The Father’s House will open a satellite church in the old Blackfriars Theatre space later this year. Pierre du Plessis is the church’s senior pastor. PHOTO BY JEFF MARINI
The fact that the woman confused the church for the Target store that just opened in Chili should tell you that the Father's House is something different. "This is a church?!" she shouted from her car, loud enough to be heard through a steady rain.
More closely resembling a large theater than a traditional place of worship, the Father's House on Paul Road is a nondenominational church with a congregation exceeding 3,000 people. And it's branching out. Senior Pastor Pierre du Plessis and his wife, Marlize, the church's creative and cultural director, plan to lease the space formerly occupied by Blackfriars Theatre in the city for a satellite church.
Blackfriars is doing two shows this summer at Geva's Nextstage and will open in its own venue at 795 East Main Street in September.
Marlize du Plessis says she hopes to get into the former Blackfriars space at 28 Lawn Street inside Christ Church by October.
"It's an awesome little space," Pierre du Plessis says, "about 200 seats, intimate, sweet looking."
The couple has been looking for space in the city for some time, they said; many of their congregants live in the city - although they could not say how many.
The church will hold two services each Saturday at its satellite location. The services will replicate those held at the Chili church, which often resemble theatrical productions, with live music, dramatic lighting, skits, and props like chewing gum and beach balls.
"Anything goes," Pierre du Plessis says. "I think church is very forgettable sometimes and it should not be, because it anchors our soul."
Comments for "DEVELOPMENT: God in the footlights " (11)
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chris said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:13pm
i have been going to this church since i was 16, 29 now. have never been bored, always challenged (in a good way.) me and my family love this place.
Cyndi Wall said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:21pm
I'm so excited about the chance to show others who God really is & how rich, how vibrant His people are! What an honor & privilege we get to do this!
Trina Duncan said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:46pm
It's a Contagious Place!!!! Spirit filled, fun, welcoming, a home away from home! You will love it!!!
Philip said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 2:53pm
Being a city resident and attending the fathers house i am so excited to hear about the Blackfriars Theatre location! a little closer to home!
Nicole said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:36pm
I have been going since December and I wish I have been going longer!! I have never walked into a place and felt so welcome besides my own home!
Elizabeth said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 5:17pm
The thing that makes this Pastor different is that hes not a man leading a church,hes a man lead by God...... what a difference this makes.......and Gods word is being taught each week in a matter of fact way...so refreshing!!!!! What a great place to call my families church "home"!!!
Jessica said on Aug. 11, 2009 at 5:31pm
This has been my home church since I moved to Rochester three years ago. I love it! The Spirit of God is so vibrant in the Father's House and the leadership team is super sensitive to His leading. Come join us!
Jenni T-M said on Aug. 12, 2009 at 1:39pm
My husband and I attended The Father's House for three years before moving out of state. We still watch on line each weekend because it is hard to find the same atmosphere where God honored through the arts and genuine people. Don't just read about The Father's House on here; check it out for yourself! There is much more to be done in this city for God!
nick said on Sep. 15, 2009 at 7:09pm
The Father's House has been a place of genuine growth -- mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I've seen it full of people who truly care about others above themselves. Such a place full of real people, sharing God's love with everyone and showing kindness and acceptance to the community. Everyone has a sense of belonging there, and that's so important!!! Especially in a world so isolated and independent...incredible to be a part of something so vital like The Father's House.
Stephanie said on Dec. 12, 2009 at 9:34pm
The Father's House has been my home for 18 years, before it was The Father's House. I watched it grow to what it is today and God is the center of it all. Every time I walk through that door I know that God is giong to do something amazing, and He always does. It's all about keeping it real at The Father's House. You will see that God is so loving and , as I always say, so cool. This place shows that in every way that God leads them. The house has "IT"!
Jubilee said on Apr. 29, 2010 at 11:57pm
I attended Fathers House while visiting my family in NY. I have since moved from VA to NY, being able to attend Fathers House every Sunday was a huge deciding factor for the move. It is an amazing vibrant church carrying out God's message.
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