Highland City Church's Story

Highland City Church began with a calling. In March 2021, Pastor Ken of Crossroads Church in Newnan, GA, recognized that Jared Smith was called to plant a church. After a year of prayer and fasting, Jared and his wife, Jenna, felt the Lord leading them to Ellijay, GA—despite it being saturated with churches. What seemed puzzling at first became clear when the North American Mission Board revealed that Ellijay was in desperate need of a disciple-making church.

Moving in faith, Jared and Jenna arrived in Ellijay, where God had already been at work in the hearts of many. Before they even closed on their house, Highland City Church began to take shape. They hosted church interest socials in River Park, serving food, playing games, and sharing their vision. Soon, 25 people joined the mission to help plant the church.

On January 14, 2024, Highland City Church held its first service with over 110 people in attendance. Just nine months into the church plant, 80 people had been or were actively being discipled, with 12 baptisms along the way. Today, Highland City Church continues to thrive as a Spirit-led community focused on making disciples who reflect Christ in both character and conduct.