This week marked their sixth year of camp. Since that first camp, the group has welcomed new churches, expanded its leadership team, and outgrown their initial camp setting. This year more than 300 students and 100 volunteers from 16 churches in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland gathered at Heartland Retreat Center in Central Ohio.

This year’s theme was “Into the Fire” and was based in the book of Daniel. The main evening session speaker was Pastor Dave Nicodemus (Grace Polaris), and the morning sessions were taught by Pastor Blake Cruise (Movement), Ben Campbell (Grace Polaris), Pastor Bryce Cruise (Marysville Grace), and Pastor Nick Mazza (Bellefontaine Grace).

New this year at camp was the program team — a group of high school students from Grace Polaris who served in all capacities from running games to greeting at check in to cleaning up after meals. The team met with programming co-directors Ben and Hannah Campbell throughout the school year for spiritual development and practical training in preparation to serve the week of camp.

The camp emphasizes biblical fun and biblical truth. Activities are designed to foster relationships with other campers and counselors through team building games, meals, group discussions, and free time options. Campers also earn points for their teams by memorizing Bible verses and answering “Spark Questions” such as “Who is the Trinity?” and “How do you define repentance?”

Another ongoing emphasis of the week are their FIRE values: faith, inclusion, respect, encouragement. These values are talked about often, modeled by the staff, and expected of the campers. They set the tone and create the culture that enables everyone to feel like they belong at camp.

More information about Ignite Middle School Camp can be found on their website IgniteMiddleSchoolCamp.com.

Photos provided by Ignite.

The post Into the Fire first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

According to Momentum, many churches could have been recognized this year. What set Marysville Grace apart was not just what they are doing, but what has been formed over time.

“There are a lot of churches each year that could receive this award,” said Eric Miller of Momentum Ministry Partners. “But Marysville Grace stood out because of the culture they’ve built. They are consistently raising up leaders from within, passing the baton to the next generation, and becoming a church that is multiplying, not just growing.”

That culture of leadership is not accidental. Roughly 70 percent of the church’s staff has been raised up from within, with many now serving as second-generation ministry leaders. It reflects years of intentional discipleship, where leadership is not simply recruited, but developed.

For Lead Pastor Jeremy Bury, receiving this recognition is not something the church takes lightly.

“It’s humbling to think about because so many people have planted and watered over the years,” Jeremy said. “We know in the midst of that it is only God who makes things grow. We are in a season where we are seeing the harvest of all that planting and watering. It is a special privilege that I am thankful to be part of.”

That perspective shapes how the church understands both its present moment and its ongoing work. The recognition is not seen as a finish line, but as a reminder of God’s faithfulness over time.

When asked to point to a moment that captures the heart of the church, Jeremy did not point to a platform or a program, but to a group of people serving behind the scenes.

“We had 11 adults, not attached to our students, take a week off to serve at the Momentum Youth Conference last summer,” he said. “They treated it like a missions trip and served tirelessly doing a lot of the jobs no one really wants to do, because they believe in serving the kingdom in this way. This year we have 16 going back to do the same thing.”

What stood out most was not just the sacrifice, but the initiative. It was not something organized or driven from leadership. It was simply a reflection of a church where people are eager to serve.

That kind of culture is not built in a moment. It is formed over time through steady faithfulness, clear teaching, and a shared commitment to follow Jesus in both visible and unseen ways. For Marysville Grace, this award serves as encouragement to continue in that direction.

“The word encourage means to fill with courage,” Jeremy said. “Lives of serving and sacrifice will always require perseverance and courage. This is a reminder to keep going.”

He pointed to Galatians 6:9 as a guiding truth for the church: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

That same clarity shapes the church’s partnership with Momentum. “Momentum shares a love for the Gospel and a burden for raising up leaders,” Jeremy said. “We love that. Having partners allows us to share resources, sharpen each other, and grow the kingdom.”

Marysville Grace’s recognition as Church of the Year is not about a single moment or achievement. It reflects a pattern of steady obedience, a culture shaped over time, and a church committed to serving with humility and purpose. It is an honor that points beyond the church itself to the God who has been at work through it all.

Written by Josh Rollins

The post Marysville Grace Church Receives Momentum’s Church of the Year Award for 2025 first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

Exceedingly and abundantly more than I asked or imagined.

When receiving the baton as the Director of THRIVE Pastors’ Wives Network a few years ago, one of my biggest dreams was to provide a retreat specifically designed for the pastors’ wives in our fellowship. THRIVE exists to help provide refreshment, resources, and relational connection for these precious women, and I imagined how much better those things could be accomplished if given set-aside time and space together.

