Three Centuries on Newport Road
Jerusalem Church stands on Newport Road on the eastern edge of Manheim, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Lancaster County. The congregation traces its origins to a German Reformed gathering established sometime between 1720 and 1727, on land granted by Thomas and Richard Penn, sons of William Penn. The current sanctuary was dedicated on November 10, 1974, the latest in a series of buildings the church has occupied through the centuries. Though the roots run deep, the leaders describe the present moment as one in which the Holy Spirit is at work and the church is growing.
An Independent Reformed Identity
Jerusalem Church is an independent Reformed congregation. Rather than belonging to a regional presbytery or national body, the church identifies itself directly with the historic Reformed tradition, standing firmly on the five solas of the Reformation: sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, sola scriptura, and soli deo gloria. The Bible is treated as God's Word and final authority, but the church is also unapologetically creedal. Its official doctrinal statement is composed of three historic ecumenical creeds and one Reformed catechism: the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Heidelberg Catechism. The congregation also recognizes the usefulness of the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Westminster Standards, even though they are not part of the formal statement of faith.
Covenant theology and covenant infant baptism are presented as a beautiful distinctive of Reformed Christianity. The church treats baptism not as a minor denominational detail but as a meaningful gospel marker tied to the covenants God makes with His people, and the preaching on this topic is supplemented by an extensive reading list to help newcomers think through the question.
A Sunday Built Around the Word and the Table
The rhythm of a Sunday at Jerusalem Church begins well before the sermon. Catechism Classes for all ages start at 9:00 AM and run until 9:45. The classes are intergenerational by design, with a separate K through 4th grade class taught primarily by Pastor Jonathan and a 5th grade through adult class taught by the elders. Both classes work through the Heidelberg Catechism and are structured so that families can keep discussing the same material at home. Little ones are welcome to stay with their parents, and restless toddlers can be taken to the nursery, where the class material is not required.
At 9:45, Connect Time fills the sanctuary foyer with coffee and refreshments. Newcomers are encouraged to use this window to meet people and get settled. The worship service begins at 10:15 AM and usually concludes around 11:40. On the first Sunday of every month, the congregation gathers at the Lord's Table during the service. The Lord's Supper is treated as a means of grace, approached with reverence and expectation, and visitors who wish to participate are asked to review a participation card found in the pews.
Simple, Unpretentious Worship
The service is described as simple and easy to follow, built around a liturgy the leaders summarize as guilt, grace, and gratitude. There are no lights and cameras; the focus is on spirit and truth. Significant time is given to reading and preaching God's Word, with the conviction that the Bible is central to worship and that faithful exposition is what most transforms the people in the pews. The two Reformed sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are highly valued and regularly observed.
Congregational singing draws from ancient and modern songs, including the Psalms. Music is led by one of the church's Praise Teams under the direction of elder Tim Thompson. The atmosphere is casual. Jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly appropriate, and on any given Sunday one might also see a suit and tie.
Children in the Room
The church's posture toward children is one of welcome rather than separation. Families worship together so that even small children can hear the Word preached, sing with the body, and witness the sacraments. The congregation considers children a blessing and wants them present in worship.
For very young children, three practical helps are offered. There is a nursery staffed during the service for children from birth through age three, with a live video feed of the service piped in so parents do not miss the sermon. A second live video feed is set up in the back area adjoining the worship space, so anyone who needs to step out - parents, visitors, or anyone who simply needs a quieter seat - can still follow along. For those who are hearing impaired, listening devices are available from the back sound booth.
Shepherding and Pastoral Care
Leadership at Jerusalem Church is shaped by the historic Reformed pattern of elders and deacons. The session currently includes four elders: Rev. Jonathan Shirk, who serves as Lead Pastor and joined the congregation in 2013; Ryan Gerlach; Tim Thompson; and Doug Hall. Five deacons - Chad Heisey, Jeff Mummau, Joseph Fremer, Brian Trussell, and John Kosydar - care for the practical and mercy needs of the body. Stephanie Trussell serves as administrative assistant, and a small team of volunteer coordinators looks after family events, hospitality, and the nursery.
Pastoral counseling is offered at no cost through Pastor Jonathan. Those struggling with anxiety, addiction, isolation, depression, grief, or financial stress are invited to begin the conversation by email. If a situation calls for a trained professional, the church points people toward the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF), the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and Peacemaker Ministries, and offers a separate channel for those who would like help thinking through their finances.
Catechism Class as Discipleship
Catechesis is not a separate program at Jerusalem Church; it is woven into the Lord's Day itself. The church teaches the Heidelberg Catechism, with the conviction that laying a doctrinal foundation in both children and adults produces the kind of Christians who can comfort others with the comfort they have received from God. The catechism hour is intentionally intergenerational: middle and high school students, parents, and seasoned adults sit together under the teaching of the elders, and the K through 4th grade class is structured to parallel the adult one so that dinner-table conversations at home can keep the catechism going through the week.
Going Deep with a Few Missions
Jerusalem Church supports seven mission partners, chosen carefully rather than widely. The leaders use five criteria to evaluate which ministries to invest in, including gospel faithfulness, opportunities for hands-on involvement, financial transparency, purposeful partnership with the local church, and a preferably Reformed doctrinal identity.
Locally, the church supports Bible2School, an after-school program that brings Bible teaching to public school students in the Manheim Central and Warwick School districts. Regionally across Lancaster County, the church partners with Love INC., Jubilee Ministries, and Water Street Mission. Nationally and globally, the congregation supports Hope International, which works in microenterprise and community transformation, and Rev. Daniel Mathuva through Equipping Leaders International, along with Align Life Ministries. Members are encouraged not only to give financially but to give time, labor, encouragement, and prayer.
Core Values That Shape Daily Life
Five core values guide decisions and culture at Jerusalem Church. The Bible is treated as paramount, with confessional Reformed theology seen as the most biblical and therefore the most comforting way to read it. God-centered, dialogical, corporate worship is central. Gentle shepherding care is essential. The congregation deliberately cultivates an intergenerational covenant family, believing that mixed ages greatly promote the flourishing of body and soul. And the simple rhythm of guilt, grace, and gratitude is meant to shape the way the people of Jerusalem Church live Monday through Saturday, not just Sunday morning.
Planning a Visit
Visitors can expect a warm welcome, a casual atmosphere, and a service built around the Word and the sacraments. The church sits at 1620 Newport Road in Manheim. Catechism Classes start at 9:00 AM, Connect Time begins at 9:45, and the worship service begins at 10:15. Those who arrive a few minutes early will find coffee waiting and a community that takes its theology seriously without taking itself too seriously.