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Prayer Requests Add Prayer Requests Here at Vertical, we believe in the power of prayer and one of our Pillars is Relentless Prayer. Click either of the buttons below to share a prayer request with the Prayer Team or a private prayer request that shared only with the pastors and elders. Share Your Prayer Request Share Private Prayer Request Sign Up for Weekly Prayer Email Mark K. May 29, 2024 My mom has been admitted to Grant Hospital again. She has been coughing up. Blood is the bad news, the good news is she doesn't have pneumonia. They want to look at her lungs a little closer to see if they can't break it up. My dad is still in Riverside Hospital. We have to make some hard decisions tomorrow night. My mom's name is Rita, My dad's name is John. Brothers Terry, Johnny, and sister Joanie. Please keep all of us in your prayers! Cee D. May 27, 2024 Special Prayer For First Lady Regina and her upcoming ultrasound test. Prayer for Sister Edna healing in Jesus Name. Prayer for Ecclesia Church and Live Oak Church. Deborah B. May 26, 2024 Single mom needing comfort as my boy is heading to college. Thank u Joel S. May 26, 2024 My girlfriend really wants to get baptized I just pray that she would better understand why we do baptism first Kay H. May 26, 2024 Would you please pray for my friend Kathryn who suffers from depression and anxiety? Pray God would draw her to Himself and away from her mental anguish. Also would you please pray that she would find friends with whom she can communicate? Mark K. May 25, 2024 I need prayer for my family. My mom, Rita, was in and out of the hospital for COPD, emphysema, and afib. She was in for one week, came out less than 24 hours. She went back in with pneumonia. Mom who had never been on oxygen, suddenly went on oxygen. She needs 24-hour care, my sister, thank God, is able to spend the nights with her. Mom has been out of the hospital for One week today. She is showing great signs of progress. My dad, John, had a complete mental breakdown. He is in Riverside Hospital. Will hopefully be transferred to the psychiatric ward within the next day or so. We need prayer for the following: 1. Discernment on where dad should go, which memory Care facility. 2. How to best obtain 24-hour care for my mom. 3. Comfort and peace as we go through this season of life. In the midst of all these challenges we have seen God do multiple things. We know he's in control! Thank you, Shari K. May 22, 2024 Praise! The trach was successfully placed and Denwood is doing better. He is very alert, hands no longer bound and has been weaned off all IV meds. They will start weaning him from the vent. Please pray that his kidneys would heal and work without the assistance of dialysis. Thank you! Shari K. May 20, 2024 Doctor will be putting a trach in Denwood today. Please pray the procedure is successful and temporary. Kay H. May 13, 2024 Please pray for my brother Jim. He is critically ill. No sleep in several days. Has pneumonia and blood clots in his arm. Delirium from lack of sleep and desperately needs rest to heal. Hospitalized. Cardiologist, Neurosurgeon and Hospitalist involved. Thank you Art D. May 12, 2024 Asking for Special Prayer For Rev Leigh who has been faithful to The Lord and Her current Job...She has a disrespectful difficult boss who does not appreciate her years of dedication. She needs God to move on her behalf in Jesus Name! Prayer for Sister Brittanya for healing. Prayer for Sister Danicka's mom healing. Prayer for Sister Edna Continued healing. Prayer for Ecclesia Church. Prayer for Luz Maria Chavez - Favor at work Her sister Laura Patricia Chavez for continued healing from Cancer. Prayer for sister Regina healing and deliverance in Jesus Name! Shari K. May 4, 2024 Please continue to pray for Denwood who is back on the ventilator with a resistant infection. Thank you Shari K. April 29, 2024 Please pray that Denwood's heart would resume normal function and that the confusion and shaking will resolve quickly. Thank you!

Vertical Kids What to Expect 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. 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 Vertical Kids check-in. Upon arrival, just look for the Vertical Kids check-in kiosk or ask a greeter to direct you. Awana Clubs is a weeknight discipleship program that focuses on Scripture memorization and engaging kids with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Awana meets on Wednesdays nights during the school year from 6:30-8 PM. Each week kids participate in a large group Bible lesson, small group time with a consistent adult leader and their peers, Scripture memorization, and a fun game time around the Awana game circle. If you have a child who is preschool age through Grade 6, we would love to have them join us! Register Now To learn more about our children’s ministry, please contact Megan Winkler . Our Beginners and Preschool/Kindergarten rooms are for kids ages 2 ½ through Kindergarten. They are taught using a curriculum called Brite Preschool . Brite engages preschoolers in engaging, age-appropriate lessons that take the children chronologically through the Bible every year. The lessons help them discover who God is and teaches foundational truths for a lifelong faith. They focus each month on a “Big Question” about the character of God and a Bible memory verse. In our Nursery and Toddler rooms, children from birth to age 2 ½ , are provided child care where they will enjoy music, short Bible stories, and guided play. Every month the Toddler teachers use a condensed lesson from the Brite Preschool curriculum to teach a “Big Truth” about who God is and also read a key Bible verse. Our Grades 1-2 and Grades 3-6 classrooms use the Brite Elementary curriculum to engage elementary-age students with the truths of Scripture by going chronologically through the Bible every year. They participate in a large group time, followed by meaningful crafts, activities, and review games that further enhance the lesson. Each month they focus on a biblical theme about who God is and also learn a key Bible verse.

