From Humble Beginnings

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.

 

Early Years: Faith and Perseverance

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.

​

A Breakthrough in Worship: Vertical Praise

In a season of discouragement, God inspired a turning point, Vertical Praise, a worship concert that brought together guest worship leaders and the Journey community for a powerful night of praise. Born out of a desperate need for encouragement and spiritual renewal, this event became a divine catalyst, reigniting faith, galvanizing the church, and marking the beginning of a new season of growth and momentum.

 

Growth, Innovation, and Community Impact

Following Vertical Praise, God began to send people, those willing to give of their time, talent, and treasure, to help carry the vision forward. Journey entered a time of preparation, training leaders, and building systems for sustainable ministry.

 

As attendance grew, the church began holding multiple services in different locations, leading to a season of creative gathering. From a downtown Lancaster café/bar to a gymnasium at the Teen Haven Youth Center, Journey became a church that worshiped wherever people could fit. It was a time defined by flexibility, innovation, and relentless passion to make space for people to encounter Jesus no matter the setting.

 

Church at The Movies: A Revival Season

In 2013, the church took another bold step by moving all services to a movie theater, a space that broke down barriers for people hesitant to enter traditional church settings. During this season, Journey experienced explosive growth, with hundreds coming to Christ, being baptized, and finding authentic community. The church was in the midst of a powerful spiritual revival.

 

A Divine Disruption and a New Home

Just as the church had grown comfortable, God stirred things up again. The movie theater underwent renovations that drastically reduced seating capacity. At a crossroads once again, God opened a new door, this time outside of Lancaster City. In March 2015, Journey Church signed a lease for its first permanent home: the historic Living Waters Theatre in Strasburg, PA.

 

But this building was more than just a new address. It was sacred ground. The Living Waters Theatre is the original home of the world-renowned Sight & Sound Theatres. Founders Glenn and Shirley Eshelman had long prayed that the land and building would continue to be used to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their hearts’ desire was for the ministry to continue even after Sight & Sound relocated. When Journey Church entered the picture, it was evident that this was a God-ordained match, a direct answer to prayer.

 

A Coat of Many Colors

The move from the heart of Lancaster City to the rural community of Strasburg was more than just a change of address. It became a defining moment in the life of Journey Church, a divine shift that opened the door to deeper transformation. While the change in geography was significant, the spiritual shift it ushered in was even more profound.

 

God began weaving together a tapestry that was as colorful as it was holy. What had started as a predominantly urban church began to evolve into a diverse, multigenerational, and multicultural community. People from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic stages found themselves drawn to the presence of God and the warmth of a church that was growing in authenticity, grace, and Kingdom vision.

 

The church began to resemble what Scripture describes as Heaven on Earth, a gathering of every tribe, tongue, and nation. Young families, seasoned believers, teenagers, college students, professionals, and retirees now worship side by side. It was as if God was painting with every shade on His palette, creating a living masterpiece that reflected His heart and His glory.

 

Journey Church had become a coat of many colors, a visual testimony of God’s creative genius and extravagant love. This diversity is not a side note or a bonus feature; it is central to our identity and mission. We believe the Church should look like Heaven, and by God’s grace, we are becoming that kind of Church.

Today, we celebrate this sacred blend of cultures, colors, ages, and life stages. We honor the richness it brings, the understanding it fosters, and the way it magnifies the Gospel message. Diversity is not just something we accept, it is something we cherish. For when the Body of Christ is whole, the Kingdom of God becomes more visible to a watching world.

 

Securing the Future: Expansion and Vision

In 2022, Journey Church purchased the Living Waters Theatre, officially making it a permanent spiritual home for the church. Later that same year, Journey expanded again by purchasing an additional 3 acres of farmland directly adjacent to the property.

 

These acquisitions laid the foundation for what is now a planned multiphase construction project, a bold and prayerful step toward the future. While construction has not yet begun, the church is actively preparing and envisioning new spaces that will meet the growing needs of its ministries. Central to this vision is the creation of much-needed ministry space, especially for the expanding Next Gen ministry, which focuses on children, youth, and young adults. The future facilities will also help foster deeper community, discipleship, and outreach, furthering Journey Church’s commitment to being a place where people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.

 

The Journey Continues

Today, Journey Church stands as a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness, shaped by the hands and hearts of devoted men and women who have answered the call to advance the Kingdom of God. What began with a small group and the hometown vision of Pastor Alex Rivera has grown into a thriving, regional church impacting lives across racial, cultural, denominational, and generational lines.

Its influence now extends well beyond the walls of the building, touching communities throughout Lancaster County and the surrounding region with the hope and power of the Gospel.

 

 

Each chapter of this story has been authored by God, and it is our prayer that the next one includes you.