Moving Higher

Higher Ground Church of God in Christ in St Cloud, MN held services in its new location on Sunday, September 11, 2011. It was a monumental service, a culmination of years of work by the leaders and members of the oldest African American church in central Minnesota. Not only does this move signify the growth of a church, it also marks the first African-American owned sanctuary in the area. Founded in 2001, Higher Ground started in the cafeteria of a local Jr. High School with 6 adult members and 3 children. Today, it is a church that boosts 80 regular attendees and a membership of over 150.

Given that for any church or organization it is difficult to make it through the first 5 years, it serves to note that making it to 10 years is through no small miracle. Many challenges presented themselves but with the help of God there were ways that were made, and opportunities that were taken advantage of. We are proud of our church and the work that we have been able to do for this city and the surrounding areas.

In the upcoming months and years, Higher Ground has no intention on slowing down or even settling for what it has now. Higher Ground has always been more than a name for us, it is our Direction!! No matter where we are we know that we can aim and attain Higher than where were are. So with this we have our goals:

1. Evangelize to the City, State, and Region, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Have a positive porposeful effect on the communities around us by addressing the greatest needs of the people: Housing, Employment, Transportation, Education.
3. Empower & Encourage our youth to stop the curse of poverty and the circles of destruction
4. Educate & Uplift our adults so that they have the tools to lift themselves up and out of the things that hold them down.
5. Always Praying, Reading the Bible, and going to Church

These have always been a part of the plan that God has had for Higher Ground, but we re-emphasize that plan so that we are able to inspire those new to us and encourage that already a part of us.

I am confident that in these things we can be successful and in many ways we already have been, but the race is not over, and until the Lord calls us home, we have a work to do and Higher Ground is up to the task of doing it.

Higher Ground Strong,
Higher Ground Proud,
Higher Ground, Praise the Lord


Pastor James Alberts