History
Redeemer East Side is fruit of a rich Redeemer history, shaped by decades of gospel ministry across Manhattan.
We are part of a broader gospel movement that includes ministries such as the Redeemer Network of Churches, City to City Church Planting, Hope for New York, the Center for Faith & Work, Redeemer Counseling Services, and Reformed University Fellowship. Together, these ministries plant churches, serve the vulnerable, equip professionals, care for mental and emotional health, and support students across the city. We are grateful to labor alongside them as we seek gospel renewal in New York City.
Roots in a Citywide Movement (1989–2010)
Redeemer’s story begins in 1989, when a small prayer group on the Upper East Side and Dr. Timothy Keller sensed a call to start a church in Manhattan—one that welcomed skeptics, seekers, and new believers. Redeemer held its first service that spring at Church of the Advent Hope on 87th and Park. The congregation grew rapidly, and by 1996, Redeemer had moved to host services at the Hunter College auditorium with over 3000 people in attendance.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Redeemer planted churches across the metro area, launched ministries like Hope for New York and the Center for Faith & Work, and trained pastors and church planters through Redeemer City to City. This foundation set the stage for Redeemer’s next chapter: becoming a family of congregations rooted in neighborhoods across the city.
The Beginning of Redeemer East Side (2011–2016)
In 2011, Redeemer formally transitioned into a multi-congregational church, launching the East Side congregation with local pastoral leadership. In 2012, Redeemer opened the W83 Ministry Center, its first 24/7 ministry facility, and the West Side congregation launched in that space. Later that year, Redeemer Downtown also began gathering as the third congregation.
Across the 2010s, Redeemer embraced a citywide movement mindset rooted in neighborhood-based ministry. By 2016, the three congregations held eight weekly services with more than 5,300 in attendance—evidence of a growing desire to see the gospel renew every corner of the city, including the East Side.
Redeemer East Side Takes Shape (2017-2024)
In 2017, Redeemer transitioned from one centralized church into three separate congregations—East Side, West Side, and Downtown—each with its own pastoral leadership, staff team, and local ministry focus. For Redeemer East Side, this marked the beginning of a new chapter: a congregation dedicated specifically to the renewal of Manhattan’s East Side.
Without a permanent home, we worshiped in several rented spaces over the years, including a significant six-year season at Temple Israel beginning in 2018 under the leadership of Rev. Abe Cho. During this time, we became a growing community committed to worship, discipleship, and serving our neighborhood. These years also included navigating the challenges of the pandemic, expanding ministries for children and youth, and preparing for a long-awaited church building on the Upper East Side. In 2024, we welcomed Dr. Crawford Stevener as our new senior pastor, helping guide our congregation into its next season of ministry.
Present (2025-)
In December 2024, Redeemer East Side opened the doors of our permanent building at 91st Street and Lexington Avenue, a milestone made possible through years of prayer, generosity, and hope.
Our new church building is designed not only for Sunday worship but as a weekday presence on the East Side. It is a space for formation, fellowship, mercy and justice ministries, community partnerships, and the flourishing of families, neighbors, and newcomers. This building embodies our vision to be a church rooted in place, committed to the renewal of the people of Manhattan’s East Side.
