Who We Are

Discover the heart of Journey Church—our mission, our leaders, and what we believe.

How It Began + Where We're Going

About Journey Church

Journey Church began in 2005 with a simple but powerful vision: to see lives transformed by the presence of Jesus. From the start, our heart has been to create a Spirit-filled community where people can encounter God’s love, experience revival, and step boldly into their calling. With a focus on family-centered discipleship and authentic worship, we’ve seen God move powerfully in homes and hearts across Bloomington-Normal, our college campuses, and all of Central Illinois. Our foundation is built on bold faith, authentic relationships, and a commitment to see revival touch every part of life.

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same—to guide people into deeper faith and purpose, equipping them to carry the hope of Jesus into their everyday lives. We’re passionate about reaching those who feel like faith has been more transactional than relational—college students searching for meaning, young families seeking a firm foundation, and seasoned believers longing for a fresh encounter with God. No matter where you are on your journey, you’re welcome here. We invite you to join us as we pursue God’s presence and see revival reshape our homes, our communities, and beyond.

Pastor Team

Jason & Nancy Damkoehler

Founding / Lead Pastors
Jason and Nancy Damkoehler have devoted nearly 35 years to pastoral ministry, including over a decade serving as campus missionaries at Illinois State University, where they saw Jesus perform remarkable works in the lives of students. In 2005, they planted Journey Church where continue to serve as lead/founding pastors. Their passion is to ignite revival within families and to see their community profoundly transformed by Jesus. They are blessed with five children and two daughters-in-law that all serve alongside of them in ministry, Jason and Nancy believe that revival starts in families and that every parent can see 3 John 1:4 come to pass in their life… and “have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Suraj & Lexi Thomas

NextGen Pastors
Suraj and Lex moved to Bloomington-Normal from Phoenix, Arizona, in September 2024, following the Lord’s leading to serve at Journey Church. Suraj earned a degree in Church Leadership from North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Lex graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, with a degree in Christian Studies.
They are passionate about seeing believers walk in their God-given identity and witnessing Jesus’ prayer fulfilled—that God’s will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Suraj has had the privilege of serving in missions work to unreached people groups traveling to Nigeria, Pakistan, India, and Argentina. Suraj and Lex’s hearts burn to see Jesus receive the full reward of His suffering among every people group.

What we believe…

God

There is one God, and He exists forever in three Persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Father

God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things.

Spirit

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, draws us to faith in Christ, transforms to the image of Jesus, and empowers us with gifts to accomplish God’s purposes.

Son

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who humbled himself, became a man, lived a sinless life, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again to conquer sin and death forever.

Salvation

Salvation is a free gift, which we receive when we recognize and repent from our sin, believe in Jesus Christ and his complete work on the cross, receive Him as Savior, and follow Him as Lord.

Bible

The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments were written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God it is completely true and serves as the final authority in faith and life.

Baptism

Baptism an act of faith showing our belief in Jesus to wash away all of our sins. It often marks the beginning of a relationship with Jesus. To be immersed in baptism is to join Jesus in His vicarious death for us, and to emerge from the water is to enter into a new life.

Communion

Communion is a special moment where we remember Jesus’ sacrifice by eating bread and drinking wine (or juice). It’s a time when we give Jesus our mistakes and struggles, and in return, we receive His love, grace, and eternal life. Through this exchange, we are reminded of God’s incredible gift to us in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.