History | growwithus2

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Terry and Anita Richardson held a weekend retreat in March 1998 at the Ameri-Suites in North Atlanta to seek God’s will and guidance concerning their walk in ministry. During that time, after much prayer and meditation, God led them to the present name of Christian Growth Ministries, Inc. (CGM) and the scriptural reference of Colossians 1:9. Christian Growth Ministries, Inc. was recorded as a non-profit corporation with the state of Georgia on April 14, 1998.

They shared this new revelation with Pastor Bill and D’Ann Johnson of New Covenant Christian Ministries (NCCM) where they were serving. The pastors were very supportive of the move in their lives as they had served in various capacities during their tenure at NCCM: original Christian Education Directors, Head of Associate Ministers, Worship Team Leader, Director of Children’s Ministry, and faithful members.

Terry was also a tennis coach and traveled with his sons Terry II and Sean to many local and out of state tennis tournaments. As his sons’ tennis skills improved, they were required to play matches on Sundays. This caused some conflict with Terry, but after much prayer, God revealed that ministry starts at home. God gave clarity that supporting their children in a wholesome game was more important than being in church. However, within days of this revelation, God told Terry in unmistakable terms, “Yes, you are a father, yes you are a coach, but you are also a minister of the gospel. There are others who are dealing with the same conflict. Go and have a church service on the upcoming weekend at the Georgia Qualifier State Championship in Macon, Georgia.” The Lord inspired Terry to have a chapel service the second Sunday in June 1998 at the John Drew Smith Tennis Center, Macon Georgia at 6:30 AM on court #7. This was the first formal representation of CGM. Terry began to offer Chapel services at various Junior Tennis Tournaments throughout the Southeast.

In March 1999, Robert Sasseville, Director of South Fulton Tennis Center, expressed his desire to have a chapel service at each junior tournament. CGM conducted chapel services at every junior tournament held at South Fulton Tennis Center from March 1999 - 2002 with the assistance of the late Pastor Terry McDaniel of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

In January of 2002 Terry accepted his call to the office of Pastor. With great guidance and counsel from Pastors Bill and D’Ann Johnson, and Apostle George and Millicent Cleare, Terry and Anita began the process of founding a new church in North Henry County. In April 2002, the supernatural favor of God was upon Terry as he searched for a building for worship services. They signed a lease with JMI Enterprises to secure the building. This new church was called Christian Growth Ministries, Inc.

August 18, 2002, NCCM held a Consecration Service to send the Richardson’s off with the blessings of God. It was a model to the Body of Christ of how new churches are to be sent off for ministry. Christian Growth Ministries held its first service on Sunday, August 25, 2002 at 262-A Fairview Road, Ellenwood, Georgia 30294. We began with five charter members Terry I, Anita, Tiffany, Terry II, and Sean Richardson. God has continued to show His awesome power and mighty acts through this ministry.

In January 2006 CGM began worshipping at Bright Star Early Learning Center in Rex, Georgia. God’s favor and blessings have continued to be with us. December 31, 2006 CGM moved into its first church building location at 1895 Joy Lake Road, Morrow, Georgia, 30260.

On Sunday, July 15, 2012 we held our first service in the new location, back in Henry County, at 363 Fairview Road, Ellenwood, Georgia.