Pastor Josh Miller’s vision for a new generation of believers has blossomed into a church community, flourishing in the most unexpected of places.
In 2016, Pastor Josh Miller and his family made the decision to relocate to Cleveland with the purpose of establishing a non-denominational Christian church geared towards connecting with a new demographic of worshippers.
Eight years later, that vision has evolved into something extraordinary — a church community flourishing in the most unexpected of places.
Under the leadership of Miller, Cove City Church was launched on the premises of Case Western Reserve University, attracting a predominantly young audience of college students. Despite the promising beginnings, the church faced a significant setback due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sudden shift caused the congregation to dwindle from a sizeable number to a mere 20 individuals, prompting Miller to reflect on the core of his calling and the purpose behind the church’s existence. He found himself grappling with questions about the significance of his work, the challenges faced, and the decisions made along the way.
Amid the challenges, Miller turned to prayer and reflection. That’s when he says a new path became clear: Relocating the church to a unique space on St. Clair Avenue in downtown Cleveland — what he describes as “strip club alley.”
The transition wasn’t without its surprises.
“We didn’t realize there were underground nightclubs happening on weekends,” Miller said. “It was kind of a shocking moment for us, like, OK, how do we handle this?”
Rather than shying away from the unconventional location, Cove City embraced it as an opportunity to serve the community.
“How can we be a light in a dark space?” Miller asked. “Part of that was the simple things like making sure the lot across the street is mowed, cleaning up the street and picking up all the trash post-partying.”
Over time, the congregation grew, as did the church’s vision for the future. One of their prayers centered on acquiring a neighboring building — a former strip club called The Velvet Rope.
In March 2023, that prayer was answered. Cove City purchased the building and began renovating it, with plans to create a larger gathering area and a coffee shop where community members can connect.
For Miller, this transformation is about more than physical spaces; it’s about redefining what faith and church can look like for a younger generation.
“Young adults are not leaving their faith — they’re rethinking what it looks like for them,” he said. “I think they want to see a church that is excited about seeing change within the community and thinking beyond the four walls of a Sunday morning.”
As Cove City continues its mission, Miller hopes the former strip club turned church will symbolize an open door for anyone seeking faith, belonging or a sense of community.
“God didn’t bring us this far to just leave us out to dry,” Miller said.
The renovations are ongoing, but the church’s commitment to outreach and service remains steadfast, with hopes that their work will continue to inspire and uplift the Cleveland community.
