Meet Our Lead Pastors
Joe and Lori Champion
Pastors Joe and Lori Champion moved to Austin, TX and planted Celebration Church in October of 2000.
Their vision is to build strong Christians through the local church who are empowered to fulfill their
calling, and also to educate and equip the next generation of business and ministry leaders through
Austin Christian University. This big vision had humble beginnings, but over the last two decades God
has expanded to campuses throughout Austin and into Italy and Africa.
For more than 34 years, they’ve served together in ministry. While they are local pastors at heart,
their leadership also extends beyond the walls of Celebration Church. They serve on numerous church
and ministry boards, including One Hope and Association of Related Churches. They have founded an
organization called Strong Church that equips church leaders around the globe to fulfill their calling
with Christ-like integrity and character in their ministries and family lives. They are also both authors
and are frequently invited to speak at churches and conferences, to strengthen the Church around the world.
Their greatest joy is their family. They have three married sons and have recently become grandparents:
Mason, Caroline and their baby May Clare live in the Washington DC area; and Connor and Rheagan, Jackson
and Kendall all live in Texas and serve together in ministry at Celebration Church and Austin Christian
University.
Follow @joechampion
Follow @lorichampion