Over the weekend of March 20–22, our dream became a reality. Twenty-four women, Boomer to Gen Z from three different states and varying church contexts, gathered in Hocking Hills, Ohio, for our very first THRIVE retreat. The goal was fourfold: to feed them from the Word, to give them freedom in how to rest, to foster flourishing relationships, and to send them home with a better focus on Who their Good Shepherd is and who He says they are in Him.

Together we journeyed through Psalm 23, ate delicious food at tables prepared for us, talked, sang, read, rested, hiked, played, prayed, laughed, and cried. We didn’t talk about ministry methods or instruct on the “how-tos of pastor’s wifing.” The women simply got to rest and to be themselves — to be known and understood by others and to delight in being known and loved by God. Some women came already being connected to a few, but many came without knowing anyone. The most beautiful part of the weekend for me was watching them leave not just as sisters, but as friends.

My ongoing prayer is for these relationships to continue to grow as a source of encouragement — both relationships with one another and each woman’s relationship with the Good Shepherd who cares for her.

Written by Megan Johnson

TESTIMONIALS

“Participating in the Thrive Retreat was one of the most restful and renewing weekends I’ve had. One of the things I valued the most was the opportunity to share and ask questions with fellow pastor’s wives from all ages and stages. To be encouraged, admonished, and prayed for was such a sweet blessing to my tired heart.” (Hannah Pfarr)

I left feeling more connected to the churches and wives in our fellowship and more focused on investing in my husband and my family. I believe that connecting with other ministry couples provides a really special support network for us.” (Annabeth Millice)

“I went into the retreat empty and feeling lonely. I came out full of truth, joy, rest, fire for the Lord and with companions who literally got what I was feeling.” (Lily Hoeppner)

“It was a beautiful weekend of rest and encouragement with pastor’s wives from all different seasons of life. Megan did an amazing job helping us feel seen and valued by personalizing so many details from thoughtful gifts in our room to our favorite snacks and restful activities.” (Sarah Taylor)

“I loved being with all generations of people that are walking a similar path and being able to glean wisdom. Laughing, crying, and laughing some more. I loved digging deep in the Word and having time and space to let it wash over me. The weekend was soul giving and so fun!” (Carrie Clothier)

“We are all unique and in different types of ministries and churches, but yet we have so much common ground and it’s nice to have a chance to connect in a meaningful way with like-minded ladies.  We laughed and cried together, and my heart came away so full.” (Anne Brown)

“The study of Psalm 23 and some of the comments and conversations have stayed with me and helped me feel more confident and focused in this changing season of my life. I left feeling filled up in so many ways!” (Jess Julian)

“As a pastor’s wife, we can wear many hats and this weekend we were able to take off all our hats and just rest with other like-minded women.” (Amanda Beasley)

“This time I was one in the oldest generation – Baby Boomers – and felt so accepted and honored and cared for. The beautiful spaces for meaningful conversations, the chances to pour out some needed encouragement, the moments to share in tears, the many occasions to laugh like crazy, and the treasured time in God’s Word and prayer, all contributed to a wonderful experience with precious sisters.” (Chery Boehm)

The post THRIVE Pastors’ Wives Retreat in Ohio Highlights first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

Calvert Grace Church, located in Owings, Md., strives to have a robust missions culture. While they regularly pray for their missionaries and hear testimonies of their work during Sunday services, their outreach conference puts missionaries and congregants together in a different context. Outreach Pastor Trevin Hoekzema explained that exposing people to both local and global missionaries helps create connection and relationships between the church and missionaries. “Those who speak at this conference become household names to our people,” he said. 

Trevin works with the Outreach Team, a group of a dozen volunteer leaders with unique backgrounds, callings, and responsibilities, to plan and carry out the conference. Each year has a different theme and focal point, all based on Acts 1:8, which says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Trevin said this is their guide in how they structure their conference, focusing on missions near them (Jerusalem), missions in their region (Samaria), and missions overseas (to the ends of the earth).  

The overall structure of the conference is not just to hear updates from missionaries, although there is an element of that, but rather to have the missionaries lead trainings that equip others for missional work. Trevin works with the missionaries to plan main sessions and breakout discussions centered on their particular area of work in a way that also provides practical training for those attending.  

The first year of the conference, Encompass workers Tom and MaryAnn Barlow spoke along with Jason and Christy Carmean. The second year Dave Guiles, international coordinator for Charis Alliance, spoke on the concept of a plentiful harvest but few laborers, and he was joined by regional missionaries. The third year Nathan Bryant and Phil Bryant, with Assist Church Expansion, spoke on Ephesians 4 and equipping the saints for the work of ministry, with an emphasis on spiritual gifts and being a healthy church.  

