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Discipling the Next Generation into the Image of Christ Vertical Students Discipling the Next Generation into the Image of Christ Vertical Students At Vertical Church, our Student Ministry encourages middle and high schoolers to know and love God, utilize His Holy Scriptures, engage in Christ's church, and partner with the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. We would love for your student to join us every Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM for fellowship, food, and fun on the second floor in our Student Ministries room. Each evening is led by Pastor Chase Riebel and the Student Ministries volunteer team who lead students in games, small group, great community and relevant teaching of God's Word. Sign Up for Monthly Information regarding Student Ministry Events Sign Up for Monthly Information regarding Student Ministry Events Testimonials

Walking with Christ is not a journey to take alone, but with others in community. Grace Groups Walking with Christ is not a journey to take alone, but with others in community. Grace Groups Bringing our Community Closer Participation in a Grace Group is the very best way to know others — and be known — at Vertical Church. It could be said that we are a church made up of Grace Groups. Our Grace Groups offer the opportunity for regular life-on-life engagement within the family of God. Join a Grace Group We strongly encourage everyone who attends Vertical Church to join a small group. We have Men’s Groups, Women’s Groups, and Mixed Groups that meet on different nights of the week throughout the city. If you’re interested in seeing a full list of our Grace Groups, check out our “Groups” on our Church Center App. Click Below to see a list of our current groups. Join a Grace Group And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42–47 Testimonials “God led me to Vertical Church back in 2017 as I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life. Over time, several members of the Winkler Grace group invited me to attend their Grace Group, so I finally went. Everyone was so open and friendly. I could not help but be encouraged and drawn into this caring group of people who were so dedicated to loving others and growing deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Over the next 3 years, these same people supported me through my trials and helped to meet my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in so many ways. I cannot imagine how I would have been able to endure if it had not been for the wonderful people God put in my life through my Grace group.” John “Some of our most meaningful friendships and deepest sense of community at Vertical have come through our involvement in a Grace Group. We recently had our second child at 29 weeks and had a lengthy stay in the NICU with her. Our grace group surrounded and supported us through setting up a meal train, childcare for our toddler while we went to the NICU, painting our daughter’s nursery, taking our puppy to the dog park, and so many prayers and words of encouragement. It is even clearer to us why God designed believers to live in community. We were already doing life with this group and when circumstances got challenging for our family, they were some of the first to step in. God has used them over and over again in both of our lives to keep us grounded in Truth and walking faithfully with Him. It is a blessing to walk alongside them!” Megan “I love our small group. Not only do we get to dive into the word, but we have intentional prayer time, deep conversation, accountability, and sweet fellowship. We are able to serve each other in the ways each of us need the most because we’ve really grown to know each other. Community is powerful, and it’s a gift to follow Jesus TOGETHER.” Morgan

Encouraging women to know Christ and make him known. Vertical Women Encouraging women to know Christ and make him known. Vertical Women At Vertical Church, our Women’s Ministry exists to ignite a passion in women to follow and glorify Jesus Christ. We seek to equip women for the work of ministry while encouraging a deeper walk with Christ and meaningful connection with one another. Across generational lines, women gather to grow in their love for the Lord, strengthen their faith through Scripture and prayer, and build authentic relationships that encourage one another to live faithfully in every season of life. Attend an Upcoming Women's Ministry event Attend an Upcoming Women's Ministry event Testimonials

Seeking the welfare of our City and sharing the Good News. Serve Our Community Seeking the welfare of our City and sharing the Good News. Serve Our Community God calls His people to live on mission wherever they are. With hearts anchored in the gospel, 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 faithfully lived out their faith in everyday places, we seek to spread the name of Jesus throughout Columbus. Local outreach is an opportunity to love our neighbors, meet practical needs, and share the hope of Christ through intentional relationships and service. Vertical church loves to partner with many organizations throughout Columbus doing just this! Get involved in one of our Partnering Outreach Organizations Get involved in one of our Partnering Outreach Organizations Testimonials

