Our Story

I wish you could have been there; it was a food court in a mall, four friends had converged to discuss what God was preparing them to do. The discussion centered on a vision God had given Parkway House of Prayer and a small church building at Smith Mountain Lake. It was February 2005 and the dream for a growing vibrant church had been planted in the hearts of these young men. That meeting led to another and soon August had come and the first staff of this new church plant was in place.

Throughout the fall of 2005 more than 60 people came together to make up the initial "core" of what would be EastLake Community Church. Although not officially started, the work of God was well underway during that 6-month incubation period. By the time February 5, 2006 arrived that little church had been transformed into a beautifully remodeled facility with expanded seating.

Over the course of the first 4 years, God has amazed us with all that He has done. It didn't take long before we were having to use every square inch of that small church building, as well as 4000 square feet of additional rented classroom and storage space. In fact, we even started a third Sunday morning worship service throughout the Summer of 2010 to make room for the 200+ people who were trying to squeeze into a 125 seat auditorium.

In the Fall of 2010 we moved into our present location, a building that was formerly a grocery store and later a flea market. We gutted it completely and refitted it with a 250 seat sanctuary, offices, classrooms, nursery, kid's worship center and kitchen. And God has continued to help us to grow!

Our latest adventure is something we call Cinema Church. It's the first of what we hope is many multi-site campuses all around Smith Mountain Lake. This past summer we sent an entire team who led the service live at WestLake Cinemas and then showew the sermon of the day on the big screen. It's been exciting to see the people God has allowed us to reach there. We brought our first season at Cinema Church to a close at the beginning of November and look forward to relaunching on Memorial Day weekend, 2012!

And we continue to actively reach people with the Gospel. If you're looking for a church that believes in walking by faith and being active in fulfilling the Great Commission, or if you are just looking for family and want to experience God in your life, ELCC may just be the place for you.  Come on by.  We'd love to have you!