Our Team

a2’s Lead Pastor
Chris Goins

Grace… I was born on November 27, 1964 in Chattanooga, TN and grew up in a small Southern town surrounded by a couple of parents who loved me, three younger brothers, great grandparents and loads of aunts, uncles and cousins… Grace… When I was an eight years old kid I was irresistibly drawn by the Holy Spirit to ask Jesus Christ to forgive my sin and lead my life… This decision forever changed my life… In fact, for the last 35 years I’ve experienced the wonder, mystery, beauty and grace of a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

More grace… At the age of ten I met the girl I would ultimately marry. She’s the only girl I’ve ever dated… Janet (that’s my wife) and I have been married for 25 years (June 2008). Wow! Time sure flies when you’re having fun…

God has blessed us with three incredible girls. Our oldest girl is a junior in college… Our middle girl is a junior in high school… And our youngest is in third grade… What a ride!

When I was seventeen years old I somehow knew that God wanted me to serve Him in the context of the local church… Janet and I have had the awesome privilege and opportunity to serve as pastors at Maranatha Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Metro Church in Birmingham, Alabama. In May 2008, we sensed a leading to plant a2 Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church will launch on August 17, 2008.

I’ve loved the local church since I was a little boy… I really believe when the local church is hitting on all cylinders there is nothing like it in all the world. The church stewards the message of the gospel – the only thing that has the power to change our world. When it’s working right God gets lifted up, Jesus Christ is glorified, people are loved and lives get changed. Yes, I know the church isn’t perfect, but the church is so deeply loved by God that He gave His Son to purchase, redeem and cleanse her…

If one word could describe my life it would be GRACE… About 35 years I stumbled into grace and my life was changed.

Who I’d like to meet:
Paul the Apostle – He is “the man.” Obviously, this one will have to wait until heaven.
Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill – This guy is radical in his love for Christ. He’s a gifted teacher and has the guts to teach and preach truth, regardless of who it ticks off.
Bono – His passion for God, compassion for people and authenticity have always moved me…
Andy Stanley – A gifted teacher and great leader…
Bill Hybels – Perhaps the most gifted leader on the planet…

My favorite music:
U2 is still the greatest band on the planet.
Hillsong / Hillsong United worship moves me.

My favorite movies:
The Dark Knight
Gladiator
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Wall-E

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