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 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

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 Who is Vertical Church? About Us 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. 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

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

Doctrinal Statements Jesus Christ We believe in the total deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe He is the manifestation of God in the flesh. We believe He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. We believe Him to be true God and true man (John 1:1, 1:14, 1:18; John 14:8-9; 1 Timothy 3:16). Holy Spirit We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit regenerates the sinner upon belief in Christ, baptizing the believer into one body, of which Christ is the head. The Holy Spirit indwells, guides, instructs, fills, comforts, and empowers the believer for godly living (Mark 13:11; John 14:26; John 16:13; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of God’s righteousness, and of coming judgment (John 16:8-11). While we believe that the Scriptures do not teach that certain gifts have ceased, they indicate that use of the gifts vary according to the need that each gift meets. Gifts must be used in a way that is edifying and loving toward other believers (John 16:8; 13:15; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:22; 4:11-12; Romans 8:9-17; 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:4-5, 12:11-13, 12:19; Galatians 5:25; Hebrews 4:1-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12). Salvation We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice. We believe that each person who by faith receives Him as personal Savior is justified on the basis of Jesus Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Each person who receives Christ as personal Savior is born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby becomes eternally secure as a child of God. We believe the Holy Spirit baptizes each believing person into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation and that there is no second baptism of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:37-39 ; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ; 1 Corinthians 12:13 ). Church Upon accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, a believer becomes part of His body, which is the church. There is one church universal, composed of all those throughout the world who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The Scriptures command believers to gather in order to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of the ordinances (baptism and communion), fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts, and outreach to the world in fulfillment of the command of Christ to disciple all believers (Ephesians 5:23 ; Romans 12:1 ; Acts 2:42-46 ; 1 Corinthians 14:26 ; Matthew 28:18-20 ). Wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command, there is the local expression of the church under the oversight of elders and other supportive leadership. The church’s members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ (Ephesians 4:16 ). God We believe in the only true God (John 17:3), the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). He created all things (Revelation 4:11) and upholds all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). He is a God of truth and without iniquity. He is just and right (Deuteronomy 32:4), and He shall judge the world (Psalm 9:8). We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and are worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience (Mark 12:29; John 1:1-4; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 4:3-4). Scriptures We believe the Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament are verbally inspired by God and inerrant in their original writings. We believe the 66 books of the Old Testament and the New Testament are God’s complete and sufficient revelation and therefore carry God’s authority for the total well-being of mankind (Psalm 119:97-104 ; Psalm 119:160 ; Matthew 5:18 ; John 5:46-47 ; John 10:35 ; 2 Timothy 3:15-16 ). Man We believe man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntarily transgressing, fell from his sinless and happy state. Consequently, all mankind is sinful. All people are sinners not only by inheritance, but also by their own choice and therefore are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. We believe that without exception every man and every woman is totally depraved and needs a Savior (Genesis 3:1-6 ; Romans 3:10-19 ; Romans 1:18 , Romans 1:32 ). Resurrection We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord Jesus Christ, His ascension into heaven and His present life for us as High Priest and Advocate (Acts 1:3 ; Acts 1:9 ; Hebrews 7:25-26 ). Heaven, Hell, and the Return of Christ We believe in the blessed hope: the personal, premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ. His return has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ). We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost. The saved are raised to eternal, conscious bliss in heaven (Matthew 25:34 ; John 14:2 ; 2 Corinthians 5:1 ; Revelation 2:7 ). The lost are raised to eternal torment in hell in conscious separation from God (Matthew 8:12 ; Matthew 10:28 ; Matthew 13:49-50 ; Mark 