This year focused on discipleship and what it looks like in their church. Discipleship Pastor Phil Shearer spoke on local discipleship and Florent Varak, director of the Church Equipping Network at Encompass World Partners, spoke on discipleship in a global context. They spoke on Acts 19 and how the early church multiplied leaders by sharing the Gospel cross culturally. They also had a local missionary serving with Fellowship of Christian Athletes share as well as a panel of elders discuss how they have been discipled in the past, how they are discipling others now, and where else they see discipleship happening in their church. Trevin said, “Our elders are actively involved in our church, and it’s helpful for people to know them and to see how discipleship happens in all shapes and sizes.” 

The conference concludes by providing people a practical way to respond to something they learned. This year attendees received a 13-week discipleship tool from Navigators and people committed to finding one person to walk through the study with, and the church committed to following up for accountability. “It’s such a joy to watch our global partners share from their ministries and teach from their expertise in ways that inspire our people to do the same here,” Trevin said. “Every year our Outreach Team and our staff have incredible follow up conversations for weeks afterwards.” 

The outreach conference was born out of a desire to both train the church and to give missionaries a voice. By pairing practical training with personal stories, a shared mission is created and a deeper commitment is developed. Trevin is passionate about churches fostering these environments and would love to connect with churches to help them think through ways they can expand their outreach both locally and globally. He can be emailed here.  

The post From Here to the Nations: Outreach Conference at Calvert Grace first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

In announcing this year’s awards, Momentum celebrated Grace Fellowship Pickerington as a church that “continues to embody what it means to be a trusted, mission-driven partner — coming alongside Momentum in meaningful ways that multiply Kingdom impact.” It’s a fitting description of a partnership marked by humility, generosity, and a shared desire to see the Gospel advance — together.

For Jake McCullough, Campus Pastor at Grace Fellowship Pickerington, the award represents far more than recognition — it’s a reflection of a relationship that has consistently strengthened their church.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Momentum and its different ministries,” Jake said. “Urban Centers, Momentum Youth Conference, Momentum PRO, and One Day have all been a huge benefit to our students, adults, and staff. We continue to see stories come out of the environments Momentum creates, and we know we’re a better church because of it.”

That posture of gratitude is deeply connected to Grace Fellowship’s heart for partnership. Jake points out that their church exists where it does today not only because of God’s grace, but because of other leaders and churches who were willing to share what they had learned along the way.

“We’ve benefited so much from leaders and churches who were ahead of us,” he shared. “And we want to do the same whenever we can. Momentum creates space for equipping, development, and real relationships, so leaning into what they’re doing just made sense.”

One clear expression of that partnership came this past year when Grace Fellowship hosted the first-ever Momentum PRO: One Day event. More than 300 ministry leaders from across the Midwest gathered for teaching, encouragement, and connection.

Eric Miller, Executive Director of Ministry with Momentum Ministry Partners, noted how intentionally Grace Fellowship served throughout the event. “They’ve continued to partner with Momentum in so many ways,” he said. “Hosting Momentum PRO: One Day was a great example. The staff covered every detail and went above and beyond to serve the leaders who attended.”

For Jake, one of the most meaningful moments didn’t happen on a stage, but in the hallways and open spaces between sessions.

“I remember walking around during a break and seeing groups of people everywhere — catching up, meeting for the first time, sharing ministry ideas, exchanging contact info,” he said. “Anyone in local church ministry knows the unique challenges that come with it, so seeing that kind of connection and encouragement brought me real joy.”

He was reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build one another up.”

“That moment felt like a living picture of that command,” Jake added. “And I know relationships formed or rekindled that day have continued to bear fruit for our staff and others since.”

Looking ahead, Grace Fellowship remains eager to keep supporting the work God is doing through Momentum and across the Charis Fellowship.

“God is clearly on the move,” Jake said. “Momentum helps fuel that, and whatever we can do to come alongside that work, we’re open to it.”

That shared openness reflects the heart of the Charis Fellowship itself — a family of churches committed to planting new churches, training and equipping leaders, and doing good in the communities God has placed them. Through partnerships like this one, those commitments move from vision to lived reality, strengthening the local church and advancing the Gospel together.

Written by Josh Rollins

The post Grace Fellowship Receives Momentum Partner of the Year Award first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

This 2026 Regional CDR Training will take place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at Charis Fellowship’s CAMP CONQUEST (480 Forest Rd, Denver, PA 17517).

