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Welcome to Vertical Church Passionate worship, bold proclamation of God’s Word, purposeful prayer, and relentless love of God and others…these are the hallmarks of Vertical Church, and whether you are a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ or just exploring who God is, we hope you will join us! Sunday Worship Service: 10:00am 1290 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 Attend a Service What to Expect Video Christmas at Vertical Church Join us on December 24 for our Christmas Eve service at 10am! We would love to have you attend and experience the candlelight service, children’s Christmas stories, and more. We look forward to seeing you and your family! Who is Vertical Church? About Us Our goal is to see disciples growing in their Worship for Christ, Walk with Christ, Work for Christ, and Witness for Christ. More than just knowing what we believe, we want for you to experience the power of God and the love of His people in uncommon community. Sermon Series Join us in as we dive into Malachi, looking at how the Lord refines our hearts and how we can be prepared as God moves. View All Sermons Our Recent Sermons View All Sermons Life is complicated. Church shouldn’t be. Grace Groups Worship Service Children's Ministry Student Ministry

Contact Us GET IN TOUCH Contact & Visiting Info Address VERTICAL CHURCH 1290 OLD HENDERSON ROAD COLUMBUS, OHIO 43220 Worship Gathering SUNDAYS AT 10:00 AM Phone Number 614-477-7600 Student Ministry Grace Groups Children’s Ministry Worship Service Contact a Member of Our Staff Submit Thanks for submitting!

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 a 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 Grace Groups Worship Service Children’s Ministry Student Ministry Our 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. WHO WE ARE 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. Find Outreach Opportunities 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. Work on a Service Team 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. Join a Grace Group 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. Visit a Worship Service Relentless Prayer Followers of Jesus have special access to our Heavenly Father — we are invited to come boldly before God to ask for grace and mercy at any time (Hebrews 4:15–16). Jesus encouraged us, His disciples, to boldly and relentlessly petition our Heavenly Father for our needs (John 15:7–8, Luke 18:1–8). Life in the Spirit The Holy Spirit is our redemptive Advocate (Romans 8), giving us spiritual life, indwelling us, and sealing our salvation and adoption into the family of God. The Spirit leads and empowers us to grow as faithful disciples of Jesus as we worship, walk, work, and witness for Christ (Philippians 3:3; Galatians 5:16, 25; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11; Acts 1:8). The Gospel of Jesus The Gospel is the Good News of reconciliation with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:34–43)! We believe this reconciliation comes not by our good works, but by God’s grace (underserved favor) through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1–10) — our only hope for salvation. We celebrate the Gospel and seek to share this Good News with other people around us (Romans 6:23; Acts 1:8). The Word of God We believe the Bible is the critical foundation that we must build our lives upon. The inspiration, sufficiency, authority, and inerrancy of Scripture are critical to experiencing the life transformation God intends (Hebrews 4:12). We love God’s Word and seek to study (Psalm 119), meditate (Psalm 1), and apply (Luke 6:46–49) the Bible to every area of our lives. Our Pillars More About Our Theology WHAT WE BELIEVE Our Leadership Luke Ahrens Senior Pastor & Lead Elder Matt Rickly Worship & Administrative Pastor Claire Bauer Administrative Assistant Bryan Nass Church Planting Pastoral Resident Megan Winkler Children's Ministry Director Staff Luke Ahrens Senior Pastor & Lead Elder Tom Heyl Elder Elders Deacons John Buk Deacon — Ushers Mark Knore Deacon — Benevolence Rick Howard Deacon — Facilities Ron Townsend Deacon — Finance Travis Vulich Deacon — Finance Amber Bernal Coffee Cart Jensine Ahrens Women's Ministry Director Kristen Martin Outreach Revonne Hammond Greeting Team Lead Rick Ross Security Team Ministry Leaders We seek to glorify God by fulfilling the mission the Lord Jesus gave His followers to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to follow His ways.

Vertical Students The student ministry at Vertical Church is focused on encouraging and discipling our junior high and high school students as they grow in passionately following Jesus Christ and also in building relationships with each other. Discipling the Next Generation We would love for your student in middle school or high school to join us every Sunday evening from 6:00–8:00 pm. Each meeting is led by our Pastor of Student Ministry and ministry volunteers; students enjoy relevant Bible teaching, small groups, food, and a chance to hang out with other great students! For more in-depth information, please reach out to Pastor Bryan Nass or check out upcoming special events on our church’s events registration page. Click Here for Church Events Parent Email Opt-in Make sure you're up to date with what is going on with your students. On average we’ll send less than one email a week, so you don’t have to worry about spam.

