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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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