Momentum Ministry Partners exists to create spaces where leaders are equipped, relationships are formed, and the Gospel moves forward through the local church. This year, that mission is clearly reflected in the church named Momentum’s Partner of the Year: Grace Fellowship – Pickerington Campus, in Central Ohio.
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