The day in which we are living is plagued with broken homes, broken marriages, and broken dreams. This condition has led many people to go through life with despair and hopelessness. However, the Word of God tells us that Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
At The Rock Church we are thankful to help the families of Gary, Indiana and the surrounding areas to re-establish the promises of God in their lives. We are committed to building people by healing hurts, meeting needs, and building dreams. We are thankful that you have taken the time to visit us on the web to learn what is available for you. This site is designed to get you acquainted with our church, its ministries, and its people; but most importantly it is intended to be an extension of the invitation that Jesus has already made to you in Matthew 11:28-29, �Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me�and ye shall find rest unto your souls.�
The teachings and the programs of The Rock Church are established upon the understanding that Jesus is that Rock that gives us strength and security in troubled times. It is our prayer that you will be encouraged by our ministry, and that you, too, will come to be planted upon the Rock.
[ Back to Top ] Mission StatementThe mission of The Rock Church is to reconcile lost souls to God through the teaching, training, and application of the Gospel.
We are committed to building people by healing hurts, meeting needs, and building dreams.
We are dedicated to the work of God at home and abroad.
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Throughout scripture, the concept of �The Rock� is repeated. Matthew 7:25 states, �And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.� I Corinthians 10:4 explains, �And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.� In these two scriptures, we learn that Jesus Christ is The Rock and that we gain security by being firmly planted upon that rock. These truths are the foundation upon which every ministry of this church is built.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Rock Church was founded by Bishop Brent Endris on September 10, 1989 in East Chicago, Indiana. The first services were held at Salvation Army where Bishop Endris was the preacher, the song leader, and the transportation. He was committed to a vision for this church and to the people who relied upon him to guide their spiritual growth. Because of the sacrifices made by Bishop Endris, his wife, and children, the church was blessed with growth, causing the church to establish a home of its own in Griffith, Indiana 1995.
With a permanent home, the church was able to add a Christian school, for grades K-12. Through weekly chapel services and special services designed specifically for families, many lives were changed. Because of the work of the church and the school many people, young and old, were able to experience the power of God for themselves.
POWERFUL REVIVAL
Once again, God provided the increase, forcing the church to rent larger facilities until a new home could be found. On May 10, 2002, the church took ownership of the former Black Oak Elementary School at 5400 W 29th Ave, Gary, Indiana. The stage was now set for revival. Immediately, Bishop Endris added a daycare, hosted special services, and coordinated personal bible studies for the masses of people who were hungry for the Word of God. In a time span of four and a half years, hundreds of people had received the Holy Ghost and were baptized in the name of Jesus. The impact of The Rock Church has been experienced by people living in many different areas, from the northern suburbs of Chicago, to Iowa, to Michigan.
THE FUTURE
The burden of Bishop Brent Endris could not be contained to a single church. In fulfillment of his calling, he has started a church in Tempe, Arizona. On November 19, 2006, his brother, Philip Endris, was voted the new Pastor of the Rock Church. Pastor Phil is not content with the �church as usual� mentality. He is committed to making sure that every visitor who attends a worship service at The Rock Church walks away having experienced the love and power of Jesus Christ.
At its economic height, Gary was a city of opportunity, where the schools set the standard for schools around the nation, and the people strived for and achieved greatness. Pastor Phil is dedicated to seeing Gary revived, not only economically, but spiritually. Through this spiritual rebirth, Gary once again will be a city of opportunity where its people will achieve greatness.
Pastor Phil�s vision for this church and for Gary cannot be achieved if the people are not rooted in something stable, strong, and secure. Samuel clearly states (2 Samuel 22:2-3) that the Lord is The Rock that provides strength to all those who put their trust in Him. Just as Jesus is The Rock upon which this church is built, this church will be The Rock upon which great people are built.