The Beginning
Scott Joseph, who was a pastor at Vine Church in Carbondale, IL initially felt God calling him to plant High Rock in 2007. In November of that year, the plans for starting the church were announced at Vine, and a team of 25 people responded to God’s call to move to Bloomington to plant High Rock Church in 2008. Church planting in university cities is foundational to the church’s past and to our plans for the future.
Our desire is to be a local church where people can learn about Jesus in a way that deeply impacts and changes their lives. At High Rock, we are centered on Jesus, and hold to the truths of the Bible passionately. Our vision is to be a church that makes disciples and plants many more healthy local churches in university cities.
So Why Are We Called High Rock?
Prior to planting the church, our lead pastor, Scott Joseph, was praying for direction from Jesus on what this new church should be called. On a visit to Bloomington, a few of our leaders were thinking about the giant limestone slabs that populate the quarries in the area. During this time, the first few verses of Psalm 61 stood out as they speak of the strength and stability of God that far exceeds those massive limestone slabs.
“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.”
PSALMS 61:1-3
At High Rock Church, we want to help people to call out to Jesus, the rock of salvation and the sure foundation on which to build our lives.