Our Story

Catalyst Church is the embodiment of a God-given vision. Founded on September 7, 2008, by Pastor Keon A. Gerow, the church has served as an agent of change since its inception. Our first home was at First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street. Opening day was the culmination of months of planning, meetings and hard work. 

Monthly planning meetings were held at various locations in West Oak Lane and at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. Change was on its way to the City of Philadelphia! 

Prior to the launch date, buses, trolleys and trains served as extended invitations to all who would come. We rolled out the red carpet verbally via radio announcements on local stations such as Power 99, 100.3, WDAS FM and Praise 103.9. We also held our first outreach cookout at Malcolm X Park, located at 52nd and Pine Streets. 

Since 2008, Catalyst has partnered with the Outley House Men’s Shelter, Women Against Abuse, Mothers In Charge, Mastery Charter School – Shoemaker Campus and most recently, Peoples Emergency Center. During our tenure, we have participated in efforts to send relief overseas to Haiti after the devastating earthquake. We have consistently donated canned goods each year to those in need. We have recently held our first successful back to school drive, an initiative that impacted the Mantua 

Change is not just in our name, Change is who we are. Change is what we offer to anyone willing to receive it. We exist to engage society, equip the saved, and exalt the Savior and to evangelize the sinner. We are committed to achieving our mission in a way that appeals to the “un-churched” as well as those who are tired of church as usual. Change must always be dynamic!

What to Expect

At Catalyst Church, we are excited about how you will experience the change. We respect your time. We are a church that believes in praise, worship, fellowship, love, and a sound, practical biblical message. We believe that we serve a real God that showers us with real love. You don’t have to “have it all together” to come here, all you need to do is come. As such, we are intentional about creating an environment that allows you to encounter God in a totally different way than you ever have before. I warn you… this will be an experience that you will never forget. Watch out, you just might fall in love with Jesus.

At Catalyst Church, we are excited about how God will “Change Hearts, Change Lives.”

We look forward to seeing you real soon!!!