9:47-48 ; Luke 12:5 ; Revelation 21:8 ). Missions Vertical Church is committed to planting new local churches as the center of our mission strategy. Click here to learn more about the first plant God has allowed us to be a part of in the St. Michael area of Barbados. What We Believe What We Believe About… Creation, Evolution, and God's Sovereignty We believe in the total deity of the Lord. We believe God created the universe in six twenty-four hour days and that before He created the universe, nothing except God existed (Genesis 1 ; Exodus 31:17 ; Psalm 33:6-9 ; Acts 17:24 ; Hebrews 11:3 ; Colossians 1:16 ). God chose to create the universe and all that is in it to reveal His glory, divine nature, eternal power, infinite wisdom, and supreme authority (Isaiah 43:7 ; Psalm 19:1-2 ; Jeremiah 10:12 ; Romans 1:20 ; Revelation 4:11 ). We deny the theory of evolution, which states that nonliving substances gave rise to the first living material, which then reproduced and diversified to produce all living creatures. We believe that all people are descendants of Adam and Eve, whom God created personally and individually and as complete human beings (Genesis 1:26-27 ; Genesis 2:7 ; Genesis 2:21-22 ; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 ). The fall of Adam and Eve infected all people with sin and death, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives the opportunity to receive God’s gift of eternal life (Romans 5:18-19 ; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ). God rules over His creation and cares about and is involved in the lives of individual people (Job 12:10 ; Acts 17:25 ; Acts 25:28 ; Colossians 1:17 ; Hebrews 1:13 ; Ephesians 4:6 ). Baptism and Communion Baptism and communion are the two ordinances required in the church. We believe that Christian baptism by immersion in water is a public identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Although baptism is not required for salvation, it is commanded of all believers and is for believers only (Matthew 28:19-20 ; Acts 2:38 , 41 ; Acts 18:8 ). Scripture shows that a person was baptized after personally receiving forgiveness of sin through accepting Jesus Christ. Water baptism is a symbol of our death to sin, burial, and resurrection to newness of life that happens when we become new creations in Christ (Colossians 2:12 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ; Romans 6:1-4 ). Communion is the commemoration by believers of Christ’s death, and a reminder—through the bread and the juice—of the Savior’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is to be a time of confession of our sin and should be preceded by careful self-examination according to Acts 4:13 ; Romans 6:3-6 ; 1 Corinthians 11:20-29 . Church Government Vertical Church Columbus is committed to the Bible’s teaching that men who hold the offices of Elder and Deacon are to oversee various functions of the local church. The Bible’s teaching on the subject of two church offices is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-16 and Titus 1:5-9 . Although there are three terms used for the offices of the church: bishop, elder, and deacon, analysis of these terms indicates that bishop and elder are used interchangeably. Elder Qualifications – Titus 1:6-9 Above reproach, able to teach, husband to one wife, not addicted to wine, temperate, not antagonistic, prudent, uncontentious, respectable, free from the love of money, hospitable, manage own household, not a new convert. Elder Duties The Scriptures show that the elders serve by leading and that their responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation. All elders are equal in authority but not necessarily equal in influence. The elders’ primary responsibilities include: Doctrine – Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical; all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Board of Elders. Direction – Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with the Vertical Church Columbus statement of purpose and the Four Pillars. Discipline – Administering in love and humility the process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20 ; Galatians 6:1-4 ; Titus 3:10 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 ; 1 Timothy 5:17-25 ; 1 Corinthians 5 ; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 , and Romans 16:17 . Plurality of Elders The Scriptures teach that a plurality of elders governed individual New Testament churches (Acts 14:23 ; Acts 20:28 ; Titus 1:5 ; Philippians 1:1 ). The Scripture does not mention any congregations featuring a stand-alone pastor and leader. A plurality of godly elders, exercising their individual giftedness, aligns with the Scripture’s teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:14 ; Proverbs 12:15 ; Proverbs 15:22 ; Proverbs 19:20 ; Proverbs 24:6 ). This truth does not eliminate the possibility and likelihood that one or more elders will stand out from the others as more public in their ministries or more influential in their workings on the Elder Board. Senior Pastor The Vertical Church Columbus Senior Pastor automatically serves as an elder and, because of his public presence and responsibility before the congregation, may be considered first among equals as a member of the Elder Board. The Senior Pastor should be gifted primarily as a preacher/teacher and as a leader. Deacons The Bible teaches that deacons lead by serving (Acts 6 ). The qualifications for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual’s character, but they differ in aptitude. The elders are to be able to teach while the deacons are to be able and proved as servants. Deacon Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-12 ) Individual of dignity Above reproach Not double tongued First tested as servants Not addicted to wine Spouses must be faithful Temperate Not fond of sordid gain Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience Husband of one wife Manages household well Women in Ministry Vertical Church Columbus affirms the God-ordained and significant role that women should play in establishing and leading the local church. Every leadership opportunity is open to women except those that are excluded by Scripture. The Scriptures clearly state that men are to serve in the office of Elder and that women are not to serve in church positions in which they exercise authority over men or in which they teach doctrine to men (1 Timothy 2:12 ; 1 Timothy 3:1-2 ; Titus 1:6-9 ). We do not see this as an issue of equality, for men and women are equal under God. The Bible is clear that men and women do not have the same roles. Qualified women should serve in any leadership position that is not forbidden in the Scriptures. Church Membership We believe in the importance of serving the body of Christ by offering clear paths for people to start and develop healthy and growing relationships with others in the church body. We value an intentional plan to help every interested person enjoy godly relationships in the church. Church membership is a byproduct of people who are growing in Christ and who grasp the importance of serving the Lord by using their gifts to serve others in the local church. Sufficiency of Scripture We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures and that they contain all the words of God that we need in order to completely trust and obey Him. The Scriptures are inerrant in their original writings (Psalm 119:97-104 ; Psalm 119:160 ; Matthew 5:18 ; John 5:46-47 ; John 10:35 ; 2 Timothy 3:15-16 ), and are infallible in their instruction (Proverbs 6:32 ; 2 Peter 1:19 ), eternal in duration (Isaiah 40:8 ; 1 Peter 1:23-25 ); the final authority and the standard for faith and practice (Matthew 4:4 ; Psalm 119); and sufficient for counsel in every issue of life (Psalm 19:7-14 ; 2 Timothy 3:16 ). We believe that the very words of Scripture in the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic are inspired by God. Therefore, we believe that the Bible versions which translate God’s Word most literally into modern English should be preferred. Eternal Security of the Believer It is God’s divine decision to save a person and it is God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience that lead that person to repentance (Romans 2:4 ). All glory for the salvation and security of every believer belongs to God alone (Romans 3:21-31 ; Ephesians 1:7-9 ; Ephesians 2:8-9 , Jude 1:24-25 ). We believe that everyone who is born again by the Spirit through Jesus Christ is eternally assured of salvation from the moment of conversion. This assurance relies on God’s decisive grace rather than on the works of the Christian. Obedience, good works, and fruit-bearing do not earn or retain the believer’s salvation but indicate the reality of the person’s love of Christ and profession of faith (Luke 6:46 ; John 14:21 ; James 2:17-18 ). Eternal security in salvation relies on the Lord’s guarantee of each believer’s adoption as His son or daughter (Galatians 4:4-7 ), His seal of the believer by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ; Ephesians 1:13-14 ), and the conviction that God gives the Holy Spirit to each believer as a down payment toward future bliss in heaven (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ). A person who professes genuine faith in Christ immediately becomes His possession (Luke 23:42-43 ; Acts 2:40-41 ; Acts 16:30-34 ), and nothing can snatch that person out of His hands (John 10:27-29 ). Having been bought with the price of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion as complete payment for sin, Christians are not their own. They are Christ’s possession (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ). This assurance is absolutely certain, reserved in heaven, and protected by God’s unlimited power (1 Peter 1:4-5 ). Worship The chief purpose of mankind is to glorify God by loving Him with the entire heart, soul, mind, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5 ; Isaiah 43:7 ; Matthew 22:37 ). All believing men, women, and children are to glorify God and thus fulfill the purpose of their existence. Worship glorifies God through adoration (Psalm 95:6 ), praise (Psalm 99:5 ), prayer (Daniel 6:10-11 ), thanksgiving (Nehemiah 12:46 ), and a complete yielding to Him (Romans 12:1 ). Worship declares His worth, pays Him homage, and celebrates Him in a life of devotion. We seek to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth (Exodus 15:1-21 ; 2 Samuel 6:14-16 ; Psalm 5:7 ; John 4:23-24 ; Revelation 4:11 ; 5:12 ). Several tenets guide our worship. We seek to: Lift high the name of Jesus Christ (John 4:22-26 ; John 12:32 ; John 14:6 ). Lead God’s people to lift their hearts and voices to Him, giving Him praise and thanks in music and lyrics (Nehemiah 12:45-46 ; Psalm 66:1-4 ; Psalm 95:1-2 ). Prepare hearts