Est. 1926 · Miami, Florida
who we are&
What We Believe.
We are a diverse community of imperfect people seeking the perfect God — rooted in nearly 100 years of faith in this city and growing stronger than ever.
OUR MISSION
We help people find and follow Christ.
Founded
1926
Nearly 100 years of faith in Miami
Represented
50+ Nations
29 languages in our community
Our Mission
Find & Follow Christ
Locally and globally
Our Story
A Church Born From a Dream
Founded in 1926, directly across the street from the University of Miami, Christ Journey was born from a dream to unite this city and the world under the grace of a loving God.
After a devastating hurricane, we rebuilt — and our community has been growing stronger ever since. We now span two campuses, representing more than 50 nations and 29 languages.
Our hearts beat for the nations because we are the nations.
“The future beckons us to build a great church… making North and South America one… Our future is as bright as the promise of God.”
William Russell Owen — Founding Pastor
We help people find and follow Christ.
At Our Core
It's About Jesus.
At Christ Journey Church, our hearts beat for the nations because we are the nations.
We are a diverse community of imperfect people seeking the perfect God — the God who is within reach. We welcome people from all walks of life and hope to develop real relationships that last.
We want to be marked by God’s love and His distinctive work in each of our lives.
JESUS
SERVE
Our Mission in Action
It's About Serving Others.
Miami gives us the opportunity to connect with people from every background on earth.
Our efforts include funding orphanages, rescuing trafficking victims, providing disaster relief, and sharing the Gospel in unreached areas.
At Christ Journey Church, we believe that together, we can make a difference that echoes into eternity.
Our Values
What shapes how we live.
These aren’t posters on the wall. They’re the convictions that shape how we live, serve, and love each other every day.
01
Diversity
We reflect the Kingdom of God.
Everyone's invited into our church family.
02
Humility
Imperfect people serving a perfect God.
Thinking of ourselves less.
03
Sacrifice
We give up things we love for things we love more.
Honored to sacrifice for Christ and his Church.
04
Generosity
We share our blessings.
Being generous is who we are.
05
Joy
We light up the room.
No greater joy than serving Christ with people we love.
06
People
We help people find and follow Christ.
Never too far or too close for your next step.
07
Passion
We live God's call on our lives.
God can do immeasurably more than we imagine.
08
Community
We do life together.
Celebrate on good days, show up on the bad.
09
Missions
Driven to serve a world in need.
Our hearts beat for every neighbor and nation.
10
Excellence
We aim for the exceptional.
Knowing it's not optional.
Our Leadership
Meet Our Pastors
Real people with real stories and a real passion for this community.
Senior Pastor
Bill White
BA, William Jewell College · MDiv & DMin, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bill White has served as Senior Pastor of Christ Journey Church for over two decades, shepherding what has grown into one of Miami’s most diverse and mission-minded congregations — representing more than 50 nations and 29 languages. Under his leadership, the church expanded to two campuses and deepened its commitment to both local outreach and global missions.
Beyond the local church, Bill serves as Chairman of Agape Ministry and is the past Chairman of the Board at Baptist Health South Florida. He is the founder and host of the Miami Lead podcast, where he explores faith, leadership, and culture with guests from across the city and beyond.
Bill has carried his passion for leadership development to six continents, speaking in Rwanda, Lebanon, Brazil, India, Cuba, and throughout the United States. He is the author of The Upside Down Kingdom and Mature-ish. Bill and his wife Lisa have two grown daughters and two grandsons.
Executive Pastor
Ryan Reed
MDiv & MA, Princeton Theological Seminary · DMin, Duke Divinity School
Ryan Reed brings over 16 years of pastoral experience to his role as Executive Pastor, providing strategic leadership across both Christ Journey campuses. He oversees operations, staff development, and the alignment of ministry teams with the church’s vision.
Ryan is passionate about developing leaders at every level — from volunteers to senior staff — and creating systems that allow the church to grow without losing its culture of care. He and his family are deeply rooted in the Miami community.
Coral Gables Campus Leader
Desi Jimenez
Coral Gables Campus · Christ Journey Church
Desi Jimenez serves as the Coral Gables Campus Pastor at Christ Journey Church, bringing a heart for the community and a passion for helping people find and follow Christ.
South Miami Campus Leader
Caleb Lopez
MEd in Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University
With nearly 40 years at Christ Journey, Caleb Lopez’s life is woven into the fabric of this church. He now serves as the Director of the South Miami Campus, bringing decades of relationship, history, and vision to one of Miami’s most dynamic communities.
Caleb also serves as Principal at Westminster Christian School, where his passion for developing young people continues outside the walls of the church. His deep ties to South Miami make him a trusted shepherd for families and students in that campus community.
Core Beliefs
Our Core Beliefs
Our core beliefs are rooted in Scripture.
God
God is the perfect Creator and Ruler of the Universe, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:1,26-27 · Matthew 28:19 · 1 Peter 1:2
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit provides power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
John 16:7-13 · Acts 1:8 · Galatians 5:25
Jesus
Jesus is both fully human and fully God. His death and resurrection form the perfect sacrifice for sin. He will return to reign as King of Kings.
John 1:1-5 · 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 · Titus 2:13
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word, inspired by God and written under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It is our primary authority for faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16 · Psalm 119:105 · Proverbs 30:5
Salvation
Only by accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness through Jesus can anyone be saved from sin’s eternal consequence.
Romans 6:23 · Ephesians 2:8-9 · John 14:6
Our Humanity
God created people in His image. Though we have tremendous potential, we are all affected by sin — an attitude of disobedience that separates us from God.
Genesis 1:27 · Romans 3:23 · Isaiah 59:1-2
Eternity
People were created to exist forever. Our eternal destiny is determined by our acceptance or rejection of God’s salvation through Christ.
John 3:16 · Revelation 20:15 · Matthew 25:46
The Church
Every church has a unique soulprint. We are a New Testament church following Christ on mission in Miami — our own identity, our own story.
Revelation 2–3 · Acts 11:19-26
Eternal Security
Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not our self-effort. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose your salvation.
John 10:29 · Hebrews 7:25 · 1 Peter 1:3-5
Next Steps
Ready to See It for Yourself?
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just show up — and we’ll take it from there together.
