Staff Team
Hannah Sigler
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Shayla Carter
Worship leader
Jon Champion
Elder
Marquez Coats
Elder
Clay Ebersold
Elder
Lead Pastor
Justin Karl
Justin and Alana began following Jesus while attending the University of Georgia, where they also met one another. After graduating, they married and joined staff with Cru (’Bama Cru) at the University of Alabama. During those years, the Lord deepened their love for the local church and the beauty of a church marked by both ethnic and economic diversity.
Following their time with Cru, Justin served in several leadership roles at Sojourn Church - Midtown in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. He eventually served as Pastor of Next Steps and as a member of the teaching team. During that season, Justin asked twenty trusted mentors and friends a simple question: “Where is my best fit in the Kingdom of God?” Their answer was unanimous and confirmed what God had already been stirring in his heart — a calling to pastor, preach, and ultimately plant a church.
After several more years of prayer, encouragement, and training (with the Harbor Network & Fellowship Associates), the Karl family — along with a core team — was sent out to plant Citizens Church.
Justin enjoys fishing, reading, and the NBA. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Religion from the University of Georgia, as well as a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Alana and Justin have been married since 2009 and are grateful to be raising their two children, Eloise (2015) and Tyler (2018).