This event will provide quality training to help volunteers be ready for future disaster response opportunities. This training opportunity includes these areas of focus:

1. Basic Chainsaw Training (all day) – Learn how to work with others to safely remove fallen trees.
2. Rebuild Training (morning option) – Learn how to best assist families and churches rebuild their homes.
3. Fire and Flood Recovery (afternoon option) – Learn how to best respond to communities impacted by fires and floods.
4. Feeding and Safe Food Handling (morning and afternoon option) – Learn how to help during tragedies by serving hot, nutritious meals.

This Charis Disaster Response Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Training is being presented in conjunction with our partner, ON Mission Network. Cost is $65 and includes training, background check, T-shirt, materials, and lunch. Early arrival (Friday night) and Saturday breakfast add-ons available during registration.

Get more information and register here.

To learn more about Charis Disaster Response and our partnership with On MIssion Network, see these previous Charis Connect articles:

The post Regional Disaster Response Training Event first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

According to Momentum Ministry Partners, Pataskala Grace has demonstrated a sustained passion for the rising generation while laying a strong foundation for discipleship that will shape the church for years to come. The leadership team’s work over the past several years has been especially evident, reshaping the culture of the church and helping families rediscover hope for the future.

Pataskala Grace’s momentum has been years in the making. Following a season of revitalization beginning in 2019, the church has experienced steady growth under Pastor Tim Wilmetti’s leadership. Average attendance grew from 68 to 187 by 2025, and the church welcomed 47 new members and celebrated 42 baptisms during that time. The numbers tell a story of more than growth. They point to renewed spiritual health taking root within the congregation.

That shift has centered on rediscovering the purpose of the Church itself.

“We’ve had to shift our culture back to one focused on making disciples and fulfilling the Great Commission,” Tim shared. “Rather than simply existing as a church, we’ve spent time preaching and teaching on ecclesiology, helping people understand God’s expectations for His Church. When people recognize they have a part to play in God’s purposes, they tend to stick around and help produce fruit.”

As part of that renewed clarity, Pataskala Grace began making intentional staffing and ministry decisions with an eye toward the future. In 2022, the church hired Josh Rollins as Associate Pastor to lead student ministry and help strengthen discipleship across the church, with the clear intention from the beginning that he would one day plant a new congregation.

That long-range vision shaped how the church approached next-generation ministry. Rather than treating students as a siloed program, Pataskala Grace invested in building a robust and integrated pathway for children and students. The church offers weekly Wednesday night programming for kids and students, alongside Sunday morning children’s ministry and a dedicated student Bible study. These environments create multiple touchpoints for formation, community, and service.

“We’ve seen students move from simply attending church to owning their church,” Josh said. “Almost all of our students serve in some capacity on Sunday mornings.”

That emphasis on the next generation has strengthened families and reinforced a culture of participation throughout the congregation. Young people are not viewed as the church of tomorrow, but as an essential part of the church today.

As the church continues to grow, Pataskala Grace is taking clear next steps that reflect a posture of movement rather than maintenance. Beginning Easter Sunday 2026, the church will move to two Sunday services, creating space to continue welcoming new people while maintaining healthy ministry rhythms.

“It’s a big step for our church,” Tim said, “but it feels like a necessary step if we’re going to continue to be faithful to God and accommodate the growth He has given us.”

At the same time, Pataskala Grace is preparing to send. In early 2027, the church will launch Newark Grace Church in Newark, Ohio, the first church plant in Pataskala Grace’s more than 50-year history. Josh will transition off staff later this year to pastor that effort, a move that reflects years of prayerful planning rather than a sudden pivot.

“We’re trying to develop a culture where we’ll do whatever it takes to share the Gospel and make disciples,” Tim said. “Whether it’s launching a second service or planting a new church.”

That posture of planning ahead, preparing leaders, and moving outward reflects the broader mission of the Charis Fellowship: to plant churches, train leaders, and do good in the communities God in which has placed them. Pataskala Grace’s journey is a reminder that healthy growth is rarely accidental. It flows from faithfulness, clarity of mission, and a willingness to take courageous next steps.

What began as revitalization has become renewal. And renewal, by God’s grace, is now giving way to multiplication, making Pataskala Grace a fitting recipient of Momentum’s Church on the Rise award.

The post Pataskala Grace Church Received Church on the Rise Award from Momentum Ministry Partners first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

Sadly, most people in Jesus’ day failed to make these connections. They flunked Prophecy 101. Only with hindsight and help from the Holy Spirit did the biblical authors clearly note these prophetic links.*

We suffer a similar malady when it comes to understanding Jesus’ Second Coming. The rapture, the future of Israel, and Millennial Kingdom are tricky topics. The Great Tribulation, Daniel’s 70 Weeks, and Revelation’s Symphony of Wrath intensify our need for interpretive precision.

