CityView Community Church in York, PA, has the distinction of being one of Faith and Action’s first supporting church. CityView’s partnership has helped sustain Rev. Rob Schenck’s efforts to bring the Word of God to Capitol Hill.

Rev. Schenck was introduced to Barry Falkenstein, then pastor of CityView, in the late 1980s. Schenck was soon invited to come speak there. “I absolutely fell in love with CityView,” Schenck reflected. “They are a very gracious family of God, very warm and inviting with a passion for missions and evangelism.” 

CityView’s deeply rooted zeal for missionary work led them to get behind Rev. Schenck in a big way when he moved to Washington, D.C. to establish the National Community Church on Capitol Hill. They offered financial support and prayed faithfully for the new fellowship. Pastor Falkenstein and Joe Kopp, who later took over as pastor of CityView, traveled trip to D.C. to attend Faith and Action’s inaugural service. 

CityView has a beautiful tradition of “Banner Processions.” They express their love for God with striking, hand-crafted banners raised in worship. Faith and Action’s inaugural service was greatly enhanced by a graceful procession of banners that CityView offered.

“I have tremendous respect for Rob and all that he does,” says Pastor Kopp. “He is a highly intelligent man, but he never flaunts that or acts like he is better than anyone else. He is a man of character and walks in humility and meekness. These are traits that I like the most about him and why we are drawn to him in a supportive way.” 

CityView continues to welcome Rev. Schenck into its pulpit regularly. They believe deeply in the work of Faith and Action. “We as a church are very interested and excited about what Faith and Action is doing,” explains Pastor Kopp. “There is a saying that goes something like this: ‘As go the leader(s), so goes the nation.’ If that is true, and I think it is whether it is for a nation or an organization, then it is vitally important that Christians have a contact and a voice in our capital. Many decisions are made that we don't agree with (i.e. abortion, etc.) because good people are doing nothing. We think we can do something by partnering with Rob and Faith and Action.” 

As a church, CityView strives to create a healthy atmosphere in which people can build their relationships with God and each other and work to reach their community for Jesus. “We do this by praying for the Greater York area, and going out into this community as light-bearers for Jesus Christ,” says Kopp. “We believe Rob is someone who helps us accomplish that vision.” 

On July 25, 1998 a delegation from CityView joined Rev. Schenck at the U.S. Capitol to present then House Majority Whip, Tom DeLay, with a set of the Ten Commandment tablets on behalf of the National Clergy Council, a sister organization of Faith and Action.

Rev. Schenck's relationship with CityView is very special to him. “I can’t carry on a meaningful relationship with hundreds of churches,” he explains. “I try to keep it deep and personal. We could not do what we do without churches like CityView.

Pastor Kopp notes that he likes Rob, “…because he is real and transparent. He doesn't put up any false fronts. The combination of him being Jew by birth and Christian by faith is special. He has an insight into the Old Testament that the average Christian doesn't have, especially since he is well versed in the Hebrew tongue. He is my number one favorite teacher of the Word to listen to. I probably get more positive responses from our members than from any other guest that I bring in, and we do bring in some very good speakers. 

"I think the biggest impact Rob makes on our congregation is that they are challenged to get involved, to let their voices be heard by our governmental leaders. I think he causes more people to vote and to pray more than they have before.”