Teaching kids the good news of Jesus Christ and building a foundation for a lifelong faith. Vertical Kids Teaching kids the good news of Jesus Christ and building a foundation for a lifelong faith. Vertical Kids At Vertical Church, our children’s ministry serves families with infants to elementary school-aged children during our worship service. Our mission is to partner with parents in fostering a lifelong, everyday faith in kids. Through engaging Bible lessons, scripture memory, and activities, kids learn who God is and how the truth of God’s Word impacts their daily lives. Our program is committed to cultivating a welcoming, safe environment for kids to build Christ-centered friendships with peers and teachers. Pre-Register for an Upcoming Service Pre-Register for an Upcoming Service Testimonials

Get to know Vertical Church—who we are, what we believe, and why we exist. Learn how we’re making disciples of Jesus Christ and living out our mission to glorify God together. About Vertical Church We exist to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment by making disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Story Vertical Church began in the Spring of 2010 when Pastor Luke and 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 goal is to see disciples growing in their Worship of 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. “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.” Matthew 28:19–20 “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.” John 13:34–35 Vertical Church Staff Luke Ahrens Senior Pastor & Lead Elder View Bio Matt Rickly Worship & Business Pastor View Bio Chase Riebel Student Ministry Pastor View Bio Claire Bauer Connections & Communications Director View Bio Megan Winkler Children’s Ministry Director View Bio Tom Heyl Interim Director of Pastoral Engagement View Bio Vertical Church Elders Tom Heyl Interim Director of Pastoral Engagement Andy Gilbert Elder Luke Ahrens Senior Pastor & Lead Elder Vertical Church Deacons Ron Townsend Deacon — Finance Rick Howard Deacon — Facilities Mark Knore Deacon — Benevolence & Finance John Buk Deacon — Ushers Vertical Church Ministry Leaders Rick Ross Security Team Revonne Hammond Greeting Team Lead Kristen Martin Outreach Amber Bernal Coffee Cart Our Values & Beliefs WHO WE ARE Our Principles Worship Christ 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. Worship Services Walk with Christ 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 (undeserved 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). Grace Groups Work for Christ 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). Serve at Vertical Witness for Christ 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). Serve Our Community WHAT WE BELIEVE Our Pillars Read More About What We Believe 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. 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 (undeserved 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). 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). 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).

Equipping men to grow, lead, and teach others. Vertical Men Equipping men to grow, lead, and teach others. Vertical Men At Vertical Church, our men's ministry provides opportunity to learn God's word, apply biblical principles in every area of our lives,and help disciple others on their faith journey.. Throuout the year, men can take advantage of several ministry areas designed to build community, foster spiritual maturity, and help one another to lead with integrity. Those ministry areas are: weekly Grace Groups, monthly leadership classes, a quarterly series of Saturday morning breakfast gatherings, and our annual overnight retreat. Attend an Upcoming Men's Ministry event Attend an Upcoming Men's Ministry event Testimonials

Join us Sundays at 10 AM at Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio. Experience Scripture-driven teaching, Christ-centered worship, and a welcoming community for all ages! Visit Vertical Church Sundays at 10:00 AM 1290 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 What to Expect at 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. Whether you’re a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ or just exploring who God is, we hope you will join us! 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. Fervent Worship A typical service begins with the worship band leading the congregation in singing vertically-focused worship songs in a contemporary style. 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 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. Fervent Worship A typical service begins with the worship band leading the congregation in singing vertically-focused worship songs in a contemporary style. 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. Frequently Asked Questions What time are services? We gather every Sunday at 10:00am . We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to park, check in kids, and of course grab coffee. How long is the service? Our services typically last about 75 minutes . You can expect worship through music, prayer, teaching from the Bible, and clear next steps. What should I wear? Come as you are. Most people dress casual—jeans, sweaters, polos, hoodies. You’ll see a range from relaxed to business casual. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Where do I park? We have free, on-site parking with volunteers available to help direct traffic. If our main lot fills up, we’ll guide you to additional nearby parking options. Is there coffee? Yes. We serve complimentary coffee drip and espresso specialties before the service. Grab a cup and head into the auditorium for worship. What about my kids? We offer a safe, engaging kids environment during the service. Check-in is simple and secure, and our team is fully background-checked and trained. Your kids will learn about Jesus in a way that’s age-appropriate and fun. Learn more about Vertical Kids here . What is a typical service like? Our gatherings include modern worship music, prayer, and practical, Bible-centered teaching. We open Scripture each week and apply it to real life. You won’t be put on the spot or asked to do anything uncomfortable. Do I have to give money? No. If you’re visiting, you’re our guest. We don’t expect visitors to give. For those who call Vertical home, generosity is part of our worship. How do I get connected? The best next step is to introduce yourself at the Next Steps area after service. You can also fill out a digital connect card on our website to learn about groups, serving opportunities, and upcoming events. What do you believe? We believe the Bible is God’s Word, Jesus is the Son of God, salvation is by grace through faith, and the Church exists to make disciples. Learn more here or contact us to learn more.

