​We exist to reach people and raise them up for life in Christ. #lifeinHD
We want people to see that God is real and that He loves each of us, and the only way life can fulfill its purpose and potential is through a real, authentic relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. We're a collection of diverse people who believe that recognizing God as our Father and Jesus as our Lord is the only way to live life the way it meant to be lived. So we embrace everything God has given us so we can share that message.
God has blessed us as a church with rappers, singers, poets, fitness experts, educators, entrepreneurs, veterans, and more, all so we can use our gifts, talents, and skills to glorify Him and reach out to our communities in love. The end goal is simple. We want real people with real issues to have real and growing relationships with the God who made us and the people God gave us. We want everyone to live life in Higher Definition!
The Lord first gave Pastor Ernest the vision to start a church in 2008, while he was a youth minister and Christian hip-hop artist based in Durham, North Carolina. In July 2011, while in New York for a professional development opportunity, he received clarity about the name and vision of Higher Definition Church.
In June of 2013, God revealed to the Almond family that it was His desire for them to move from their home in Durham, North Carolina to relocate and plant a church in Jacksonville, Florida. Despite the fact that they knew no one in Jacksonville and they had never been there before, doors opened quickly for the move to be completed. After a six-week flurry of activity and divine confirmation, the couple arrived in their new home at the end of July 2013.​
Following a season of prayer and planning, Higher Definition Church opened for its first Sunday services on March 15, 2015 on the Westside of the city. Since that time, through the work of the ministry, dozens have proclaimed a commitment to Christ, more than 100 families have been fed, and countless hours of service have been poured into the community.​
After the church relocated to the Arlington area of Jacksonville in 2019, refreshed its vision to reach people and raise them up for life in Christ, and we also entered into partnerships with our local schools and other faith-based nonprofits. We've worked together with Parkwood Heights Elementary School, Terry Parker High School, IDEA River Bluff, Revitalize Arlington, The Carpenter's Shop Center, GameFace 4:13 and more in our effort to be a blessing to the families in our community.
Currently meeting on Sundays at The Carpenter's Shop Center (1601 University Blvd N), our church continues to raise funds to complete the renovation of our space at 5919 Merrill Rd and the full relaunch of all our ministry and outreach endeavors.
