South Miami Property
South Miami Property Update
August 11, 2025 update:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I visit the campus before attending?
Yes! This fall, Pastor Bill and Pastor Ryan will lead prayer walks on campus. Stay tuned for dates and details.
Will our Thanksgiving Breakfast be happening at South Miami?
That’s the plan! If construction stays on schedule, we hope to host Thanksgiving Breakfast there. We’ll keep you updated.
What ministries will be offered?
Sunday ministries, including worship, message, guest services, CJ Kids, and 412, will be available at both campuses. Weekday and evening ministries may differ but will include Young Adults, Circle of Friends, JourneyMen, Groups, Financial Peace, Celebrate Recovery and CJ Students.
What time will services be?
Service times are being finalized, but will match across both campuses to allow live broadcasting.
Will there be coffee and pastelitos?
Claro que sí!
Where will the teaching happen?
Everywhere! Both campuses will experience the same teaching on any given Sunday Campuses will rotate high-quality live streaming on an equal basis.
Will there be setup and teardown?
No. Since we own the building, there’s no need for extensive setup and teardown.
Will there be a live band and/or host?
Yes! Each campus will have a live host and a worship team for every experience.
How many people fit in the auditorium?
Each auditorium can seat 600+ comfortably. Gables seats 650. South Miami seats 637.
Will there be an officer on campus?
Yes, each campus will have a uniformed officer on-site.
Will entrances be secured?
Yes, all entry points will be locked and monitored for safety.
Is the Coral Gables campus closing?
Not at all! We’re one victorious church with two vibrant campuses Coral Gables will remain fully open and active.
Will there be a school or homeschool at South Miami?
Currently, city zoning doesn’t allow for a school. But we are open to future ministry opportunities, including homeschool cohorts.
Where will CJ Students meet?
CJ Students will meet midweek at the South Miami campus.
Will middle school meet on Sundays?
Yes! Our 412 ministry will continue on Sundays at both campuses.
Who are the campus leaders?
Caleb Lopez, South Miami Campus Director
Desi Jimenez, Coral Gables Campus Pastor
Will there be office access at South Miami?
Staff will be based at Coral Gables.
South Miami will be available on a need basis for scheduled meetings and other ministry needs.
Is the South Miami campus ADA-compliant?
Yes. The building is ADA compliant.
Who do I contact for ministry representation?
For immediate questions contact us at 305-448-4425
or
email [email protected]
Will there be a built-in baptistry at South Miami?
To stay flexible and cost effective
we will use a portable baptistry that can be quickly set up and torn down as needed.
Will we offer Spanish bible studies at both campuses?
We hope so. We’re currently praying for leaders to help make this possible.
Perhaps that might be you
Will there be Spanish translation at both campuses?
Yes. Spanish translation will be available at both locations!
Will the experiences be identical?
Yes. Both campuses will offer the same worship and teaching experience.
Will events like Breathe and JourneyMen be offered at both campuses?
These large gatherings will rotate locations uniting both campuses for shared events.
Will we offer Circle of Friends at both campuses?
Yes. Both campuses will offer Group opportunities.
Connect with our Groups Ministry to get involved.
For more info email [email protected]
Can both campuses host weddings and funerals?
Yes. Our team will help determine the best location for your needs based on availability.
How much did the new campus cost, and how is it being funded?
The cost of the campus is $20M. The project is being funded through a combination of fundraising campaigns proceeds from the sale of the fourplexes and the sale of 13 acres located at the rear of the property.
How many fundraising initiatives have supported this project?
Over the years we have had a total of 6 campaigns to help fund the South Miami Campus
Why is the campus being called South Miami instead of Sunset Campus?
While Sunset refers to the specific street. South Miami positions us to reach more people across the city with clarity and purpose.
March 16, 2024 update:
We celebrated a momentous occasion with our South Miami Groundbreaking Ceremony at 7200 SW 73 CT, Miami FL 33143. What made this event truly special was the participation of kids and teens who were the first to break ground on the property, making it a groundbreaking like no other.
Our journey began over 30 years ago, and this ceremony marks a significant milestone in our history. Despite facing challenges along the way, our church has remained resilient and continues to grow stronger and remain trusting God’s timing.
We ask for your continued prayers as we begin building and hope to open our doors to the public by Fall 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting new chapter in our journey.
Previous update:
On January 5, we presented our request to the Community Council to obtain final zoning approval for the site plan of the property. We won approval and now any opponents have 14 days to file an appeal, so January 21 will be the next critical date.
For the past 27 years, we have prayed on the property almost every Sunday of the year. Help us cover the next steps in prayer. More details to come.
Earlier Updates:
For many years, we have desired to build a church in South Miami, Florida. In our mission to help people find and follow Christ, the Lord has given us the vision to build local churches and has provided us the resources. Through change and challenges, He has redirected and clarified our plans for the South Miami Property.
We remember that “in their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 13:9
Recently, the Lord has established some next steps for us. Christ Journey’s combined efforts of both staff and volunteer leadership, as well as church body governance, will continue to watch, listen and pray as we make wise decisions together, based on the most current information and circumstances. We are so hopeful for the Lord to grant us favor to build a church facility that extends His reach in the city of Miami! Join us in praying for this, and for those whose hearts and minds will be closely connected to the process.
Below is a current snapshot of where we are. The information on this site will be updated as future developments and decisions are made.
LAND
Christ Journey Church owns approximately 20 acres of prime real estate on Sunset Drive, just east of the Palmetto Expressway.
SALE
We are currently under contract to sell the back of that property (approximately ⅔) to the CC Group (Codina Carr), for a residential development project. Proceeds from this transaction will fund the development of a church facility on the front ⅓ of the property (with frontage to Sunset Drive). A conceptual plan is provided below.
DESIGN
We have a viable design for the contemplated front ⅓ of the property (6.31 acres).
We have retained an architect to complete the design and navigate all aspects of updates and improvements: documents, approvals, and oversight. The design will be shared at a later date.
ZONING
We already have zoning approval for a church, but we are modifying the original design, so we are submitting a combined zoning application with the CC Group.
We have retained the legal counsel of Shutts & Bowen for the zoning approvals.
CONSTRUCTION
The planned design for the church is an approximately 40,000-square foot facility with an auditorium, church classrooms, office space, and various other amenities.
We have retained the services of an Owner’s Rep to help us navigate all aspects of the design, zoning, and approval process.
For questions related to the South Miami Property, please email [email protected].
