In 2018, Matthew and Dajah Harris left Cleveland, Ohio, following the voice of the Lord into New York City. Though Matthew’s Broadway career opened the door, their move was ultimately about obedience to a divine call. From the beginning of their relationship, they knew their union would birth something beyond themselves. Something that would make room for God’s presence in a new way.
For six years, they faithfully served under Apostles Sean and Deborah Holland at Oasis Family Worship Center, where they were deeply formed and discipled in the presence of God. Through hands-on ministry, leadership training, and ministry school, they were grounded in the Word, the Spirit, and the character it takes to build God’s house with integrity. When they arrived in New York, God led them to C3 NYC (now Fount Church) under Pastors Josh and Georgie Kelsey, where they continued to grow under strong spiritual leadership. During that time, Matthew served as Worship Pastor, leading teams and discipling others, while both he and Dajah poured into people’s lives with pastoral care and encouragement. Ministry wasn’t something they pursued. It flowed naturally from who they were.
Beyond the church walls, God was cultivating something even deeper. Their home became a gathering place for prayer, worship, and encounter. What began as casual fellowship often turned into moments where God’s presence filled the room. Friends would say, “There’s something different here. God is moving in this house.” Dajah began hosting a women’s Bible study marked by powerful moves of the Spirit, while Matthew gathered men for discipleship and teaching. Lives were transformed, hearts healed, and faith restored. It became clear this was more than preparation. God was already building something through them.
In prayer one day, they felt a divine shift. A cry rose in their spirits: “Why does it feel so rare to find the weight of Your glory in the Church today?” They weren’t questioning His presence, only longing to see it revealed in greater measure. Then they heard His whisper: “You won’t find what you’re looking for, because I’m calling you to birth it.”
Through prophetic confirmations, God invited them into a hidden season. Away from platforms and into deeper devotion. In that quiet place, He gave them vision for a people and a city that would host His glory. Their hearts began to burn for simple devotion, where His presence isn’t rare but revered. A place where His glory doesn’t just visit but dwells.
Then one day, the Lord spoke a name: The Dwelling Place.
This church is not being built on performance, branding, or charisma. It’s being built on obedience, holiness, and presence. It’s not centered on Matthew or Dajah, but on Jesus. Their heart is to shepherd people with compassion and truth, to raise up a generation hungry for God’s presence.
The Dwelling Place NYC exists to be a home for His presence and a people for His glory.
Not for influence.
Not for applause.
But to build a people and a place that bring joy to the heart of God
