We believe that God wants to transform the world for the better, and we believe that God is going to do that through the church and through people like you. That’s what it’s all about—people. Our desire to be the church is not so great as our desire to organize, gather, and build a community of people being transformed by God. We want to build community, not a crowd. And we want to create space for you to be known, and live out your passion in reckless abandon to God. That’s why we want to be an intimate faith community engaged in bold acts of faith and mission.
More than anything else, we want to see new people be transformed by the person and power of Jesus.
One of the best ways to make new disciples of Jesus Christ is by encountering the living God through dynamic worship, having intentional relationships, and engaging in risk-taking mission. That's our mission, and it guides everything we do.
We have a simple philosophy here at Central City. It's in response to a lot of churches that we grew up in. You see, in church we were always expected to learn first how to behave, then what to believe, and—if we got those things right—we could belong.
At Central City, we flip the script.
We want people to know they belong here first and foremost. It's in the midst of belonging that we learn what it means to believe and behave.
This is why we’ve set out on a journey—a journey to be a church for cynics, doubters, and thinkers. A church for people like you, with all your fears, questions, strengths, and beauty. A church for the city.
We hope that you will join us on this journey.
Sincerely,
Joe Graves
Joe enjoys almost anything creative—he’s dabbled in poetry, writing, art, painting, and woodworking—but if you ask him, he’ll tell you he’s hardly good at any of them. Joe loves watching T.V. comedies like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn 99. He grew up in Hicksville, Ohio as one of seven (!) kids, but recently moved to Franklinton with his wife Allyssa and their son Finn.
Check out Joe's personal blog at www.joegraves.org
Allyssa grew up on the southeast side of Columbus and enjoys puzzles, yoga, and reading. Allyssa is passionate about people, justice, and God’s grace. She has directed much of her ministry to the Little Bottoms Free Store and cultivating a new worshipping community in the Franklinton neighborhood. She lives in Franklinton with Joe, their son, Finn, and their dog, Stella.
Central City Church is a United Methodist Church Plant in the West Ohio Conference. We have a board that helps shape the vision and direction of the church.
“Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
