I was getting ready for Zeke’s birthday party – it was the first of his birthdays since he went home to Jesus – when my phone rang. Though I didn’t recognize the number, it was from the 614 area code and I thought a friend from Columbus might be calling to check in on our family on Zeke’s birthday. Instead, it was a man named Yogi, a pastor with the Christian & Missionary Alliance who was planting a church in the Columbus area. He had gotten my name from Pastors Dean and Troy from LifePoint Church, and he wanted to see if I had any interest in exploring the possibility of joining him on this church plant.
Though Breena and I had just bought a wonderful house in our dream neighborhood in Toledo, I said that I was always willing to explore something that God might have me do. So we talked more the next day, and then Breena and I met him and his wife, Joy, for dinner a couple of weeks later. It seemed to all of us that God might be doing something here, so we agreed to pray and stay in contact.
Things began to move quickly after the holidays. Breena and I went to Columbus and met with Yogi and Joy (pictured to the left with two of their grandkids), as well as with some of our friends who had been a part of Ember. The church where this meeting took place was Westerville Alliance, which is directly across the street from our old house in Westerville. How crazy is it that we had a church plant meeting a mere 30 feet from where we had our Ember church plant meetings?! (Not to mention all the memories that seeing that house evoked for us.)
After that trip it became evident that God was in this, calling us back to Columbus to participate in this church plant with the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Yogi has extended an offer to me to become the Associate Pastor of this church plant (which does not yet have a name, or a location), and I have accepted. I will begin on April 1, and my family will move as soon as we can sell our current house and buy a new one, most likely in the Westerville area. It is exciting to know that God is calling us back to the place we called home for seven years – the place we raised our children and the community we grew to love so deeply.
Our time in Toledo has been difficult but rich. After all, we came here so that Zeke could spend his final months near family, and so that we could receive their love and support in such an overwhelming time. We have received all of that, and so much more. Breena and I will both dearly miss our Grace Church family, who have been there for us through the most arduous season of our lives. I am also thankful for my time at two local television stations, BCSN and WLMB, where I have learned so much about the broadcasting trade.
Though this seems to be the very definition of bittersweet, I am looking forward with great anticipation to being back in full-time, pastoral ministry. I believe this vocation is what God has built me to do, and I am eager to put my hand back on the plow after it was taken from my grasp when Ember closed in 2012. If you live in the Columbus area and would like to hear more about this church plant, please feel free to contact me at any time. Breena and I are very excited to start this new chapter in our lives, and we are confident that God is going to bless us and this brand new church in profound ways.
I’m happy for you and your family, Andy. I will pray for you as you relocate and take up the challenge of a new church and a new pastorate. I feel confident you will do well as you allow God to do the leading.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers, Nancy.
Congrats, Andy. We’re not in Columbus anymore, but I’d love to hear what you’re doing with the church plant. Can you add me to the list?
Thanks Joe. I’ll probably be writing a lot more here, but if there is any kind of email newsletter that goes out, I’ll be sure to add you to the list.
just read this on a friends facebook .
We know Yogi and Joy real well from our days of living in the Mansfield area .
Our son Josh and Tara work in one of his churches he started in Lexington, Ohio.
I wish you and your family Gods blessing , Yogi and his Wife love the Lord and will be great mentors for your family as you spread and build Gods Kingdom.
Thank you Becky. I’m hearing from so many people who know Yogi and Joy, and they all testify to what wonderful people they are. That makes me feel like I’m walking into an excellent situation!
Wow! One never knows where God will lead them next! Many blessings to you as you answer His call yet again and journey back to central Ohio! I’ll look forward to hearing all that God continues to do through you in the coming months and years ahead! I have a couple of friends from my high school out on the Hilltop (West High – class of 74) that also lead a C M & A church out on Sullivant Ave. It is one they planted as well.
Thank you, Mary. I’m sure I’ll be getting to know most of the C&MA pastors in the area very soon.
Andy! Hey, man –
We’ve known about this for some time, but this is the first time I have read this on your site. Jami and I are praying for your guys and your family, and we are excited to see how He uses you through this new church plant. We are also really excited to have you guys back in Central Ohio, and look forward to our families growing closer.
Andy