The Church of Jesus Brotherhood was born in 2013 from the heartfelt desire of a few men to honor their Pastor in a special way. It started with a simple idea: take our Pastor to see the Los Angeles Lakers in Washington, D.C. It was to be a surprise, a gesture of appreciation. However, as it turned out, our Pastor had already scheduled a cruise during that timeframe. Determined to make it happen, we began looking for other games nearby. As fate would have it, the Lakers were playing in Charlotte, and our Pastor’s schedule was clear.
With this newfound opportunity, a small group of 3-4 brothers began planning the trip. What started as a small outing quickly grew as we extended an invitation to other men who enjoyed sports and fellowship. To our surprise, 19 men confirmed their interest in attending, and we moved forward with finalizing the arrangements.
It was during these final preparations that the event took on a life of its own. A representative from the venue asked the coordinator if he had considered reserving a suite for the group. The idea hadn’t crossed his mind, but when the representative shared a virtual tour of the suite, showcasing its exclusivity and the experience it could offer, an executive decision was made to upgrade. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made.
On the Sunday before the game, we finally revealed the surprise to our Pastor, along with the exciting news that 20 men were joining him for this unforgettable outing. The look of astonishment on his face was priceless. That night, as we all gathered in the suite, something special happened. It wasn’t just about the game anymore—it was about the fellowship, the connection, and the bond we shared as brothers in Christ.
What started as a small, spontaneous trip turned into an annual tradition. Over the next five years, the COJ Brotherhood Outing to Charlotte grew. Each year, men from other churches joined us, and our group expanded from 20 to as many as 45 men. The event became more than just a game—it became a cornerstone of camaraderie, friendship, and unforgettable memories. It was a chance for men, both Christian and those still on their journey, to come together in fellowship, laughter, and a shared love of sports, all while honoring God.
Unfortunately, the outbreak of COVID put a pause on our gatherings. But now, after five years of waiting, we are thrilled to re-engage the Brotherhood and reignite this beloved tradition. As we look to the future, we are excited to create even more captivating experiences, continue building strong bonds, and welcome both returning attendees and those joining us for the first time.
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just starting your journey with the Brotherhood, we can’t wait to see you in Charlotte, where we’ll continue making memories that last a lifetime.