Inviting people to “church on Sunday” can be great. But Sunday worship alone may not offer guests an authentic experience in community and connection.  “People are hungry for God in their life,” said Allyssa Graves, pastor and lead developer of Open Church in Columbus.

Open Church, a United Methodist collective of microchurches, is a community where all can learn about God and connect deeper in smaller groups under a common interest. The microchurch model has been around for over 5 years. It offers a place for individuals to seek the love of God through its unique expression of worship, community, and mission. Open Church has fifteen leaders to lead their ten microchurches.

“We are seeing God’s grace and transforming work made possible by our willingness to be used by God,” Graves said of her leaders.

The commission and launch service for Open Church is scheduled for Sunday, October 13 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Franklinton High School in Columbus, Ohio.

Open Church Microchurches include Jacob’s Porch – a dinner church campus ministry, Hope Gathering – a recovery community, Lee Ave. Community Garden – a partnership with Lee Ave. United Methodist Church and Creatives- a space to express faith and worship through art, poetry, and writing. Although some microchurches are gathering now, most will launch next month.

Excited about the launch, Graves said, “It’s scary and overwhelming but God is faithful. Following God’s will every day has gotten us this far.”

For more information on Open Church, click here.

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Writer for West Ohio Communications