our story

Ambassador Presbyterian Church was founded in 1997 when Rev. Warren Harvey moved to Apex, NC with his wife Cathy and their three (now four) sons, sent by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church to plant a congregation in the Triangle area. After connecting with people in the growing community, the Harveys began a Bible study in their home, which grew into a core group that began worshipping together at Olive Chapel Elementary School in August of 1998.

Those early years were marked by God's grace as new families were brought in, relationships deepened, and the needs of the young church were met. In 2003, Ambassador transitioned from a church plant to an organized ARP congregation, ordaining its first elders—Jim Compton, Don Knox, and Gary Shearin—and formally installing Pastor Harvey as its first called minister. Ministry emphasis was placed on worship, small groups, discipleship, and outreach, particularly to young families and children.

In 2004, God provided the opportunity and means to purchase nearly six acres of property in the heart of downtown Apex. A building committee was formed, a capital campaign launched, and the congregation prayed for a more permanent home in the community. In 2008, the church relocated to Penny Road Elementary while construction was underway, and in March of 2010, Ambassador moved into its own building — a challenging transition that ultimately brought renewed vision and expanded ministry opportunities.

Over the following decade, the ministry staff grew. Dan Layman joined as the first Associate Pastor, serving eight years before accepting a call to a church in Ohio. Rachel Kennedy was hired as Director of Children's Ministry and now oversees both children's and youth ministries. Ambassador also continued to expand its support for local and international missionaries and ministry partners.
Following the challenges of the pandemic and Pastor Harvey's sabbatical in 2022, the Session and staff undertook a process to refresh the church's vision and restructure its ministries. That renewed vision calls Ambassador to be Christ's ambassadors — living for our King, loving like our King, and leading others to our King. It is shaping the church's staff, ministries, and facilities as both a house of worship and a welcoming embassy of God's kingdom to the community.

By God's grace, after more than 25 years, Ambassador remains a community of believers committed to loving God, one another, and our neighbors through the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. We have seen God work in remarkable ways, and we continue to witness the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to build his church. We're excited about what God has in store — and we invite you to join us in the journey.

To God be the glory!