Higher Grounds
Bishop Ford
Higher Grounds
Higher Grounds is a non-denominational organization founded in by Bishop Ford in October 2000, currently located in Plaquemine, LA. Starting with only a few members and the mission of “Advancing the Kingdom by the Power of God”. Since the launch of Higher Ground the church has since flourished into a fellowship of passionate individuals who are concerned about the salvation and livelihood of their neighbors worldwide.
Higher Grounds focuses on walking by faith and teaches the dynamic body of believers to do the same. For more than 15 years we have helped people to become delivered and find their purpose. Although we are located in Plaquemine, it serves as a church home to members in Baton Rouge, Baker, Prairieville and surrounding areas. We faithfully serve our members that are out-of-state as well with the ultimate goal of having campuses in other countries.
Higher Grounds has a vision of providing help extends beyond the church. We house our Helping Hands Ministry that feeds the needy; our ministry provides free clothes to those in need, and toys 2 tots. During natural disasters our ministry lended a helping hand by providing clothes to flood victims, cleaning supplies, water and monetary donations. We strive to help the body of God in any capacity.
Bishop Ford
“Revealing the Strength of God in You” is the call and assignment of Bishop Joseph (AJ) Ford. Bishop Ford is the Founder of AJ Ford Ministries and Founder & Senior Pastor of Higher Grounds International Worship Center in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Bishop Ford, along with the riveting and dynamic body of believers of Higher Grounds, has fundamentally operated the vision of the church, “Advancing The Kingdom By The Power Of God.”
The ministry of Bishop Ford is shared and supported by his beautiful helpmeet, Evangelist, author, and praise and worship exhorter, and Assistant Pastor Lady Shevelle Ford. They are the parents of two children, Trinity and Joseph Jr. Bishop Ford is a native of Jackson, Louisiana.
He studied at Southern University of Baton Rouge and is a graduate of Ever Increasing Word Training Center. He also served in the United States Army. Bishop Ford founded Higher Grounds International Worship Center in October 2000. Since its launching, the church has flourished into a fellowship of passionate individuals who are concerned about the salvation and livelihood of their neighbors, community, and surrounding areas.
Through a host of outreaches and community projects, Bishop Ford and the Higher Grounds Family have indiscriminately demonstrated the love of Christ to all people regardless of backgrounds or racial differences. Preaching with purpose, power, and passion, Bishop Ford expounds the Word of God; which as a result brings forth repentance, accountability, and responsibility unto the hearers.
He encourages the people of God to not only be hearers, but doers of the Word. God has anointed him to preach faith, love, strength, and financial liberation to the body of Christ as the Kingdom of God forcefully advances to higher ground.
-Bishop Joseph “AJ” Ford
mission
"Advancing the Kingdom by the Power of God"
Higher Grounds existence is rooted in expanding the Kingdom to the far reaches of the earth by the One and only God himself. By spreading His teachings, spirit and love we aspire to bring others to salvation by showing them that he is the only way.
vision
"Providing help that extends beyond the church"
Our Vision is to utilize our Helping Hands Ministry to feed the needy; provide clothing to the cold, give “toys 2 tots” that would otherwise be without, and help those affected by natural disaster.