Leadership Team

Jon Champion

Elder

Clay Ebersold

Elder

Lead Pastor

Justin Karl

Justin and Alana began following Jesus and met one another at the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, they married, and joined staff with Cru (‘Bama Cru!) at the University of Alabama. During these years, the Lord grew their hearts for the local church, international students, and the beauty of an ethnically and economically diverse church.

After Cru, Justin served in a variety of staff roles at Sojourn Church - Midtown in the city-center of Louisville, Kentucky, concluding as the Pastor of Next Steps and serving on the teaching team. Justin conducted a survey of twenty mentors and friends asking them: “What is my BEST fit in the kingdom of God?” Their affirmation was unanimous and matched what was already stirring in his heart: Justin should pastor, preach, and particularly plant a new church. After a few more years of prayer, affirmation, and training, the Karl family (and the core team!) were sent out to plant Citizens Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Justin enjoys fishing, reading, and the NBA. He holds degrees from the UGA (B.A., International Affairs and B.A., Religion) and a Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary. Alana and Justin are celebrating their 13th year of marriage (2009) and have two children, Eloise (2015) and Tyler (2018).