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.

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.