Our History
In October 2003, God spoke clearly to Elder Esdras T. Cruz, calling him to “launch out into the deep.” As the vision unfolded, the Lord declared, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth” (Isaiah 43:19). In obedience to that divine calling, New Heaven Ministry, Church of God in Christ was officially established on January 7, 2004. The church began humbly, holding its first service in the home of Elder Cruz with seven faithful members. At that time, the Holy Spirit revealed the mission of the ministry:
“To Develop People in the Spirit of Excellence”
(Daniel 6:3)
Within weeks, God directed the ministry to the Albemarle Recreation Center on Idlewild Road, where He bestowed favor by allowing the church to worship there free of charge. Soon thereafter, the Lord revealed that it was time to seek a temporary worship facility. On February 15, 2004, the church relocated to the Hickory Grove Business Park, where it worshipped for the next three years. On April 18, 2004, Pastor Esdras T. Cruz was officially installed under the leadership of Bishop C. E. Anderson, Sr., Overseer of the North Carolina Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
As the ministry grew, souls were reconciled to Christ, and the Lord led Pastor Cruz to expand the church’s outreach through education. In June 2004, God answered prayer by blessing the ministry with an additional suite to establish a temporary education center, providing space for Sunday School and a summer camp designed to support low-performing students in the public school system. The church also received two vans to support the camp and launch a van ministry. God continued to show favor through donations of furniture, equipment, and financial support from various sponsors. The summer camp opened on June 13, 2004, enrolling approximately thirty-five children with a waiting list.
In 2005, the Lord led the church to expand its community impact through partnerships with numerous organizations, including Central Piedmont Community College, 4-H, Job Links, Bobcats Levy Restaurants, the Boys & Girls Club, Marine Toys for Tots, Blessings in the Storm, Charlotte Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, and others. Through these partnerships, the ministry flourished as lives were transformed and souls were added to the church.
In 2006, following prayer and consecration, the church was led to the next phase of growth through a partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. On March 1, 2007, New Heaven Ministry moved into Albemarle Road Elementary School, where it worshipped for five years. During this season, God performed miraculous works. The church was assigned the largest food vendor operation at the newly constructed Bobcats Arena, employing hundreds of individuals and raising more than $60,000 toward property acquisition. In 2008, the ministry purchased five acres of land on Robinson Church Road, and membership grew to more than 200.
In 2013, the church opened Charlotte Choice Charter School, serving 213 students. The following year, the property on Robinson Church Road was sold, and the ministry purchased seven acres at 8823 Albemarle Road—its current campus.
Today, One Church of Charlotte stands as a HUB on the Eastside of Charlotte, partnering with Nourish Up to provide weekly food distribution to families in need. Through ongoing outreach programs and community partnerships, the church remains committed to drawing souls to Christ, serving with excellence, and giving God all the glory.
In 2020, God revealed to Pastor Cruz that it was time for renewal and repositioning. The ministry was renamed One Church of Charlotte, reflecting a unified vision for the future. In 2022, the church renovated one of its campus buildings and opened Smart Kids STREAM Academy, a daycare and pre-kindergarten program serving children and families in the community.
