OUR VISION
To be a community of believers that reflects the power, beauty, and simplicity of the first church.
ABOUT US
Genesis Church is a brand new church to the Monroe area,
whose heartbeat was to plant a multicultural church for all ages and backgrounds.
We believe that the first christians in the early church stand out as an example of what the modern church should look like today. Early Christianity crossed socio economic boundaries and brought together a body of spirit empowered believers who loved deeply, gave generously, spoke boldly, and changed the world.
Time and tradition have often spoiled the beauty of the beginning of the church. Our name is Genesis Church, because we aim to recapture the beauty of that beginning. Our vision is to recapture the heart and experience of the early church, and we believe it will change our city in the process.
We invite you to join our journey as we passionately pursue the purpose of God!
MEET OUR LEADERS
Rory & Jocelyn Chance
Originally from Texas and Arizona, Rory & Jocelyn met as teens at an Arizona camp meeting and eventually married. For the last 22 years, Rory has served in various ministry roles, including time as a student pastor, traveling speaker, assistant pastor, lead pastor and church planter. Jocelyn is currently a 4th grade teacher with Ouachita Parish Schools. She has been busy in ministry as well serving as worship director, kid's director, as well as leading a ladies' ministry.
For the last ten years the Chances have served in ministry locally, and have a heart to see God raise a diverse spirit-filled church that impacts the Monroe area with the gospel of Jesus.
Rory & Jocelyn enjoy traveling, the outdoors (mostly Rory), and spending time with their children Jireh, Rowan, and Rylen.
We exist to call searching hearts to the life-changing message of Jesus.
to create a community of disciples that grows together
to equip believers to live out their calling.
to serve the world around us and to let love be our testimony.
OUR MISSION
know
GOD
grow
TOGETHER
discover
PURPOSE
make a
DIFFERENCE
GENESIS VALUES
we speak up. We believe that truth sets people free, so we strive to speak honestly and boldly to the issues of life, culture, and eternity (John 8:32, ESV). We embrace open communication, and conversations that edify the church. God chose words to impact humanity, so we endeavor to use our words to overcome conflict, to influence hearts, and to change lives.
we aim for growth. We believe that every Christian is called to a life of discipleship, so we strive to create opportunities for Christians at every age and stage to grow in their walk with God and their understanding of the Scriptures (John 12:26, ESV). Everything that is healthy naturally grows. With this in mind, we aim for organizational health, for spiritual health, and for personal growth that comes about through pursuing discipleship. We refuse to get stuck in a maintenance mentality, and we always aim for God's best.
we equip others. We Believe that every believer has a purpose, so we strive to train and equip every believer to discover and pursue their unique God- given purpose (Eph 4:16, ESV). One of the primary roles of ministry is to equip believers to fulfill their God-given purpose. With this at heart, we resist the pull to become self oriented and self-focused in our spiritual pursuits. We wholeheartedly believe that we exist to serve others.
we live generously. At its core, the Christian message is about the goodness and generosity of God. "God so loved the world that he gave.." Generosity creates an avenue for each of us to become a part of God's solution in the world. We give generously of our time, our treasure (money), and our talents. God promised Abraham, and us by extension, that "in blessing I will bless you" (Gen 22:17). We believe that as we bless others, we reap the spiritual, emotional, and even financial benefits of being a part of God's work in the world.
we are spirit-led. We believe that the Holy Spirit is speaking to and leading the local church today, so we strive to resist the lower wisdom of human understanding and to follow after the leading of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14, ESV). This principle shows up in how we worship, how we organize our services, how we navigate decisions, and in how we minister to others. We believe that when we gather as a body that the Spirit of God is present with purpose, so we follow hard after the Spirit with the expectation that He will do the things we aren't able to do in our own strength.
OUR BELIEFS
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God
There is only one God. He is the Creator of heaven, earth, and all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:1, 1:26, 1:27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:4
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The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the divine source of truth. Because it is inspired by God; it is truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26
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Jesus Christ
Jesus is the son of God. Scripture describes him as "emmanuel, God with us." He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will again return to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Colossians 1:15-18; 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1,14,14:6;20:28; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12; Revelation 1:8
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Resurrection
Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. In addition, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; they that are saved to the resurrection of life and they that are lost to the resurrection of eternal damnation
Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28, 21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21
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Salvation
We believe that all have sinned and stand in the need of redemption, which is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or any human efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:11-13, 3:1-9, 15-18; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22; Romans 3:21-24
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Repentance
We believe that all people are called to repent. It is God’s will that no one perishes, but that everyone comes to life-changing repentance. Repentance is a commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Jesus fully.
Acts 2:38, 17:30; Matthew 3:1-2; Isaiah 55:7
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Water Baptism
We believe water baptism is the natural next step for those who've place their faith in Jesus. Baptism is a believer's identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27
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Holy Spirit
Jesus told His disciples, “It is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7) The promise of the Holy Spirit is deeply personal—He is our Comforter, Counselor, and Guide. He teaches us, reminds us of truth, and walks with us in every step of life.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a promised gift for all believers. It is an invitation into deeper relationship with God Himself. First poured out at Pentecost, this baptism is the Father’s promise, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, so that every believer could personally experience His presence and power. The Holy Spirit is alive and active and is shaping the hearts and minds of believers daily.
John 14:16–17 – The Spirit as our Helper who abides with us and lives in us
John 14:26 – The Spirit teaches and reminds us of truth
John 16:7 – Jesus promises the coming of the Helper
Acts 1:4–5 – The promise of the Father, baptism with the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 – Power to be witnesses when the Spirit comes upon us
Acts 2:1–4 – The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost
Romans 8:9–11 – The Spirit lives in us and gives life
Galatians 5:22–25 – The Spirit shapes our hearts and produces fruit
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The Church
We believe the church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus’ great commission. Every person who is born again is an integral part of the church as a member of the body of believers.
Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23
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Gifts of The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection, and confirm the power of the Good News. The Bible lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters.
Hebrews 2:4; Romans 1:11, 12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6-7; I Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10
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Eternity
We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally connected with God through salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally connected with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Corinthians 2:7-9
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The Second Coming
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures.
Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7
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Communion
Holy Communion is a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s body that was broken and His blood that was shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25
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Healing
Healing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples. It is given as a sign, which is to follow believers. It is also a part of Jesus' work on the Cross and one of the gifts of the Spirit.
Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 8:6-7; James 5:14-16; I Corinthians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29
