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Abundant Blessings: 8 Churches Near Geneva

Picture of Abundant Blessings: 8 Churches Near Geneva
Campus Life Faith

The pastor announces the closing psalm, and I smile. A familiar one that I love. But as vibrant chords envelop me, I am confronted yet again with the thrilling beauty of singing in the midst of 300 people. Rich harmony — mixed with small children’s voices — surrounds me, filling me with intense joy. Always, I have loved the sound of Christians singing praise to God. I have gathered around a piano with friends, plunking out the chords of a hymn. I have sung psalms to my heart’s content in a church friend’s living room, back against the couch, shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers. I have danced with kids during summer camp chapel. And now, the Lord has given me this blessing — singing that reminds me of what heaven must be like.  

Four years ago, as I considered which college I should attend, a local church was high on my list of criteria. I wasn’t just considering the spiritual direction and academics of a college; being involved with a local church community was equally — if not more so — important. Attending a Christian college and living in community with Christ-following friends is a huge blessing, but weekly worship and regular fellowship with a local church body is vital to our spiritual growth.  

Geneva College is blessed with an abundance of churches in the surrounding area. This blog post provides a non-exhaustive list of eight churches within a half hour from campus — though there are many more not listed here. 

Each of these churches welcomes students into life with its members, so whether you’re a prospective student or a current Geneva student looking for a church, any one of these churches is a great option!  

College Hill Reformed Church (RPCNA) 

Distance from campus: 1-minute walk 

  • SWARM – weekly gathering/home-cooked meal for college students at a church family’s house on Sunday night after evening service  
  • DASH – discipleship program where groups of 3-5 women and men led by a mentor from church meet regularly to study Scripture and the Christian life, pray together, and serve the local community 
  • Students are welcome at all regular church events (bimonthly men’s Bible study, weekly women’s Bible study, fellowship events, etc.)  

 

Hope Community Reformed Church (RPCNA) 

Distance from campus: 6-minute walk 

  • Students are warmly welcomed and encouraged to actively participate in church life (Bible studies, fellowship meals, serving as greeters/youth group leaders/nursery workers, etc.)   
  • “This church has shown me a living reality of how the church is Christ’s hands and feet; this church is really family.” — Pearl Soundron ’26 

 

Eastvale Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA) 

Distance from campus: 3-minute drive 

  • Vibrant hospitality, weekly dinner for students at a Geneva professor’s home, weekly prayer night with the whole church, monthly fellowship meals 
  • “A church where I can grow and be served but also serve and encourage others” — Emily Mann ’27 
  • “No one forces us to do anything, but no one seems surprised that we do things . . . it’s like, of course you’re willing to serve.” — Allie Browne ’26 

 

The SOMA Gathering (EPC) 

Distance from campus: 7-minute drive 

  • College student coordinator hosts events for students, college mentorship program, and opportunity to be involved in the life of the body, community groups, worship gatherings, and weekly Open Hours on Fridays 
  • “I am grateful the church administration is so committed to community outreach. The pastor has many connections throughout the city, and I feel like the congregation is a great reflection of the diversity that is found within Beaver Falls.” — Grant Dieter ‘24 

 
First RP Church of Beaver Falls (RPCNA)  

Distance from campus: 10-minute drive 

  • Weekly lunch for college students (often at someone’s home), mid-week church psalm-sing/prayer time at pastor’s home, opportunities to teach children’s Sunday school  
  • “The church stays very connected with everyone’s needs and prayer requests. There are weekly prayer bulletins that get sent out as well as monthly prayer calendars that make sure everyone gets prayed for often. The pastor also sends out individual texts to ask if there’s anything he can be praying about for you personally, which is encouraging and comforting.” — Katelyn Schisler ’27 

 

Pathway Church (EFCA)  

Distance from campus: 12-minute drive 

  • Regular church lunches to get to know newcomers and college students, opportunities to volunteer with the Kid’s Ministry, worship team, and Pathway Cafe ministry 
  • “I am grateful that everyone feels welcome here. We work hard to create a space that welcomes equally people from all walks of life.” — Mattie Livada ’18, Pathway Church Executive Assistant 

 

Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)  

Distance from campus: 15-minute drive 

  • Students warmly welcomed, weekly Sunday lunch for college students after church, frequent hospitality from members 
  • “I love the community. I appreciate the prayers of my older friends at church and sense that they really care about me.” — Jeannine Grove ’27  
  • “I am grateful for the fellowship, care, and prayer I receive.” — Julia Grove ’27 

 

First Baptist Church (New Castle)  

Distance from campus: 25-minute drive 

  • Weekly Sunday lunch hosted by a Geneva professor for college students, “Adopt a College Kid" program, monthly fellowship nights hosted by various church members for students, opportunities to be involved in evangelism 
  • “I’m grateful for my community with other college kids and the mentorship of other members at the church. I’m looking for more ways to be involved in the future!” — Cejae Perednia ’26 

 

By Sarabeth (Schuck) Sangrey ‘25 

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Aug 19, 2025

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