Journey's reason to exist is to serve God in the world. The person who exemplifies that for us is Jesus. Jesus was a Jewish teacher, healer, prophet, leader, and mystic. Jesus lived 2,000 years ago. He was executed because of his willingness to challenge all the corrupt and broken systems in his world. He did this because he experienced the power of the presence of God. St. Paul - one of the great figures in the early Church - wrote this: "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for." (Ephesians 1:11, The Message) We follow him. He is a picture of God for us. 

 

Rick Diamond is the tallest pastor at Journey I.F.C. He teaches, preaches, leads the staff, and supports the Mind ministry, in Adult ministries. He is married to Leslie, and is the dad of Alex and Caitlin. He's from Texas, went to Baylor University, Perkins Theological Seminary, and Drew University. He has been a minister for over ten years and was an English teacher for ten years before that. He writes and draws and likes to fish. He pulls on his hair when he's talking.

 

David Gentiles was the wisest pastor at Journey I.F.C. He tauight, preached, and supported the Journey community, particularly within the Soul, Strength, and Mind ministries, in Student ministries and Children's ministries.  David Gentiles was a pastor at Journey IFC from 2005 until his untimely passing in 2009.  We remember his infectious laughter and his ready tears with equal fondness. David was the very proud dad of Ariele, Hannah and Calla. He was born and grew up in Louisiana and was a proud alumnus of  Baylor University. He was a minister, mostly in Texas, for more than twenty years. He loved cool music and great writers, sang and played guitar, and loved baseball.

 

Leslie Diamond is the smartest minister at Journey I.F.C. She teaches, and supports the Heart ministry, specializing in Women's ministries. Leslie is married to Rick, and is the mom of Alex and Caitlin. Leslie is from Texas, and went to Baylor University. She has been involved in ministries and nonprofits for twenty years. She loves South Congress stores and belts made of car parts, C. S. Lewis, and fighting for what is right. She is not one of those sweet church ladies.

 

Stacie Baldwin is the administrative genius at Journey I.F.C. She coordinates calendars, finances, scheduling, information, and technology. Stacie is married to Ryan, and is the mom of Emma and Josh. Stacie is from Texas, attended the University of Texas and has a Master's Degree in Deaf Education. She's been in ministry for ten years. She loves being a wife and mom, loves UT, and loves looking after people. She can think of what you're thinking before you think it.

BETHANY PAUL - a.k.a. "Lego"