Founding Pastor Bryan Gerstel along with a dedicated team of partners from Porterfield Memorial and Albany First UMC obeyed God's call to start a new congregation in Lee County, Georgia. Originally called South Lee County Methodist Church, it officially launched on March 5, South Lee County Methodist Church, endeared as The Church at the Zoo, was contemporary in its worship style: Christian music blended with various genres, casual dress such as the purple t-shirt that read "These are my church clothes!", and even Krispy Kreme refreshments. It sought to "do" church differently yet still with serious faith by unifying community and reaching the "unchurched" and "de-churched". 2006.

With the mission of pointing people toward hope in God, the name became The Pointe in January 2007. In 2012, Pastor Carl Barnhardt would become lead pastor. With a growing ministry, there was a need for more space. Property on Cedric Street, formerly the Seventh Day Adventist School, was purchased and in 2015 the church undertook major renovations to becoming what exists today.

Pastor Carl retired June 2022. The Pointe would separate from the United Methodist Church in July 2022. Pastor Christopher James Carter would lead as new pastor August 2022 continually evolving The Church at the Zoo.

Christopher James Carter answered the call to pastoral ministry in April 2005. Before pastoring, he served as a minister of music for several churches in middle and south Georgia.
Pastor received his education from Brewton-Parker College with a Concentration in Church Music. Pastor Chris began pastoring churches in May 2007 serving at Neeler Chapel and Fleming Chapel AME (Laurens County), Oak Grove AME (Mitchell Co.), Harper Chapel UMC (Appling Co.), and Fort Valley UMC (Peach Co.) where he was the first African-American minister appointed by the Bishop. Pastor Chris founded the Healing Experience Ministries (Macon, GA) launched in February 2015. In October 2021, he was commissioned in the Christian Church of Georgia and served as Transition Pastor for First Christian Church (Warner Robins, GA). 

His passion is helping people in their faith walk. He offers a ministry of “No Judgment, Just Jesus!” with a mission that all will experience healing and actively serve in their purpose.
In his spare time, Pastor Chris loves playing piano, cooking, walking with his “sweet pup” Sacred, and reading. His favorite foods are lamb chops, crab legs, and a good T-Bone steak!

Contact Pastor Chris :  chris@thepointega.com

Associate Pastor
derek@thepointega.com

Worship & Arts Director
gavin@thepointega.com