If we are not careful, our discussions about end times descend into mere speculation. Thus, many of us default in saying nothing at all about the last days.

According to Pastor Bob Fetterhoff, silence is not an option. “As good students of the Word, it’s our responsibility to understand and teach this stuff. So much of the Bible is prophetic.” Fetterhoff added, “But we need to teach in a way that’s not speculative or weird.”

Bob’s passion sparked an idea. Last Things First is a two-day (February 6–7) regional gathering for Charis churches focused on Jesus’ Second Coming hosted at East Side Grace Brethren Church in Blacklick, Ohio. This event is a learning opportunity designed to inspire and educate pastors, lay leaders, and maturing disciples in collaboration with Grace Theological Seminary.

Friday night’s session includes music, Scripture reading, and inspirational talks from Daniel O’Kane, Randy Smith, and Bob Fetterhoff. Saturday morning offers numerous workshops from Charis Fellowship leaders to build understanding and anticipation for Jesus’s Return.

I am not an end times enthusiast. In fact, I often skirt the topic because I’ve seen the negative effects of speculation. I’ve heard similar confessions from other Charis leaders.

However, when we leave this critical area of theology unaddressed, we miss discipleship opportunities. We ignore questions our people are asking about current events, future rewards, and the fate of Israel. We allow our present sufferings to overshadow Christ’s glorious return. And we lose urgency for global mission.

Consider joining us for the Charis Equip Event on Biblical Prophecy. Sign up today here. Registration includes entrance, digital resources, commemorative communion cup, and breakfast. Moreover, everyone who registers will be entered in a drawing to receive a $4000 travel scholarship to tour the Holy Land with Dr. Randy Smith.**

Maranatha.

*Matthew cites five fulfillments in his first two chapters. In the final chapter of Luke’s gospel, Jesus surveys the Hebrew Scriptures, marking how they predicted his life, death, and resurrection.

**Scholarship winner must be present to receive scholarship for. It is good for 12 months through Christian Travel Study Programs.

Written by Tim Sprankle, Charis Fellowship Executive Director

The post Charis Equip Event on Biblical Prophecy first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

“Our goal is to write music for the church that is both theologically thoughtful and musically creative,” Tristan said. “We desire to develop leaders who will disciple the church into deeper and purer worship of Jesus Christ.”

909 Collective has released two full albums that are available to stream on all major platforms. All of their music is written with corporate worship in mind, and all of their chord charts are available for free for worship teams to use on their website, 909CollectiveWorship.com.

Tristan said there are three ways 909 Collective desires to connect with and support local churches:

1. Serving by leading worship at an event. These are huge wins for all involved — we’ll take care of the music, tech, and leadership to allow your people to encounter God while also creating opportunity for our people to grow as worship leaders. We love getting to partner with ministries in this way.
2. Leadership development. While a lot of our developmental passion gets focused internally on our teams, we love the idea of getting to connect with local church’s worship teams. If your team could use training in leadership, developing team culture, songwriting, character and competency development, or any other area related to worship ministry, let’s connect.
3. Music available for worship services.Give us a shout if any of our songs are able to be useful to your churches!

The post Discipleship Through Worship Leading first appeared on Charis Fellowship.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. The Charis Fellowship would not exist if not for the hundreds of pastors who shepherd our churches week in and week out. We are grateful for their leadership in our local congregations, national Fellowship, and global family. Their sacrificial care and love for God’s people and their commitment to right preaching of God’s Word has impacted thousands for the Gospel.

Thank you, Pastor, for sharing your knowledge and understanding. The way you pursue God and prioritize your relationship with Him is evident in your preaching and teaching.

“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15

Thank you, Pastor, for valuing God’s Word. Your trust in the authority of Scripture sets the tone for the life and ministry of our church.

“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” Titus 1:9

Thank you, Pastor, for watching over our souls. Your joyful service in the life of our church family let us know you see us and care for us.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

Thank you, Pastor, for following the example of the great Shepherd in how you care for others. You set an example for us in how you love your family, lead your congregation, and live your life for the glory of God.

 “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2,3

Thank you, Pastor, for bearing the weight of responsibility in teaching God’s Word. We are made better through your faithful obedience.

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” James 3:1

Thank you, Pastor, for the many ways you provide oversight to our church. Your vision for ministry guides us as we gather as a family.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.” Acts 20:28

Thank you, Pastor, for having a faith worthy of imitation. Your love for God’s Word impacts us both corporately and individually.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

Take a moment to thank God for your pastor and to pray over him:

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,  I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:15–21

The post Thank You, Pastor first appeared on Charis Fellowship.