Pastor TJ Stoudt, from Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife, Katie Beth Stoudt, from Orlando, Florida, met in college. After completing their education in 2018, they were called to serve at Waterfront Church, a young and growing church in the heart of Washington, D.C. Under the leadership of Pastor Zack Randles, TJ and Katie Beth grew immensely, leading the youth ministry, serving children, and overseeing the church’s small groups.
For years, whenever asked if they planned to plant a church, their answer was a confident no. They loved their life and ministry in D.C. However, in 2019, God began to stir their hearts. As they reflected on their life experiences, passions, and calling, it became clear that they were being called to plant a church in New York City.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts”.
(Isaiah 55:8-9)
When Pastor TJ and Katie Beth shared their calling with Pastor Zack, he welcomed the news with immediate enthusiasm and unwavering support. As a seasoned church planter himself, Zack had sensed for some time that God would eventually lead them to start a new church. His confidence and affirmation became a turning point for the couple, another clear sign that it was time to step out in faith.
Their hearts, already stirred by God’s direction, found reassurance in Zack’s guidance and blessing, reinforcing their conviction that every aspect of their journey had prepared them for this very moment. Uplifted by his encouragement and God’s clear leading, TJ and Katie Beth embraced the mission to plant a church in New York City, trusting the Lord to illuminate every step forward.
Harlem Community Church embodies both our mission and our heart: to actively contribute to the community rather than simply reside within it. Our purpose is to advance God’s Kingdom, foster unity in Christ, and serve Harlem with open and generous hearts.
Our logo, thoughtfully designed by a close friend, beautifully reflects the spirit of the neighborhood. Its vibrant colors draw inspiration from Harlem’s iconic signage and the historic Apollo Theater on 125th Street, honoring the area’s rich legacy while looking forward to an exciting future.
After years of prayer, careful preparation, and countless confirmations from God, Pastor TJ and Katie Beth were officially commissioned to plant Harlem Community Church in May 2024. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, fueled by their unwavering faith and a deep sense of calling. With a vision to bring hope, unity, and restoration to the community, they stepped out in obedience, trusting that God would guide their every step. Their journey was not one they took alone; they were surrounded by a dedicated team of friends and supporters who shared their passion and commitment to seeing Harlem transformed through the message of Christ.
From the outset, their focus was on building authentic connections with the people of Harlem. Through intentional evangelism, engaging launch parties, and countless conversations, they worked to establish a foundation rooted in trust and love.
"He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance]... (Malachi 4:6)
On September 8, 2024, Harlem Community Church officially launched, marking the beginning of a new chapter in God’s unfolding story for the neighborhood. This moment was made even more meaningful by its location—a building steeped in history and purpose. The church found its home in the 135th Street YMCA, a structure built in 1918-19 as one of the first African-American YMCA buildings in New York City.
This iconic site once served as a vital hub for intellectual, social, and cultural life during the Harlem Renaissance, offering a space where African Americans could gather, grow, and thrive in a time of profound change and challenges.
Today, this historic building serves a renewed purpose as a center of spiritual restoration and hope for the Harlem community. Its legacy of empowerment and resilience resonates deeply with the mission of Harlem Community Church: to bring people together, foster unity in Christ, and provide a sanctuary of faith and love.
As the church opens its doors to the community, the same walls that once witnessed the rise of a cultural movement now welcome a new season of transformation, inspired by God’s faithfulness and grace.
In just a few short months, Harlem Community Church has blossomed in ways we never imagined. Echoes of faith and family stories linger in these walls, where parents and grandparents once gathered, seeking fellowship and strength. Today, those same halls fill with a new chorus of worship, healing, and hope. We invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of Harlem’s unfolding narrative. Together, we’re cultivating a community firmly rooted in Christ, dedicated to filling every corner of this neighborhood with light and love.
Pastor TJ Stoudt, from Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife, Katie Beth Stoudt, from Orlando, Florida, met in college. After completing their education in 2018, they were called to serve at Waterfront Church, a young and growing church in the heart of Washington, D.C. Under the leadership of Pastor Zack Randles, TJ and Katie Beth grew immensely, leading the youth ministry, serving children, and overseeing the church’s small groups.
For years, whenever asked if they planned to plant a church, their answer was a confident no. They loved their life and ministry in D.C. However, in 2019, God began to stir their hearts. As they reflected on their life experiences, passions, and calling, it became clear that they were being called to plant a church in New York City.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts”. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
When Pastor TJ and Katie Beth shared their calling with Pastor Zack, he welcomed the news with immediate enthusiasm and unwavering support. As a seasoned church planter himself, Zack had sensed for some time that God would eventually lead them to start a new church. His confidence and affirmation became a turning point for the couple, another clear sign that it was time to step out in faith.
Their hearts, already stirred by God’s direction, found reassurance in Zack’s guidance and blessing, reinforcing their conviction that every aspect of their journey had prepared them for this very moment. Uplifted by his encouragement and God’s clear leading, TJ and Katie Beth embraced the mission to plant a church in New York City, trusting the Lord to illuminate every step forward.
Harlem Community Church embodies both our mission and our heart: to actively contribute to the community rather than simply reside within it. Our purpose is to advance God’s Kingdom, foster unity in Christ, and serve Harlem with open and generous hearts.
Our logo, thoughtfully designed by a close friend, beautifully reflects the spirit of the neighborhood. Its vibrant colors draw inspiration from Harlem’s iconic signage and the historic Apollo Theater on 125th Street, honoring the area’s rich legacy while looking forward to an exciting future.
After years of prayer, careful preparation, and countless confirmations from God, Pastor TJ and Katie Beth were officially commissioned to plant Harlem Community Church in May 2024. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, fueled by their unwavering faith and a deep sense of calling. With a vision to bring hope, unity, and restoration to the community, they stepped out in obedience, trusting that God would guide their every step. Their journey was not one they took alone; they were surrounded by a dedicated team of friends and supporters who shared their passion and commitment to seeing Harlem transformed through the message of Christ.
From the outset, their focus was on building authentic connections with the people of Harlem. Through intentional evangelism, engaging launch parties, and countless conversations, they worked to establish a foundation rooted in trust and love.
"He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance]..." (Malachi 4:6)
On September 8, 2024, Harlem Community Church officially launched, marking the beginning of a new chapter in God’s unfolding story for the neighborhood. This moment was made even more meaningful by its location, a building steeped in history and purpose. The church found its home in the 135th Street YMCA, a structure built in 1918-19 as one of the first African-American YMCA buildings in New York City.
This iconic site once served as a vital hub for intellectual, social, and cultural life during the Harlem Renaissance, offering a space where African Americans could gather, grow, and thrive in a time of profound change and challenges.
Today, this historic building serves a renewed purpose as a center of spiritual restoration and hope for the Harlem community. Its legacy of empowerment and resilience resonates deeply with the mission of Harlem Community Church: to bring people together, foster unity in Christ, and provide a sanctuary of faith and love.
As the church opens its doors to the community, the same walls that once witnessed the rise of a cultural movement now welcome a new season of transformation, inspired by God’s faithfulness and grace.
In just a few short months, Harlem Community Church has blossomed in ways we never imagined. Echoes of faith and family stories linger in these walls, where parents and grandparents once gathered, seeking fellowship and strength. Today, those same halls fill with a new chorus of worship, healing, and hope. We invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of Harlem’s unfolding narrative. Together, we’re cultivating a community firmly rooted in Christ, dedicated to filling every corner of this neighborhood with light and love.