Our Story
The Citadel was birthed in February of 2020 after a 40-day fast that culminated in a four-hour time of prayer. During that moment of seeking, the Lord spoke clearly: "I want you to establish a work in Northern Virginia and call it The Citadel." As we sought further direction from the Holy Spirit, we sensed that the Lord wanted us to begin with a simple house prayer meeting and Bible study. While many churches were closed and people longed for a place to gather and worship, The Citadel became a place of refuge and a source of strength for about twenty friends hungry for God's presence.
These precious gatherings were marked by a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. During this season, marriages were strengthened and restored, lives were transformed through salvation, and many were set free from long-standing struggles.
Within two years, the home meetings quickly outgrew the space. Wanting to discern God's will, we entered into a 21-day fast to seek clarity. During this time, the Lord confirmed that The Citadel was to become a church, a place where the teaching of Scripture would be deeply valued, and where there would be a relentless pursuit of God's presence through the unhindered flow of the Holy Spirit.
After receiving confirmation of this word from several seasoned fathers in the faith, we were commissioned to establish this work, a church in Reston, Virginia, and the greater D.C. region that would reflect both the power of God's Word and the move of the Holy Spirit.
One of the first areas of impact was among the youth of Reston. Around twenty-five unchurched teenage boys from the neighborhood began visiting the home of our senior leaders, who welcomed them in, offering food, friendship, and a safe place to gather. The Citadel began hosting Friday night youth gatherings, and rented the basketball court at a local elementary school for pickup games. For two hours each week, the teens gathered to play basketball, and for ten minutes, they heard the gospel often over boxes of Domino's pizza.
Over time, many of these young men came to faith in Jesus Christ, discovering hope, purpose, and community.
After a year of meeting at Aldrin Elementary School, The Citadel moved its Sunday services to the Westin Hotel in Reston, Virginia. As the congregation continued to grow, a larger space was needed, leading to our current home at the Sheraton Reston Hotel.
Today, The Citadel continues to grow in unity, love, and faith. Many have found an authentic community, a place where they have received strength, hope, love, and healing. Above all, The Citadel remains a place where God's presence transforms lives.