our story
Revival in a Basement
It all started with a Bible Study. In the middle of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, three families gathered in a basement—seeking God, comfort and clarity in uncertain times. What was meant to be a simple family Bible study quickly grew into something deeper. There was a stirring. A holy passion. And a clear sense that God was calling them to more.
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By March 2021, after months of prayer and seeking God's will, this small group unanimously agreed to step out in faith and launch a church. Pastor Elias “EJ” Nieves Jr.—a banker by trade, worshipper by calling—was chosen to lead. Seeking divine direction for a name, he opened his Bible and landed on 1 Peter 2:9: "You are a chosen generation..." At that moment, the name was sealed: Chosen Generation Church.
A Growing Promise
With a name and a vision but no building, they trusted God. Within days, the Lord connected Pastor EJ with a local pastor, Co-Pastor Simon Bolivar Herrera, who offered them a space completely free of charge. Weekly Friday services began, and soon after, Sunday services were added. As the church grew, they moved into a new location on Saint Paul Street, continuing to follow God’s lead, step by step.
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Still, the road wasn’t always easy. Pastor EJ told the founding members that if the church didn’t grow in one year, he’d take it as a sign to shut the doors. But God had other plans.
In December 2021, a local pastor issued a prophetic word declaring that a harvest would come within eight months. On August 31, 2022—to the exact day—God fulfilled that word. City of Refuge Ministries, a long-established ministry in need of new leadership, joined with Chosen Generation to become one united and thriving body under the leadership of Pastor EJ.
A New Home for Revival
​​With growth came a new need: space. Their current building could no longer hold what God was doing. So they prayed again. And God answered once again.
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On July 28, 2023, Chosen Generation Church officially purchased its first temple at 37 Reynolds St, Rochester, NY. After eight months of remodeling, the doors officially opened, providing a new place to gather and worship God.
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In just 3 years, God turned a basement Bible Study into a loving, spirit-filled church on fire for revival. We exist to lift up the name of Jesus, build community, and reach the lost.
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This is only the beginning. He’s not done with us!
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”
- 1 Peter 2:9