Our Story
On the afternoon of Sunday, May 1, 2005, a small group gathered at Faith United Church of Christ to worship together. That first gathering, humble and uncertain, marked the beginning of what would become Journey Church, a vibrant, Gospel-centered community of faith committed to loving God, loving people, and making disciples.
Journey Church was founded by Pastor Alex Rivera and a few faithful friends. After serving for several years as a music and youth minister at a local church, Pastor Alex sensed a clear call from God to plant a life-giving church in his hometown, one that would passionately reach those far from God, build authentic community, and reflect the love of Jesus in every way.
Both excitement and immense challenge marked the early years of Journey Church. With few resources and limited support, the dream of building a church that impacted the community felt, at times, impossible. There were Sundays when the parking lot was nearly empty, and moments when Pastor Alex and his wife Tammy considered giving up. But through it all, God was faithful, offering vision, provision, and the strength to press forward.
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We believe church should be a place where compassion is extended. There is a seat at God's table for everyone.
Our Mission
Love God, Love People, Make Disciples
Our Vision
To build communities of faith around the world committed to rescuing people far from God and journeying with them as they grow in Christ.
Our Beliefs
WE BELIEVE IN THE APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
He ascended into Heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Our Values
EXTRAVAGANT LOVE
We love deeply, accept people unconditionally, right where they are, and lead them to the healing and wholeness available in Jesus Christ.
PASSIONATE WORSHIP
We worship in a way that glorifies God, honors His Word, and invokes His presence.
BIBLICAL TEACHING
We build our lives on God’s word. The Bible is the ultimate authority for life and living, undergirding all that we believe and do.
RADICAL FAITH
We fearlessly live out our faith, taking risks and believing God for the impossible.
IRRATIONAL GENEROSITY
We live to give liberally. We generously give of our time, treasure, and talents so that others’ lives can be enriched.
DIVERSITY
We embrace the beauty and the uniqueness of God's creation. While celebrating our God-authored differences, we are united by the common salvation we share in Jesus Christ.
Lead Pastors
Pastor Alex Rivera is the founder and Lead Pastor of Journey Church based in Lancaster, PA. He has a humorous and relatable teaching style that gives people from all walks of life, an honest perspective on their relationship with God and ways to grow in their faith. Pastor Alex is married to his best friend, Tammy and they live in the Lancaster area with their five sons, AJ, Caleb, Jayce, Jaxon, and Micah.