to hear the Lord speak through the proclamation of Scripture (Psalm 95:6-9 ; Matthew 28:19-20 ; Acts 2:41-42 ). Emphasize fresh and contemporary expressions while retaining traditional elements that recognize the richness of our heritage in the faith (Deuteronomy 32:7 ; Psalm 33:3 ; Isaiah 46:8-9 ; Matthew 13:32 , Ephesians 5:19 ; Revelation 5:9 ). Pursue excellence in worship, knowing that God is worthy of our best (Exodus 12; Deuteronomy 17:1 ; Psalm 33:3 ; 1 Timothy 4:14-15 ; Hebrews 11:4 ). Church Planting The church exists to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission, and in the spirit of the Great Commandment (Matthew 28:19-20 , Matthew 22:37-38 ). The Great Commission is fulfilled as disciples of Jesus Christ are made and grow in their relationship with Him and likeness to Him. God is glorified as we manifest His presence as we do His work (2 Timothy 2:2 ; 1 Corinthians 10:31 ). In seeking to act upon the church’s purpose, we recognize the extraordinary value in multiplying the reach of His ministry by planting local churches and by associating with existing, like-minded local churches. God is glorified when Vertical Church Columbus and other like-minded churches associate with one another in order to foster relationships that edify, protect, encourage, support, and admonish. Process of Sanctification and Maturity Mature disciples walk with Christ, worship Christ, and work for Christ. A person committed to a relationship with Christ focuses on a personal walk with Him, worshipping Him, working for Him, and being a witness for Him. That person will experience significant growth in personal sanctification and, therefore, will experience a closer personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and will become “complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28 ). We are committed to multiplying the godly characteristics of leaders’ lives into others (2 Timothy 2:2 ). This multiplication of ministry is key to the healthy growth of the church. We believe the disciples of Jesus Christ should minister to one another in the local church, rather than one or a small number of professional pastors bearing total responsibility to care for the entire congregation. God has given spiritual gifts to all of His people to provide mutual ministry in the context of the healthy and strong local church (Ephesians 4:11-12 ). Counseling Philosophy The Lord changes lives and accomplishes His purposes directly through reading and applying the Scriptures, meditating on the truths of the Scriptures, and prayer. The Lord also uses those who minister His Word as they encourage, exhort, admonish, edify, implore, reprove, rebuke, and console others toward godliness. God needs no new or unique insight into the human condition in order to change lives, regardless of whether that insight is gained through psychology or some other tool of human origin. Problems that are approached by integrating the Scriptures with psychological theories tend to deceive individuals into diminishing the God of the Scriptures and into believing that He has not provided and cannot provide sufficient truth, insight, and wisdom that will change their lives (Colossians 2:8-10 ). When psychology and other social sciences step beyond observing human behavior and seek to explain the causes of human behavior, they enter spiritual territory. Only the God of the Scriptures can explain causes and offer solutions that lead to godliness and a fruitful, joyful life. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3 ). He changes us as we discipline ourselves through obedience to the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 4:7 ; 2 Peter 1:5-11 ). Each Christian’s passion should be to become more like Christ and fulfill the Great Commandment to love the Lord with the entire heart, soul, mind, and might (Romans 8:29 ; 1 John 3:2 , Deuteronomy 6:5 ; Mark 12:30 ; Matthew 22:37-38 ). The Christian who learns and applies the Word becomes mature and, in turn, can help others mature (2 Timothy 2:2 ). Spiritual Warfare Satan and his demonic servants viciously oppose the work God performs in and through His people (1 Peter 5:8 ; Genesis 3:1-7 ; Ephesians 6:12 ). God, who by His nature is infinitely more powerful than Satan, in due time will have complete and total victory over Satan (1 John 4:4 ; Revelation 20:1-10 ). Although it is appropriate to pray in Jesus’ name for protection against demonic activity, the Scriptures do not instruct the Christian to “bind Satan in Jesus’ name.” Rather, the Scriptures instruct the Christian to combat Satan by: Humbly drawing near to God, knowing that He will give grace, mercy, and strength (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ; Hebrews 4:15-16 ; James 4:8 ; 1 Peter 5:6-10 ). Resisting Satan’s temptations (James 4:7 ; 1 Peter 5:8-9 ). Rightly applying the truth of the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11 ; John 8:44 ; Ephesians 4:24-27 ). Forgiving offenses (2 Corinthians 2:10-11 ). Putting on the armor of God’s truth, righteousness, readiness to share the Gospel, faith, salvation, and prayer (Ephesians 6:11-20 ). Demonstrating faithfulness to the Lord by enduring trials (Revelation 2:10 ; Revelation 2:13 ; Revelation 3:9-10 ). The Christian who learns and applies the Word becomes mature and, in turn, can help others mature (2 Timothy 2:2 ).

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