Our Story

In 2001, Sanctuary's founding members wanted to create a safe and welcoming place for Pentecostal believers, who desired to leave behind religious rules. Later, they purchased a former Methodist building on Jackson Street in Jena and planted Sanctuary Full Gospel Church. Then, in 2007, Pastor Eddie Thompson, an Assemblies of God minister, became the Lead Pastor and gave the congregation stability and purpose. They called themselves Sanctuary Family Worship Center, a nondenominational church in Jena, known for its warm and welcoming environment, Sanctuary became a home for all those broken by life or legalism. Under Pastor Eddie, the Sanctuary continued to grow as a close family until, in August 2014, he unexpectedly passed away.

In 2014, Pastor Heath and Beth Harris became the Lead Pastors of Sanctuary. Building upon the heart of Sanctuary, Pastor Heath began to give the feet. Under his leadership, Sanctuary launched multiple ministry teams, trained leaders, hired staff, created elders, and continued to improve its multimedia reach to a diversity of generations. Then, in 2019 Sanctuary went multi-site by meeting in Jena High School, allowing a full campus renovation. We officially became an interdenominational church, accepting members of all Christian denominations, while networking with the Assemblies of God. During his tenure, Sanctuary has continued to be an intergenerational and community focused church that values grace, love, and truth. Following Covid-19, Pastor Heath launched new initiatives such as Family First Sundays, Family Fun Days, a Growth Group track, Home Groups, and more. Then, in 2024, Sanctuary reached max capacity and began two morning worship services.

In 2024, we began the Growth Fund for Phase 2 of our site plan, which is building a new adult sanctuary on or off campus, as the Lord leads. In 2025, Sanctuary launched a Care Team, to minister to all of our families and a new church app to continue our mission to a diverse and growing audience. In addition, in fall of 2025, Sanctuary is set to launch a School of Ministry for believers desiring to grow in their Bible knowledge or ministry.
Pastor Heath solidified our mission for the next ten years to be a "Refuge for the Broken." That is, we are a refuge where the broken can be remade in Christ's image and released to build His kingdom. We are excited for the days ahead.