Greater Joy Community Church was established and founded in 2016 by our Pastor and Founding Visionary, Reverend Shamara B. Haynes. In a world full of chaos and confusion, the Lord planted in the heart of His servant the vision of an evolving community of believers who JOY in discipleship and are committed to living out the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to spread His teachings in the community to ultimately impact world.

In February 2016, Reverend Haynes, along with the charter members, begin meeting at the home of Deacon & Mrs. Cleveland Harvey. These charter members were; Deacon Cleveland Harvey, Deacon JaBari Scott, Deacon Antonio Haynes, Mother Marion Robinson, Hattie Harvey, Marjorie Smalls, Sharon Battle, Morgan Harvey, Gloria Nash-Allen, Brenda Scott, Adrienne Scott, Francine Cook-Watkins, Joyce Hicks, Aaliyah Grant, Kayla Haynes, Amari Haynes and the Late Deacon Delores Robinson.

The meetings were held weekly as these charter members gathered around a dining room table to organize and prepare for what would become Greater Joy’s initial launch service. Through the generous giving of these charter members and donations and other contributions from friends of Greater Joy we were able to purchase all that was needed to start the church: a communion table and communion set, lectern, pulpit items, sound system and microphones.

Much planning and groundwork was put into the foundation and structure for the church and its services. The initial service was held in the Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School auditorium on Sunday, April 10th, 2016 with over 300 people in attendance. The praise team, Joyful Noise, rendered the musical selections led by pianist Steven Roach, saxophonist Morgan Harvey, and drummer Trevelle Harris. At the conclusion of the service, there were 14 who came to either be baptized or give their life to Christ.

Because of God’s grace we accomplished so much in our first five years. Here are just a few of our triumphs:

- Purchased cargo trailer for transfer and storage of church equipment

- Granted 501c3 Non-Profit Status

- Purchased our church baptismal pool

- Iron Men’s Ministry established

- Expanded Usher’s Ministry (to include the male & youth usher boards)

- Student Scholarship Fund (called S.T.A.R.S)

- Expanded Music Ministry w/ the start of a new choir Divine Worship

- The Women’s Ministry (affectionately called the Wonder Women) as well as

- Health Ministry & Missions Ministry.

In 2018, God granted us the grace to move our services to J.G. Hening Elementary School. This multipurpose worship space allows us not only the freedom to worship but meet weekly and fellowship in the same space. Under the guidance and leadership of Pastor Haynes, Greater Joy Community Church as gone from 17 charter members to a congregation of more than 130 members within the first five years. But more importantly we are growing stronger spiritually as we are “Called to Live, Commanded to Love and Commissioned to Serve.”