Journey Church was originally known by a different name, but in September 2002, with the arrival of new leadership and a renewed vision, it was relaunched as Journey Church to mark a fresh start for the community in the Eva area.
Pastor Joel Coots said the church is built on the belief that no church should walk alone.
“We value fellowship, accountability and spiritual covering,” Coots said. “That’s why we’re proudly affiliated with ARC (Association of Related Churches) and Christian International (CI). Our vision is simple and powerful, summed up in four words: Real – Life – Purpose – Make a Difference. Know the REAL God; Live a LIFE of Freedom; Discover Your PURPOSE: Make a DIFFERENCE.”
He said at the heart of Journey Church is a deep passion for worship and the transforming truth of God’s word.
“Our worship experience is vibrant and heartfelt, led by a full band and praise team,” Coots said. “We don’t just sing songs — we worship. You’ll find people standing, clapping, lifting their hands and even kneeling at the altar as they express their love and honor to God. We also place a strong emphasis on Life Groups — gatherings that meet outside the church at various times and locations. These groups are where real connections are formed, lasting friendships are built and people find encouragement in every season of life.”
The children’s ministry is dynamic and engaging, Coots said.
“It includes worship, Bible-based video interaction, fun activities, prayer and small group ministry to help kids grow in their faith in a fun and meaningful way,” he shared. “Journey Youth is all about equipping the next generation to know God and live out their faith with confidence. Through Wednesday gatherings, worship and relevant teaching, teens grow spiritually while building real, lasting friendships in a fun and welcoming environment.”
Since 2020, Coots said, the church has experienced significant growth, and they believe it’s the result of years of faithful sowing.
“We’ve expanded our parking lot, are currently adding more seating and are in the planning stages for a building addition later this year,” he explained. “We are truly humbled and grateful for the unmistakable presence of God and His hand of blessing over all that’s happening at Journey Church. We’re passionate about serving both locally and globally. Throughout the year, we lead several outreach projects — two of the biggest being National Serve Day and our annual Christmas Production. On Serve Day, we break into teams and head out to local schools, nursing homes, grocery stores, gas stations and more to bless our community through practical acts of kindness. Our Christmas Production draws people from all over and is a powerful opportunity to share the hope of Christ through creativity and excellence. We also fund a breakfast feeding program for children in Guatemala, helping ensure kids start their day nourished and ready to learn. At Journey Church, we believe you’re not saved just to sit — but to serve. Everyone is welcome to get involved and make a difference using whatever gifts, talents or resources God has given them.”
When asked what “the Church” means to him, Coots responded, “The Church is something God Himself established. In Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 5:25; it’s what Jesus is returning for. Scripture clearly reminds us in Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching,” Coots said. “The Church was never meant to be just a building — it’s the living, breathing extension of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, called to carry God’s presence, love and purpose to the world.”
He said he wanted to remind all new churchgoers of previous church attenders that there’s no such thing as a perfect church, a perfect pastor or perfect people.
“I once heard someone say, ‘You can go to McDonald’s, wait forever, get the wrong order, and find out the ice cream machine is down — again — and yet, you still go back. But one mistake happens at church, and people walk away,” Coots said. “I’m not saying that church hurt isn’t real — because it is. But maybe it’s time we extend the same grace to others, and to the church, that we hope to receive when we fall short. None of us are perfect — but we serve a perfect God who calls us to love, forgive and grow together.”
Services can be viewed live every Sunday — or you can catch the replay — on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JourneyChurchEva and www.journeychurcheva.com/sermons.
“You can also listen anytime through our podcast for messages on the go,” Coots said. “We offer a no-hassle guarantee: come visit us, no pressure attached. If you feel at home, we’d love for you to join us and be part of what God is doing here. And if it’s not the right fit, that’s OK, too — we won’t hassle you. We’ll simply encourage you to find a church where God is planting you, because what matters most is that you’re growing in Him.”
Journey Church is located at 3683 Eva Road in Eva. Services are Sunday mornings at 10 and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.journeychurcheva.com.
