In 2015, Pastors Jeremy and Amee Ziegler planted Redemption Community Church in Port Chester, New York—with no building and no idea who would actually show up.
They were ARC Church Plant #500.
What started as a crazy dream—moving from Buffalo to suburban NYC with nothing but faith and vision—has become a life-giving local church reaching people far from God in one of the most challenging and diverse parts of the country.
“We dropped in here. We were just trying to meet people and tell them, ‘We’re starting a new church.’ And they’d ask where and who goes there… and we’d say, ‘We don’t know yet. We’re hoping you will.’”
– Pastor Jeremy Ziegler
Their story is raw, real, and packed with encouragement for anyone who’s ever asked, “God, did we miss you?”
We invite you to watch their inspiring journey—from sitting on a beach wondering if they made a mistake, to watching 135 people show up on launch Sunday in an AMC theater.
Here are some perspectives they share:
- A Missionary’s Heart – Jeremy’s call began with a prayer: What would it look like to be a missionary in our own country?
- An Honest Struggle – They prayed for miracle stories… because in the beginning, they didn’t have any. Then, the stories started.
- Go Big or Go Home – After initially backing out of a theater contract, Jeremy was inspired by another ARC church and stepped back in—launching with bold faith and big vision.
- The Power of the ARC Family – “Don’t do ministry alone” isn’t just a saying for them—it’s a lived experience, especially in the Northeast.
- Faith for the Future – The Zieglers still believe the local church is the hope of the world, and they’re not done dreaming.
“We came here not knowing anybody. And now? Our church family is our family.”
