History of Encounter Christ Global Fellowship
After a season of fervent prayer and God “stirring the eagles nest,” Pastor Semaj and Lady Carla felt a divine call to embark on a spiritual journey that had been laid upon their hearts for years. This call was to begin a ministry which created a culture where the gifts of the disciples of any age were able to be used, welcomed, and affirmed. On June 24, 2022, they opened their home to a group of individuals, including Sis. Bonnie Baity, Rev. Dr. Marcia Grayson, Sis. Shanel Ingram, Sis. Phyllis Ledbetter, Sis. Jenise Nelson, and Rev. Kerwin Webb, to engage in prayer, contemplation, and discernment.
Through a series of gatherings marked by prayer, deep study of God's Word, worship, and divine guidance, a conviction began to take shape. This dedicated group of disciples felt compelled to establish a new ministry, though it remained nameless at this point.
On August 27, 2022, this group of faithful disciples extended an invitation to the public, hosting a gathering focused on prayer and discernment. It was during this event that they received divine confirmation that a new ministry was indeed meant to be born. Yet, they still needed to discover the right name.
The founding Core Team members continued to meet, pray, and seek divine inspiration for a name that would encapsulate the essence of their ministry. During one evening conversation between Pastor Semaj and Lady Carla, as they explored power words, the term "Encounter" resonated deeply with both of them. When this word was shared with the Core Team, there was unanimous agreement that it should be a part of the name.
Further discussions ensued within the Core Team to craft a comprehensive name, ultimately resulting in "Encounter Christ Global Fellowship." This name was carefully chosen to convey their intention of creating transformative spaces where individuals could encounter the Divine ("Encounter Christ"), recognizing the ministry's local and global reach in advancing the Kingdom of God ("Global"), and emphasizing the importance of genuine relationships among disciples ("Fellowship").
On September 10, 2022, at 6:00 pm, Encounter Christ Global Fellowship held its inaugural public worship experience within the sanctuary of New Bethel Church in Neptune City, NJ, an event filled with awe and inspiration. Weekly worship gatherings continued every Saturday at 6:00 pm.
Then, on October 29, 2022, at 6:00 pm, Encounter Christ Global Fellowship conducted its official launch worship experience under the sermonic theme "God Birthed a New Thing." Nearly 200 people gathered in the fellowship hall of New Bethel Church, Neptune City, NJ, as a community witness to the consecration of this new ministry. This occasion marked the first time an invitation to become a disciple in partnership with Encounter Christ Global Fellowship was extended, along with the call to salvation. On this memorable evening, 21 people became disciples of the ministry.
A fundamental pillar of Encounter Christ Global Fellowship is its commitment to tithing and supporting other charitable efforts. Leading up to Christmas 2022, disciples of the ministry stood outside ShopRite in Neptune, NJ, distributing over $3,000 in gift cards to shoppers and providing financial assistance for groceries to individuals at Collingswood Auction. The ministry remained actively engaged in various community-focused initiatives.
In November 2022, Encounter Christ Global Fellowship was approached with an offer to rent space at 1710 Columbus Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753, by a real estate investor. After careful prayer and discernment, they decided to decline this offer. However, in a providential turn of events on January 9, 2023, during a large event where Pastor Semaj spoke, he was informed about the opportunity to purchase the building at 1710 Columbus Avenue, Neptune, NJ. This revelation came from someone in the audience who could connect him with Pastor Joseph O. of Tabernacle of Glory. Pastor Semaj enthusiastically agreed, and after subsequent conversations and a visit, the Holy Spirit confirmed that this was the sacred space Encounter Christ Global Fellowship was meant to steward as its first ministry home.
These events unfolded during the ministry's first collective biblical fast in January 2023, during which they sought God's guidance for their first ministry building. Their prayers were answered, and on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023, Encounter Christ Global Fellowship held its first worship experience in its newly acquired ministry home at 1710 Columbus Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753. On this significant day, they celebrated their first baby dedications. Everyone attending experienced a powerful encounter with God's presence.
Encounter Christ Global Fellowship has wasted no time in making a positive impact on its community, conducting multiple evangelism walks and steadily growing in numbers. The ministry has been blessed to sow generous financial support into various nonprofits and ministries, all working towards advancing the Kingdom of God.
As they reflect on their accomplishments in their first year, Encounter Christ Global Fellowship eagerly anticipates the future, excited about the life-changing spaces they will continue to create for individuals to encounter Christ. They are committed to their mission of Transforming Lives, Empowering Communities, and Impacting the World, guided by their unwavering faith in God's plan.
Stay tuned…