The Journey was birthed out of a desire and calling to bring more truth to the Effingham area.
Pastor Stoops and his family started a strong and thriving church in Lawrenceville, IL in 1988. After seeing it grow to over 100 members, the Stoops’ resigned in January of 1998 and took a 2½-year sabbatical while residing in Salem, IL.
In 2001 under the name “Crossroads of Faith” we began holding services in the K-Square Mall until Mendards purchased the property. The Stoops’ took up residence in Effingham, enabling meetings to continue in their home for several months.
From our early beginnings articles that appeared in the local newspaper drew attention from some in the community who remain as members of the church today. Occasionally Crossroads of Faith had held services at the community recreational building, which created even more interest from the community. Again, as God found favor some from those meetings continue as members today.
Yearning for growth we sought a permanent place to congregate. Crossroads of Faith took up worship in a storefront on Washington Street and remained there for 3½ years.