Children’s Ministry We are excited to show the love of Jesus Christ to your children and teach them from God’s Word each weekend. Our ministry leaders and volunteers will welcome you and provide childcare from birth until 6th grade during our worship service. To learn more about our children’s ministry, please contact Megan Winkler . What to Expect In our Nursery, children from birth to age 2-1/2, are provided child care where they will enjoy music, short Bible stories, and guided play. Our Beginners class for children for ages 2-1/2 through 4, is where we introduce an age appropriate curriculum called “Play-n-Worship” where toddlers discover Bible truths through interactive, intentional play. The Preschool class for children ages 4–6 is where the children first experience the Dig-In: Foundations of Faith curriculum. Each week a new Bible truth is discovered through a lesson, puppet skit, crafts, music, and games. For First-Time Visitors The first time you bring your child or children to Vertical Church, you can register them in our computer-based, secured Children’s Ministry check-in. Upon arrival, just look for the Children’s Ministry check-in kiosk or ask a greeter to direct you. The Dig In: Foundations of Faith curriculum continues in the grade school classes which are separated into three age-based classrooms: Grades K–1, Grades 2–4, and Grades 5–6. A weekly Bible truth is presented through an interactive lesson, praise music video, crafts, object lesson, teaching video, and games.

Sundays at 10:00 AM 1290 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 Fervent Worship A typical service begins with the worship band leading the congregation in singing vertically-focused worship songs in a contemporary style. Scripture-Driven Teaching Every week, Pastor Luke studies the Word of God and delivers a message centered on Scriptural truths and personal application to our everyday lives. Community We gather together to worship God in community. Our weekend service provides opportunities before or after the service to fellowship and connect with one another. What to Expect at Vertical Church FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What to Expect Do I have to be a Christian to come? Absolutely not! The church is open to all who seek God and the truth that He has given to mankind. Just don’t be suprised when we talk about Jesus. Do I need to bring a Bible? Everyone is encouraged to have a copy of scripture at home for personal study, but no worries if you need a copy; our ushers would love to provide you with one! Where do my kids go during service? Right off of the lobby, we have four safe, secure children’s ministry rooms for your children to learn and play during the entire service. The Vertical Kids ministry is open for toddlers–6th grade students where they will have engaging, age-appropriate curriculum to draw their hearts toward Jesus. Learn more about our children’s ministry here. Weekend Services at Vertical Church

Our Policies Refund and Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Vertical Church Columbus (“The Church”) is committed to ensuring the privacy of all users’ (“Users”) information. Application of privacy policy This privacy policy applies to all personal information submitted by Users through Vertical Church Columbus’s website (the “Website”), and through the Pushpay mobile payment application for use on iOS and Android smart phones (the “Application”). Personal information The Church will collect general information about you, such as your name, address, contact details so the Church can contact you. We may also collect this and other types of personal information during the course of dealing with you, for example when you wish to obtain goods or services from the Church, when you register for conferences or events, and when you participate in Church activities or complete other forms. The Church will not collect any personal information about visitors to the website except when they knowingly provide it. ​ In order to make a payment to Vertical Church Columbus all Users will need to submit certain personal information about themselves (as prompted by the Website and/or Application), including their name, phone number, postal and email address. Users may be asked to submit further information from time to time. Use of information and data The Church will collect general information about you, such as your name, address, contact details so the Church can contact you. We may also collect this and other types of personal information during the course of dealing with you, for example when you wish to obtain goods or services from the Church, when you register for conferences or events, and when you participate in Church activities or complete other forms. The Church will not collect any personal information about visitors to the website except when they knowingly provide it. ​ In order to make a payment to Vertical Church Columbus all Users will need to submit certain personal information about themselves (as prompted by the Website and/or Application), including their name, phone number, postal and email address. Users may be asked to submit further information from time to time. Consent By accessing the Website and/or using the Application, all Users consent to the collection, use, disclosure, storage and processing of their information in accordance with this privacy policy. Changes to privacy policy The Church may amend or update this privacy policy from time to time, with or without notice to Users. All Users agree to be bound by the privacy policy that is in effect at the time they access the Website or use the Application. Protection of Personal Information The Church takes precautions — including administrative, technical, and physical measures — to safeguard your personal information against loss, theft, and misuse, as well as against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Retention The Church will retain your personal information for the period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Refund Policy Online contributions to the ministry Vertical Church Columbus are considered to be non-refundable. The refund policy for specific events is determined according to the nature of event. The event refund policy is posted within the event registration form.

