Elders

Elders are the leaders of the church who in the Bible are also called pastors and overseers (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2).  The elders are men chosen for their ministry according to clear biblical requirements (1 Timothy 2:11-3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).  The elders are always spoken of in plurality because God intends for more than one man to lead and rule over the church as a safeguard for both the church and the man.  It is the elder's duty to oversee and shepherd the local church (1 Timothy 5:17), (1 Timothy 3:4-5), (1 Peter 5:2-5), (Hebrews 13:17), (Hebrews 13:7), (Acts 20:28), (Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:2), (1 Timothy 5:17), (Titus 1:9), (Matthew 18:15-17).

The Journey is an Elder governed Church, not a Congregational/Member-governed Church.  It is our view that scripture does not call for the church to be run by the members in a democratic fashion but that it clearly teaches that the Elders are the directors, managers, and overseers of the Church (1 Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17; Titus 1:7-9; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Acts 20:17-38).

Having an elder-driven church does not mean that the elders will not seek the input of the members when making decisions for the Church.  It is the desire of the elders to be as open as possible with the members of the Church, and to seek as much input as possible from the members in order to make decisions that reflect the conscience, first of God and second of the membership of the body.  It is the hope and prayer of the elders that we will lead The Journey Church in humility and with godly motives.  We are always open to brotherly and sisterly discussion, criticism and/or advice, as long as it is done so in love.  And we would appreciate your prayers for wisdom and discernment to lead The Journey in a manner that is holy and blameless.

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Cody Parman - Lead Pastor and Elder

Pastor Cody serves as the visionary leader and primary teacher at The Journey.  He is a graduate of Vincennes University, Indiana University, and Indiana Wesleyan University.  Cody spent 13 years in ministry as a youth pastor before submiting himself to the Acts 29 church planting assessment process, and finally planting The Journey in 2012.  In his free time, he enjoys camping and cheering for his beloved Chicago Cubs.  Cody lives here in beautiful Marietta with his wife, Amanda, and three sons (Nolan, Emmett, and Reese). 

Contact info: cody@thejourneychurchmarietta.com 
(304) 483-6214 

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Chris Morris - Elder

Chris was installed as an elder of The Journey in February of 2017.  He graduated from Penn State Univeristy and works as a sales engineer for Teadit North America in Houston, TX.  Chris serves and shepherds The Journey in many ways, including: leading and organizing Journey Groups and curriculum, helping on Sunday morning tear-down, and preaching as needed.  He enjoys writing, woodworking, and playing games (board and video).  Chris lives in Parkersburg, WV with his wife, Traci, and kids (Kaelin, Cooper, and Owen).

Contact info: chris@thejourneychurchmarietta.com
(304)494-4081

Click here to listen to Chris's sermons. 

Trout

Joe Trout - Advisory Elder

Joe was installed as an elder of The Journey in September 2021.  He graduated from Marshall University and works as a physical therapist.  In October of 2022, Joe and his family had an opportunity to relocate to Hinton, WV, and live closer to family.  Joe has agreed to serve as an advisory elder until new elders are raised up from within the church.  Outside of work, ministry, and trying to keep up with his little ones, he enjoys hunting and fishing.  Joe lives with his wife, Morgan, and four children (Breeze, Ember, Sienna, and Loch). 

Contact info: joe@thejourneychurchmarietta.com
(276)698-1275

Click here to listen to Joe's sermons.