Church-Planting Contexts
OCMN recognizes, celebrates, and supports church-planters in a variety of contexts and models. We support church-planters with custom resources to help them succeed in the vision God has given them. Below is a snapshot of some of the contexts and models OCMN currently supports.
City centers are diverse areas defined by populations that are multi-ethnic and multi-economic. Approximately 50% of Ohio’s population lives in 10 counties with large cities. There is a desperate need for disciple-making, spirit-filled churches to emerge in this multi-faceted context.
Ohio is a predominantly rural state, with 85 out of 88 counties having more than 50% of their land area classified as rural by the U.S. Census Bureau. Five types of rural communities have been identified in Ohio: urbanizing rural, suburban middle-income, rural low-income, stable rural, and stagnating rural . We need effective disciple making, spirit filled churches tailored toi each type! Currently, 19 Ohio counties have no Assemblies of God church.
Cities response to rapid population growth is sprawling suburbs. These up and coming communities often have strong school districts, growing business districts and expanding neighborhoods. There is equally a clear need for disciple-making, spirit-filled churches in this context.
Church-Planting Models
We celebrate the many nations and people groups who live in Ohio. Our International church plants focus on the language groups and distinct cultural expressions in need of a disciple-making, spirit-filled church. Over 20 language groups are currently represented in our Ohio Ministry Network family!
Lightweight, flexible expressions of church are needed to adequately reach a growing population of de-churched and un-churched people. Utilizing disciple making principles, these contextually-based expressions of the gospel make the church accessible. Gathering in homes, parks, workplaces, etc., there is endless opportunity for new frontiers.
One church in multiple locations. This model leverages a unified approach to leadership, vision, and governance to effectively reach people in different communities.
Sitting down to have a meal is something we all have in common. Dinner church leverages this opportunity by opening the table up to the community and having intentional Jesus conversations. This model meets physcial, relational and spiritual needs all at once!