Do you ever feel like you’re a pretty decent person, always trying to do the right thing and be your best self? Even though you’re doing well, do you still feel like something is missing? Perhaps you are feeling lost, uncertain, or searching for meaning and purpose. ​ The good news is that God desires to know you and have a personal relationship with you through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, how do you start a relationship with God? How to Know God Follow Jesus Christ Following Jesus means living a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth. Read the Bible, pray, attend a local church, and surround yourself with other believers who can encourage and support you in your faith. Knowing God is a personal relationship that begins with acknowledging our need for Him, believing in Jesus Christ, confessing our faith, and following Him. If you have taken these steps or have questions about starting a relationship with God, please reach out below. Contact Us May you experience the joy and peace that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! Receive Jesus Christ into Your Life Confess your faith in Jesus Christ. Confessing means to openly declare that you believe in Jesus Christ and that you want to follow Him as your Lord and Savior. The Bible Says “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart: “Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God and Savior of the world. I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the grave so that I might have eternal life in heaven with You. I believe that through Your sacrifice, I am a new person. Forgive me for my sin and fill me with Your Spirit. I accept You as my Lord and Savior, and Your free gift of eternal life. Amen.” Turn Away From Your Sins The Bible instructs us to “Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” To repent means to change the direction of our lives. Rather than running from God, we should run toward Him. Believe That Jesus Died On The Cross For You The Bible tells us that “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” This is the gospel — or “good news” — that God’s love for us is so great that He sent His only Son to die for us, even though we didn’t deserve it. Acknowledge Your Need For God The first step in knowing God is to acknowledge your need for Him. You were created by God for a purpose, and your life has meaning and value. However, sin has separated us from God, and we need to acknowledge our need for His forgiveness and restoration. The Bible says, “no one is good — not even one.” Recognize that you are a sinner and fall short of God’s perfect standard. If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, congratulations! The next step is to declare your faith through baptism. Learn more about baptism at Vertical Church so we can celebrate with you and encourage your walk with Jesus. Learn More About Baptism

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Prayer Wall Welcome to the Vertical Church Prayer Wall This is a place to share prayer requests with the church body. Click the button below to have prayer requests posted to the wall for the church to pray for and encourage you. Share Your Prayer Request Sign Up for Weekly Prayer Email David H. November 5, 2023 Diana's niece, Leah, is the mother of a child that is not yet one year old. Leah had a tragic fall today and is in the ER at Grant with a possible spinal injury. We are heading there for the evening. Prayers much appreciated as she is in emergency surgery Kathryn S. October 27, 2023 The last couple of days I have experience unusually high blood pressure readings. My average is between 125 - 130 range. I was getting 183 ranges last 3 days. Today I got it down to 154 range. Please pray for my healing of the heart that it straightens up. I should be fine to come to the Girl's Night Out tonight. Sherry B. October 25, 2023 Jean Burnside from my small group has been in the hospital all week with heart issues. Considering more invasive measures to regulate heart. Please be praying she can be released tomorrow (Thursday) to see HER doctor and for wisdom in next steps. Pray for rest and relief from anxiety. Andrew and Nicole P. October 17, 2023 God to bless us with our own home in Hawaii to live by a church. Ofelia C. October 10, 2023 I wanna pray for all the people and children in irán may the lord keep them safe and end this horrible fight May everyone find peace and love again and to come together as one amen Nathalia L. October 8, 2023 I ask to pray for my green card and work permit process. I sent couple days ago, so I ask pray for the process being approved quickly. I know that God has his time. This process can take until 1 year. Kathryn S. October 5, 2023 My niece-in-law, Jenn Schroy has been under a lot of stress and was suffering with awful rash that is all over her body and the allergist think it is caused by all the stress of her husband losing his job (David is the paraplegic with a broken wheelchair that won't move. Pray for Jenn! Kathryn S. October 2, 2023 My nephew David lost his job from Walmart (Missouri area) and he and his wife Jenn are having a lot of difficulties due to his motorize wheelchair doesn't work and the loaner one can't be used in his van. He is a paraplegic since birth. Because Barb (his Mom) wasn't able to drive him to work due to her broken ribs the company had to let him go. Pray for a miracle to get Vocational Rehab to get him a new motorize wheelchair. Thank You! Kathryn S. September 29, 2023 My friend, Helen Hubbard at 101 years old passed away on 9/28/2023 at midnight. Dan and Christie Hubbard needs prayer for their grief. She was a wonderful woman and I was pleased to video tape on 9/16/2023 her getting a birthday card and gift of candy given by me. I made her very happy. Kathryn S. September 25, 2023 My friend, Helen Hubbard of Wesley Glen Retirement age 101 years old had a stroke Saturday evening and was taken to the hospital. Pray for a miracle that the stroke does not affect her being able to do everything as she uses stair for her exercises and allow her to continue to walk and do stairs. She is also my embroider for the dogs we make. Kathryn S. September 25, 2023 Continued prayers for Barb who is feeling better after breaking 3 ribs. Prayers for David (their son who is a paraplegic in wheel-chair). His van is in the shop. He has been having a lot of problems with it and yesterday his chair quit moving. Probably the motor. We are trying to figure out how to get him a chair and get his broken chair to the repair place. Usually Barb would take him in the van but she can't push it or lock it down. Sherry B. September 14, 2023 Please pray for healing for Jean Burnside, one of our small group members. She was taken to the hospital Sunday night (9/10) with heart failure and A-Fib. She just got home Thursday night. Pray for healing, peace, and wisdom for next course of action. In the midst of this, family relationships being healed. She was so blessed she said she shared the Gospel with everyone she met! How great is our God.

