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Our Story

Encounter Church was founded April 3, 2022, but our story precedes that date.

In 2011, Andy Lamon founded a church named Gateway Effingham. Andy’s mission to start a church with amazing worship, great kids ministry, relevant Biblical teaching, and a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome is still felt by anyone who enters Encounter Church.

In 2018, Gateway Effingham merged with The Chapel Ministries and became The Chapel Effingham. The Chapel continued to serve the local community through the Effingham campus and local mission partners. On April 3, 2022, Encounter Church was launched from The Chapel Ministries to pursue a greater focus on local missions and ministry in Effingham County.

Encounter Church offers great kids ministry, amazing worship, relevant Biblical teaching, and an emphasis on serving Effingham County through mission partners. Our hope is that when you encounter us, you will experience a warm, inviting atmosphere where all are welcome.

We exist to encounter our community

so our community will encounter Christ.

Core Values

Engage – to engage our community with the Gospel in service, action, and word.

Establish – to establish a growing relationship with Christ and with others.

Empower – to empower and equip those at Encounter to become active participants in the ministry of the Church.

Meet Our Staff

James P. Owens

Pastor

Anne Bosarge

Associate Pastor

Sara Fullerton

Worship Leader and Church Administrator

Shelli Smithers

Director of Kids Ministry

Local Mission Partners

Email

info@encounterchurcheham.com

Offices

131 Goshen Road Ext, Rincon GA 31326