While the look of Summit Church has changed in the past couple months, the purpose remains the same.

Lead Pastor Dan Miller said they are still there to lead people to follow Christ.

“The location has changed and sometimes the methods change, but the message does not: We believe that Christ has the power to transform lives and our purpose is to lead people to follow Christ,” said Miller, who has been a pastor at the Niles church since 1992. “The building is a tool, but it is not the focus. It is an important tool that helps us accomplish our purpose of helping lead people to Christ.”

The tool Miller is referring to is a new building, constructed on the top of a hill overlooking the rolling land and Upwards Soccer fields at 1700 W. River Rd., Niles.

The first service at the new building was held Nov. 9.

The building contains a large worship hall, comfortable gathering space, children’s area, classrooms and worship area for children.

While the structure is impressive, Miller describes it as a rescue ship rather than a cruise ship.

“A cruise ship is designed for the pleasure of passengers, so it really is not a cruise ship — it is a rescue ship,” he said. “It needs to be well equipped, functional and practical, but it is more of a rescue ship than it is a cruise ship.”

The church is far removed, aesthetically speaking, from its humble beginnings.

Summit Church first started as a home missions outreach of the United Missionary Church in the 1950s before getting its first space at a building on 17th and Regent. When that building burned down in 1982, the church purchased and moved into Rose Warren Elementary School, located at the corner of US-12 and Bell Road.

The church then bought 34 acres at 1700 W. River Rd. in October 1998 and an additional 7.96 acres there later. Ground breaking was held for the new site in Aug. 2013, leading to the first service there Nov. 9.

“We really believe that God has led us here at this time,” Miller said. “Wherever a person is, we encourage them to let their next step in life be a step in which they follow Christ.”

For more information, contact Summit Church by phone at (269) 683-9245.