Giving Thank you for your generosity to God’s work at Vertical Church! Giving to Vertical Church Online Give Online Giving to Vertical Church by Check Checks can be accepted during our weekly services or mailed to: Vertical Church, 1290 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 Refund and Privacy Policy Learn more about Vertical Church’s online giving policies, including refund policy and privacy practices. Our Policies

Witness God’s Word commissions us to make disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing the good news about Him with others. THE GREAT COMMISSION Every Christian is on mission proclaiming the name of Jesus in Columbus and beyond. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14–15 ​ God has called all believers to participate in His Great Commission: to glorify Him by making disciples of Jesus Christ. Just as the early church did throughout their communities, we seek to spread the name of Jesus through the city of Columbus. Take a look at our current ministry partners and outreach opportunities below and read further to find which opportunities might be a good fit for you! Our Local Outreach Partners Alicia’s Closet Alicia’s Closet is a nonprofit organization serving the foster care community in Central Ohio (Columbus/Franklin County and surrounding areas) and Northwest Ohio (Fremont/Sandusky County and surrounding areas). They provide infant to young adult sized clothing, shoes, coats, diapers, wipes, baby accessories, and other essentials, at no cost to families. By supplying much needed items to those who have been affected by foster care, Alicia’s Closet helps create a sense of comfort, normalcy and dignity during a very difficult, uncertain time. In the process, they also hope to create genuine connections and provide support to families/caregivers. Learn more at aliciasclosetcolumbus.org . Sign Up International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) IFI has been operating in the Columbus area for over 40 years. The organization began right here at Ohio state and has expanded throughout the country and to Canada. IFI strives to make international students and college faculty feel welcome in the United States and share the gospel with them. The main ministry of IFI is providing hospitality and small group Bible discussions for International students, professors, and their families. Volunteers from Vertical Church can serve as mentors, leading small group Bible discussions, or assisting with any of the events that IFI hosts throughout the school year. If you are a person who loves getting to know other’s stories or you’re interested in sharing the gospel in an international context, this could be a great outreach opportunity for you! Learn more at columbus.ifipartners.org . Sign Up LifeWise Academy LifeWise Academy is a Released Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) program which provides Bible-based character education to public school students. Under RTRI laws, students can be released from public school during the school day to attend religious classes, provided the program is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted. The LifeWise curriculum is designed to take students through the entire Bible, beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation, over the course of five years. Each lesson reviews a Bible passage as well as a “Living LifeWise” character trait. The lessons’ order and activities are flexible and can be modified as the teacher finds necessary. Download a sample of the curriculum here . Learn more at lifewise.org . Sign Up Cornerstone of Hope Cornerstone of Hope is a nonprofit Comprehensive Bereavement Support Center serving children, teens, and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. It is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope for the grieving, guided by the Christian values of compassion and service. Cornerstone of Hope Columbus offers individual counseling, support groups, summer camps, and memorial events. Its clinical supervisors and staff have extensive experience working with grief and trauma. Its counseling services are conducted by licensed clinicians and Master’s level interns under the supervision of our professional staff. Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn More Cru Ohio State RealLife (Cru Ohio State) is a place where students bring students to grow in our understanding of who God is, who he says we are, and how that impacts our lives. You can expect stories of how God is at work in the lives of other students, worship led by the RealLife band, and a practical teaching from one of Cru’s staff members. RealLife gathers Thursdays at 8:00 PM for worship, stories, talks from the Bible, and opportunities to connect with college students who are pursuing Jesus. RealLife’s “home” is Hitchcock Hall 131. Learn More The Covering The Covering is a ministry of Central Ohio Living Free. It exists for the redeeming of women’s lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ in a Christian home: rebuilding family. Its vision is to equip and empower families in God-centered homes to live out the gospel to the glory of God. Founded on the conviction that women are created in God’s image and that no woman is beyond God’s reach, the Covering believes that Jesus — brought to trial, executed, buried, and brought to life again — offers hope, healing, and a new purpose for each life. He can make even the most broken people and situations whole again. Through an amazing awakening to new hope and life purpose, those who once were broken, can begin a new life as a daughter, wife, mother, and friend! Learn More