Momentum Ministry Partners’ Church on the Rise award recognizes churches experiencing healthy, mission-shaped growth. These are churches investing in discipleship, developing leaders, reaching the next generation, and positioning themselves for a faithful future. This year’s recipient, Pataskala Grace Church, reflects that vision through a season marked by renewal, clarity, and forward momentum.
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.