
About Vertical Church
Mission & Purpose
The mission of Vertical Church is to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment by making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
John 13:34–35 — “A new command I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Our History
Vertical Church began in the Spring of 2010 when Pastor Luke & Jensine Ahrens and group of believers began praying about starting a new church in Columbus. Vertical Church launched their first service on October 10, 2010. Over the next ten years, Vertical Church met in various schools and continued to develop. In the fall of 2021, God blessed the Vertical Church family with a permanent church home near OH-315 and Henderson Road.
“Our vision is to be a church that is faithfully committed to making more disciples and stronger disciples of Jesus Christ with an effective witness and mutual ministry.” — Pastor Luke Ahrens
Our Guiding Principles
The focus of ministry at Vertical Church is to glorify God by fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave His followers to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to follow His ways (Matthew 28:19-20). Vertical Church makes disciples of Jesus by encouraging them to worship Christ, walk with Christ, work for Christ, and witness for Christ.
Witness for Christ
Sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ is a vital aspect in the life of a growing disciple. At Vertical Church we encourage believers to share the Gospel with those around us in loving and intentional ways.
Work for Christ
One of the great joys of being a disciple of Christ is by serving Christ and one another. We encourage all those in the Vertical Church family to use their time, energy, and talents to build the Kingdom of God and care for one another.
Walk with Christ
Growing in your walk with Christ is best achieved in rich community. The Vertical Church family encourages everyone to join a Grace Group where you experience fellowship, applicational study in God’s Word, and mutual ministry. Vertical Grace Groups are a warm, relational setting where you can get to know other believers and grow as a disciple.
Worship Christ
God’s Word admonishes us to worship together regularly. We worship together as a community through music, prayer, and the preaching of God’s Word every weekend.
STAFF · ELDERS · DEACONS · MINISTRY LEADERS
Our Leadership

Luke Ahrens
Senior Pastor & Lead Elder

Matt Rickly
Worship & Administrative Pastor

Claire Bauer
Administrative Assistant

Bryan Nass
Church Planting Pastoral Resident

Jensine Ahrens
Women's Ministry Director

Tom Heyl
Elder

Mark Sulc
Elder

John Buk
Deacon — Ushers

Mark Knore
Deacon — Benevolence

Ron Townsend
Deacon — Finance

Travis Vulich
Deacon — Finance

Amber Bernal
Coffee Cart

Kristen Martin
Outreach

Rick Ross
Security Team

Susie Ross
Children’s Ministry

Joel & Emily Swaney
Greeting Team