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A Missional Community Growing Through Efforts of St. John’s, Columbus
Roger Olier, a parishioner at St. John’s, Columbus, was inspired by the Small Church Network training he attended in March and April in 2022. He heard stories of what other churches were doing in their communities, and he started brainstorming and pondering.
“They are smaller and have less resources than we do,” he said. “I wonder what we could do.”
Two missional communities–one a post-pandemic restart aimed at seniors and a new Bible study for women–were the answer to his call for action.
Before the pandemic and after the loss of several church leaders, communion and meals for the senior community at Oak Bluff Apartments was a missional community that delivered lunch for up to 120 people each week. The apartment complex provides affordable housing for seniors in Columbus.
The lunches have now restarted and have been transformed through St. John’s efforts. First, congregants used previously donated food items for a community pantry at the Oak Bluff Apartments. That relationship grew until the apartment manager asked if the volunteers at the church could provide lunch and serve it to the residents along with a communion service.
Volunteers have been back in action for several months. With the resurrection of the missional lunches, seniors who are served were vocally thankful the community lunches come to them versus them having to travel to the church for the fellowship lunches. The missional community is now a mobile effort.
Never underestimate what a small group of dedicated people can accomplish. Olier, a lay parishioner, has recently been accepted into Iona School for a lay preaching track.
