In January of 2001, Troy accepted an invitation to drive from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and teach a monthly Bible study to a group of folks searching for a new church connection. By May, Troy and Anna Joy sensed the call to make the move permanent, resigning their positions at Bethany World Prayer Center and moving to Shreveport, stepping out in faith to begin the process of a new church plant. Along with a handful of eager and committed new friends, they met for several months to pray, plan and realize their dream of a fresh, young, life-giving church for Shreveport – Bossier City.
About 250 people showed up for Church at Red River’s first public service on January 27, 2002 in the University Theatre, LSU-Shreveport, C@RR’s home for the next seven years. Through the faithfulness of God and the generosity of His people, 46 wooded acres in southeast Shreveport were purchased in 2006, and the Church at Red River family moved into its new home in March 2009. The life-giving message of the Gospel and the passion and joy of its Sunday Celebrations brought steady and sustained growth.