God desires to know you and have a relationship with you through His Son, Jesus. So, how do you start a relationship with God? How to Know God 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 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? 01 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. 02 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. 03 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. 04 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.” 05 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 contact us . May you experience the joy and peace that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! Baptism 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

Experience passionate worship, biblical teaching, and authentic community at Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio. Join us Sundays at 10am and grow in your walk with Christ. Welcome to Vertical Church Sundays at 10:00 AM Visit Vertical Church Passionate worship. Bold proclamation of God’s Word. Purposeful prayer. Relentless love of God and others. These are the hallmarks of Vertical Church. Whether you are a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ or just exploring who God is, we hope you will join us. Learn More Get Involved Grace Groups Vertical Kids Vertical Students Vertical Men Vertical Women Grace Groups Vertical Kids Vertical Students Vertical Men Vertical Women Grace Groups Vertical Kids Vertical Students Vertical Men Vertical Women Grace Groups Vertical Kids Vertical Students Vertical Men Vertical Women Grace Groups Vertical Kids Vertical Students Vertical Men Vertical Women Grace Groups Vertical Kids Vertical Students Vertical Men Vertical Women OUR RECENT SERMONS Watch Anytime We believe the Bible is the critical foundation that we must build our lives upon. We love God’s Word and seek to study, meditate, and apply it to every area of our lives. Watch Latest Sermons UPCOMING EVENTS See What’s Next There are always things going on at Vertical! We hope you’ll join us for what’s next… View Upcoming Events

Explore our Church's Resource Library for a comprehensive Resource Library Resource List. Find valuable materials to enrich your faith. Resource Library Meeting with God Radio Encounter God in His word in a real and tangible way through the truth of scripture and the preaching of His word in conjunction with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our messages will arrive Monday–Friday mornings following our on-air broadcast from Columbus, Ohio on AM 880 WRFD. View Resource Vertical Church Sermons (Video) Step into the life of Vertical Church and see how we are glorifying God by making disciples of Jesus Christ. Our sermons highlights biblical preaching, transformed lives, and the ongoing work of the gospel in Columbus and beyond. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking to stay connected throughout the week, these messages reflect our commitment to Christ, Scripture, and intentional discipleship. Join us live on Sundays at 10am — or watch anytime View Resource Vertical Church Sermons (Audio) Stay connected to Scripture throughout the week with the Vertical Church Podcast — featuring weekly sermons, biblical teaching, and practical insights for daily life. Available wherever you listen to podcasts, these episodes help you apply God’s Word outside of Sunday and deepen your discipleship journey. View Resource Life Between Two Ditches As a follower of Jesus Christ, the journey of faith can be messy. It can be complex, even confusing. Yet the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is full of hope and life. If you're asking — how do I apply the hope and grace and wisdom of scripture to my very messy, complex, confusing, even hard real life — then this podcast is for you! View Resource

Support the mission of Vertical Church through online or in-person giving. Learn how to give, where to send checks, and review our refund and privacy policies. Thank you for your generosity! Give to Vertical Thank you for your generosity to God’s work at Vertical Church! Give Online Give Online Thank you for your generosity to God’s work at Vertical Church! Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Give Online Giving to Vertical Church Giving at Vertical Church is an act of worship and obedience to God. We give not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Through faithful generosity, we are able to support the ministry of the church, serve our community, and share the Gospel locally and beyond. Every gift, no matter the size, plays a part in what God is doing through Vertical. If you consider Vertical your church home, we invite you to partner with us through giving as God leads you. Give 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