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This church plant didn’t start with strategy. It started with a holy undoing.

For years, I served in ministry—preaching, leading, and doing everything I thought a faithful pastor should do. But looking back, much of it was fueled by the fear of man. I lived for approval, platform, and affirmation. I wore the title “pastor,” but deep down, I was performing for people, not walking in reverent fear of God.

Then, four years ago, while reading the Word early one morning, God broke in. Not with a vision or a voice, but with clarity. Through the Scriptures, the Spirit of God exposed my pride, self-reliance, and empty striving. And in His mercy, He didn’t crush me—He rescued me. He ripped me out of the fear of man and placed in me something far more terrifying and beautiful: the fear of the Lord.

From that moment on, I’ve been ruined for anything else. I can’t unsee what He’s shown me. I can’t preach for applause. I can’t serve for appearance. I can’t keep pretending. I want Christ—only Christ—and I want others to know Him through the Word that woke me up.

As I began to see the church more clearly in Scripture, I also began to see my own calling more clearly. I had helped a friend plant a church over 15 years ago, and I truly believed I’d never do it again. But this time, it wasn’t about a dream or a plan—it was about obedience. God wasn’t asking me to build something impressive. He was calling me to plant something faithful.

That calling has been confirmed again and again—through Scripture, through prayer, and through people I never expected. One of those was Kenny, a guy from my high school days. Years ago, he told me, “If you ever start a church, I’ll be there.” I didn’t take it seriously at the time. But six months ago, Kenny reached out—out of nowhere—and said, “I’m in.” He’s been walking with us ever since. Others have come too. People who didn’t know what God was stirring, but who felt compelled to respond when they heard.

So here we are. Not yet meeting weekly. Still registering the name. Filing for 501(c)(3) status. Building systems. Walking through the NAMB process. Praying for a building on the Eastside of Cincinnati. Preparing for meetups this fall and a launch in 2026.

But the foundation has already been laid—in my heart. In repentance. In holy fear. In awe of a God who saves, sends, and sustains.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...” —Proverbs 9:10
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” —Psalm 127:1

We’re not planting a church for performance. We’re planting because God did something in us—and now we must proclaim Him.

If He’s stirring your heart, too… come. Pray. Give. Walk with us. The gospel is worth it.