsCelebration Church and Outreach Ministry is non-denominational, independent, soulwinning church. However, the teachings closely resemble those of evangelical doctrine. The Church holds a Thursday night Bible Study at 7:00pm and a Saturday night worship services at 6:00pm that includes Biblical teaching, food giveaways and live music. The Church also offers a kids' service for children and teen ministry earlier in the day.